59 Dutch Oven Recipes You'll Want To Make Every Week

Whether its one of those trendy, colorful, Instagram-worthy ones or your traditional cast-iron version, a Dutch oven is one article of kitchenware that every cook should have in their arsenal. They're sturdy, sizable, and very versatile, as they can be used not only for soups and stews but also for pasta dishes, roast meats, sauces, and even bread! Some Dutch ovens can even be used over an open fire, so they find their way into many a camping kit.

The best thing about Dutch ovens is that, unlike more fragile cookware, they tend to be pretty forgiving. Even if you do get distracted and wind up with a burnt mess in your pan, while your dinner may be ruined but your Dutch oven will probably be just fine after a good scrubbing (and maybe a re-seasoning if you favor the cast iron kind). If you own a Dutch oven but you're not sure what to do with it, you're in luck! There are enough recipes here to give it a good workout and allow you to experience just how versatile this cooking vessel can be.

As anyone who has ever set been assigned dish duty can attest, one-pot meals are the absolute best! Especially one-pot meals that seem like you put a lot more work into them than was actually the case. This French pasta bake is perfect for those times when you really want a mac and cheese-type comfort food, only you've got company coming so you want to make sure it definitely doesn't look like it came out of a box. Instead of elbow mac, this cheesy pasta is made with fusilli, and it uses a blend of Gruyère and parmesan instead of ... whatever that orange powdery stuff is.

Recipe: One Pot Creamy French Pasta Bake Recipe That'll Be Your New Favorite Noodle Dish

While there's nothing like a nice soup and salad for lunch, it can be more than a little disappointing to order this combo and be served what looks like a thimbleful of soup and a tiny plate with three small lettuce leaves and a few shreds of cheese. Olive Garden, however, would never do you wrong like that. If you order their unlimited soup and salad combo you can graze on all the greens your plant-loving heart desires, but you'll probably want to save even more room for all their delicious soups.

Don't want to leave the house? No problem! With this copycat recipe, you can make your very own version of OG's ever-popular chicken and gnocchi soup (it was voted as the chain's best soup!) to enjoy from the comfort of your own couch. This recipe makes six servings, so you'll be able to eat your fill and still have some to share; and — unlike at Olive Garden — if you have any leftovers, you can put them in the fridge to enjoy tomorrow.

Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

Gumbo may seem like a complicated dish concocted through some sort of Cajun alchemy. While the recipe may have been born on the bayou, gumbo is actually a fairly simple shrimp and sausage stew in a tomato-based broth, and all of the ingredients you'll need to make it yourself can be found in just about every supermarket. Even if you can't find the traditional andouille sausage, you can always substitute another type of smoked sausage in a pinch, and the gumbo filé is mostly a thickener, so cornstarch (or extra cooking) will do the trick. Serve this gumbo over rice and laissez les bons temps rouler, cher!

Recipe: The Best Gumbo You've Ever Made

A delicious dish with murky origins, penne alla vodka (despite its boozy name) will not actually get you schnockered off a bowl of pasta. Yes, the sauce does contain a generous amount of liquor, but most of the alcohol will be simmered away as it cooks. What the vodka does impart is a slightly bitter note that cuts through the richness of this creamy tomato sauce. While penne is traditional, this sauce goes well with any type of chunky pasta that will allow it to cling.

Recipe: Best Penne Alla Vodka

Bobby Flay, aka the King of the Grill, is a man who knows his meats, to be sure. He's not just a pitmaster, though. As his amazing prime rib recipe (and numerous Food Network shows) can attest, he's equally at home in front of an oven. How could we possibly improve upon Flay's prime rib preparation? Well, although his recipe was practically perfect as is, we thought it could be even better with the addition of fresh rosemary and shallots.

Recipe: Bobby Flay's Prime Rib With A Twist

If you've ever been through the southwestern United States (or even as far north as Denver in late summer), chances are you've seen, or at least smelled, the glory that is fresh-roasted chilis. If you can get hold of some — or the unroasted ones, if you're brave enough to roast your own — by all means put them to good use in this amazing chicken stew. A bright, spicy upgrade from your regular old canned chicken noodle, and almost as easy to make, you won't want to skip this dish. Even if you can't get fresh-roasted chilis, you can always use the canned variety and salsa verde for an authentic taste of the Southwest wherever you may be.

Recipe: Green Chili Chicken Stew

Slow-smoked ribs are one of the all-time classics of Southern cuisine, but there's no denying they're a pretty labor-intensive endeavor. With a Dutch oven, though, you can cook up a batch of barbecue country-style ribs that are fall-off-the bone, melt-in-your-mouth yum without a backyard barbecue pit. A plain old kitchen oven does all the heavy lifting in this easy recipe that requires just five ingredients. It makes 6 pounds of boneless ribs, so you might need a pretty big Dutch oven (or maybe even two) to fit them all. You can cook the ribs in a foil-covered roasting pan or braising pan as well.

Recipe: Easy Country-Style Ribs

If you remember your high school French, you'll know that the phrase "coq au vin" translates simply to "rooster in wine," and that's pretty much what you're getting here. While coq au vin is French, it's not what we'd call haute cuisine. Instead, it's a dish you can find in many a small bistro prepared by the loving hands of maman et papa.

Even if you're no Julia Child, this is one French dish you won't have too much trouble with. Simmer chicken, bacon, veggies, and herbs in a red wine sauce, then serve the stew with the remaining bottle of wine — et voilà! You, too, have mastered the art of French cooking! (Or you've at least made a pretty good start.)

Recipe: Easy Coq Au Vin

Cooking rice is one of those simple kitchen tasks that's surprisingly hard to get right. How much more difficult, then, must it be to cook up a tender risotto? This dish isn't nearly as tough as you might think, provided you have the right directions. With this parmesan risotto recipe, you'll actually be baking the rice in the oven after briefly simmering it with wine, cheese, onions, and other flavorings, reducing the time you have to spend standing in front of the hot stove stirring. While no recipe is ever 100% foolproof, this risotto is pretty darn close, and its rich, creamy perfection has to be tasted to be believed.

Recipe: The Best Parmesan Risotto You've Ever Tasted

Though it may surprise you to hear, fall flavors aren't only about pumpkin spice. While PSLs may get all the press, restaurants specializing in foods other than coffee quietly get about the business of rolling out their own autumnal lineup year after year. One of our favorites is the Autumn Squash Soup from Panera, but sometimes we find ourselves craving it when fall is long over and it's gone from the menu.

Well, there's no need to wait for this scrumptious soup. Our copycat recipe is made with roast butternut squash and flavored with chopped apple and a hint of curry powder, all simmered in a base of heavy cream. To be honest, we think it could be even yummier than Panera's!

Recipe: Panera Bread Autumn Squash Soup Copycat Recipe

Barbacoa originated in the Caribbean before being brought to Mexico over 500 years ago (via Bon Appétit). Made with a variety of meats (like goat, beef, or pork) this traditional cooking method usually involves wrapping your meat up in a leaf or foil and cooking it in a fiery pit.

In our barbacoa recipe, Mexican-inspired seasoned, shredded beef is slow roasted in the oven (or Instant Pot, if you prefer), making it the ultimate set and forget meal. Serve this barbacoa in tacos, on tortas, or atop a bowl of rice. While the flavor of this barbacoa stands on its own, its even better with some pickled onions a squeeze of lime.

Recipe: The Best Barbacoa You'll Ever Make

When we see the word "spicy" we automatically think of something peppery and eye-wateringly hot, but hot peppers aren't the only way to spice something up, and most spices don't actually pack that much heat. While this spicy chicken and veggie soup does have a little bit of a kick thanks to its chopped jalapeño and a little bit of ancho powder, it's really spiced in the flavorful way more than it is blow-the-top-of-your-head-off hot. If you prefer extreme heat, though, you can always amp up the amounts of these ingredients, swap that ancho for cayenne, or even toss in a ghost pepper or two.

Recipe: Spicy Chicken Soup

Short ribs lend themselves to a wide variety of cooking styles (from David Chang's kalbi to Kansas City BBQ). In this comforting recipe, short ribs are braised low and slow in beef broth with carrots, onions, and fresh herbs. All you'll need is a side of rice, noodles, or potatoes (plus maybe a glass of hearty red wine) and you've got a simple, yet incredibly satisfying meal in just about three hours.

Recipe: The Best Short Ribs You'll Ever Eat

While for some the word goulash may conjure up elementary school nightmares of limp elbow macaroni topped with a bland mess of ground beef and green peppers, the real-deal Hungarian goulash is a far cry from that cafeteria monstrosity of your childhood.

Authentic goulash starts with beef cubes simmered in a paprika-spiced tomato sauce along with onions, potatoes, carrots, and peppers. Our version also gets some unexpected flavoring from an often-overlooked spice: caraway seeds! Their intensity and sharp flavor nicely offsets the rich stew for an unexpected taste that's absolutely delicious.

Recipe: Hungarian Goulash

Albondigas, as anyone with a smattering of restaurant Spanish may know, simply means "meatballs," yet if you see this dish on a menu, you won't be getting just any old balls of meat. Instead, the Mexican dish usually takes the form of a soup, containing rice-packed meatballs along with lots of tasty, healthy veggies in a spicy tomato broth.

Our version gets its flavor from a blend of herbs and spices including cumin, cilantro, and mint. As a bonus, it also includes zucchini! Just make sure you wait till the end to add it into the soup, so the vegetable doesn't overcook. Even if you're not the biggest zucchini fan, we promise it'll taste great in the company of all these other yummy ingredients.

Recipe: Albondigas

When you're eating at a Thai restaurant, sometimes it can be tough to get past the first page of the menu. Who needs a main course when they're offering such incredible soups? One of our all time favorites is Thai curry soup, made with coconut milk, ginger, and red curry paste. While this flavor packed recipe is vegan, you can easily add chicken or shrimp if you desire.

Recipe: Thai Curry Soup

Applesauce that comes out of a jar or a tub can pretty bland. The kind of thing we foist off on little kids in their lunchboxes — at least until they get old enough to start insisting on cookies instead.

Applesauce you make yourself, however, is a whole different story. Plus, it's actually super easy! All you really need to do is simmer some cut-up apples (you don't even need to peel them) in water along with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little sugar. The best part? You can easily customize the sugar and spices to taste. Add more sugar if you like it sweet, but cut it way back and amp up the lemon if you prefer a tarter snack.

Recipe: Applesauce Recipe For When You Want A Sweet Treat

Having a tough time getting in those five servings of veggies a day, much less eating the rainbow? Well, there's no easier way to do that than with a big bowl of soup. Even people who aren't all that fond of vegetables on their own have been known to develop an appreciation for them when they're cooked in a tasty broth.

Our spicy veggie soup couldn't be much easier, as it starts with a base of frozen mixed veggies as well as diced potatoes. The chili pepper-spiked, tomato-filled broth is what really brings the flavor, though. This soup is even better when you top it with a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese — and look at that! Dinner in under an hour.

Recipe: Spicy Vegetable Soup

If you're no fan of corned beef and boiled cabbage, and you're sick of suffering through every St. Patrick's Day, why not suggest to the holiday-obsessed cook in your life that you celebrate with an Irish stew instead? (If they protest, point out that traditional Irish stew is actually a lot more popular on the Auld Sod than corned beef and cabbage.)

Irish stew is beautiful in its simplicity, consisting primarily of chunks of lamb (or, more traditionally, mutton), onion, and potatoes cooked in a beef broth. Our recipe is also flavored with  flavored with garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. You start this Irish stew on the stove top and then finish it in the oven, making for the perfect one pot meal.

Recipe: Irish Stew You Have To Make This St. Patty's Day

What shall it be for dinner tonight, fajitas or pasta? How about both? No, we're not suggesting you make two different dishes, but a super creamy mashup. Nothing too difficult about it — simply sauté your fajita veggies, add in dry pasta along with some creamy cooking liquid, then stir in some shredded cheese, a little more cream, and pre-cooked chicken once the pasta's done.

So do you serve this dish with fresh black pepper or cilantro? Well, that's one decision you're going to have to make on your own.

Recipe: The Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta You've Been Looking For

If you've ever had ossobuco, chances are it was in a restaurant, and a rather high-end one, at that. Ossobuco, unlike lasagna, isn't the kind of recipe everyone's Sicilian nonna brought over from the old country (possibly because it's a northern, rather than southern, Italian dish).

Luckily for us, this recipe, while time-consuming, isn't as difficult to prepare as you might think. The hardest part may be sourcing the veal shanks ossobuco is traditionally made from, although you could also use beef, pork, or even goat in a pinch. Whatever meat you use, though, don't neglect to scoop out the delicious bone marrow — that's the true highlight of this succulent meat stew.

Recipe: The Ossobuco You Didn't Know You Could Make At Home

Cooking once, cooking twice, cooking one-pot chicken with rice ... With apologies to Maurice Sendak, this one-pot comfort meal is the kind of thing you are going to want to make over and over again. (Even if it's not actually a type of soup, as in his classic children's tale.) One thing this dish does have in common with Sendak's dish, besides the hearty ingredients, is the fact that it makes for an enjoyable and comforting night in for the whole family.

Recipe: One-Pot Chicken And Rice For Busy Weeknights

Roast beef is a Sunday dinner classic, but if it's not the kind of thing you make all the time, it can be a little confusing to figure out the best way to cook it. Some recipes call for starting it out over high heat, while others go low and slow.

Well, our simple roast beef recipe is here to clear up the confusion. The meat is seared first, and then cooked in the oven along with a flavorful beef stock, potatoes, carrots, and other veggies. 

Recipe: The Best Roast Beef Recipe You'll Find Anywhere

When you think of all the many different ways you can use a Dutch oven, we hope you're not ignoring one of it's best uses, to bake bread. Though you may not have considered baking bread at all (Who has the energy for all that kneading?), we think this rye bread might change your mind on the subject.

With less than an hour active cooking time, this no-knead rye bread recipe is easier than you ever imagined, and it bakes up to crusty perfection in your trusty Dutch oven. Just remember to prep a day in advance, as this bread does still need time to rise.

Recipe: The Best Rye Bread You've Ever Made

We think you'll want to enjoy this delicious, hearty stew more often than just on St. Patrick's Day. Our recipe features chunks of beef that are braised until tender in Ireland's favorite stout, along with potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and other veggies. Remember to save some of your Guinness to add in at the very end, which helps to amplify the stew's malty, coffee notes, taking this comforting meal to the next level. 

Recipe: Guinness Stew That's Perfect For St. Patty's Day

Pasta puttanesca is a recipe with somewhat dubious origins, or so its name implies — as legend has it, the dish originated in the red-light district of Naples, Italy. True or false, we think the most important part of this origin story is the location, since — as is the case with most dishes from the region — pasta puttanesca is absolutely delicious. (The dish is so good, it's Rachael Ray's go-to pasta!)

The best part of this Neapolitan classic? The spicy sauce made from fresh tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies cooks up in mere minutes. Perfect hot or cold, our one-pot puttanesca will have you looking forward to leftovers.

Recipe: Puttanesca That Will Have Everyone Wanting Seconds

Carrots are one of those vegetables that always seem to be stuck in a supporting role and are never the star of the show, save for that one breakout role in cake. Well, carrots are far more versatile than you might think. This roasted carrot soup showcases their rich flavor, in a dish that can hold its own alongside other autumnal classics like pumpkin or butternut squash soup. Carrots, however, are much easier to come by at any time of year — plus there's no need to plunge your hand into icky, goopy "guts" when you're prepping them.

Recipe: Roasted Carrot Soup

What, precisely, is a Mississippi pot roast? If you've never heard of this southern dish it's because it isn't exactly a time-honored tradition like, say, jambalaya, peach pie, or sweet tea. Instead, the dish dates back to the '90s, according to Southern Living – but don't let its relative youth fool you. Mississippi pot roast is an instant classic.

Even if it lacks the long, illustrious pedigree of many other southern staples, the dish is still worth trying for the simple reason that it's both easy and delicious. Our Mississippi pot roast is flavored with ranch seasoning and powdered gravy, and topped with sliced pepperoncini peppers.

Recipe: The Mississippi Pot Roast Your Family Will Beg For

Chicken paprikash, a traditional Hungarian dish, is the type of hearty fare that crossed the ocean with waves of immigrant anyas and apas. Our super-simple recipe requires only six main ingredients (plus salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning) and it can be on the table in under an hour. Making this dish with or without tomatoes is entirely up to you, but you'll want to make sure you have high quality, fresh ingredients — especially the paprika. The vibrant spice is what gives paprikash most of its flavor.

Recipe: Easy Chicken Paprikash Your Family Will Be Obsessed With

Brunswick stew, as the story goes, was a dish once made with squirrel meat. If you're in touch with your inner Andrew Zimmern, you may prefer the über-traditional version. If, however, your local Kroger is fresh out of squirrel and you lack the predatory instincts to trap and skin your own, you can enjoy our quick and easy Brunswick stew recipe. Made with a combination of rotisserie chicken and pulled pork, this stew is a hearty, flavorful dinner that's ready in about 30 minutes.

Recipe: Brunswick Stew That's Perfect To Warm Up Your Weekday

Cioppino: while it's name implies an Italian heritage, the is actually an all-American classic that was born on Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco (via SF Travel). While the first versions combined any type of seafood left unsold from the day's catch, our recipe is made with clams, mussels, shrimp, and firm-fleshed white fish, all cooked in a tomato-wine broth. A Dutch oven is the perfect pot to cook it in, as it has enough space to hold all the different types of seafood and retains an even, low heat so everything will be cooked just enough without becoming dry and tough.

Recipe: This Cioppino Recipe Makes For A Classy Dinner

Cabbage soup is a food that has a somewhat-deserved bad rep as being the namesake (as well as the staple dish of) the notorious cabbage soup diet. If you've ever tried this diet, chances are you may never want to face another bowl of the stuff again.

That would be too bad, since this cabbage soup recipe is incredibly tasty, even for the non-cabbage lovers among us. The cabbage itself adds some bulk and nutrition to a tomato-based broth that is packed with other flavorful veggies to make for a hearty, but healthy lunch.

Recipe: This Cabbage Soup Is The Perfect Comfort Food

Arroz con pollo is a Spanish dish that translates, quite simply, to "rice with chicken." While rice gets top billing in the title, our recipe doesn't stint on the meat. The rice and the chicken cook together in one pot, simmering in a sauce that gets its flavor from tomatoes and white wine.

While our recipe does call for sazón (Goya has a version that is widely available, in its distinctive orange and yellow packaging), you can always make a homemade mix if you can't find it in the store or prefer to avoid the mystery additives in many pre-made spice blends. For DIY sazón, just mix dried oregano with garlic powder and cumin.

Recipe: The Arroz Con Pollo Recipe Everyone Will Love

Corned beef and cabbage has long been considered the one must-serve food for St. Patrick's Day, and for that reason, many people assume it's a traditional Irish dish; but in fact, corned beef and cabbage as we know it was actually born in the great American melting pot, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Corned beef, as it so happens, isn't strictly an Irish thing at all, but was instead a product that Irish immigrants purchased from Jewish butchers in their new homeland to serve alongside the universal low-budget vegetable, cabbage. We salute the earliest example of Irish/Jewish fusion cuisine and feel this comforting dish shouldn't be restricted to just the one holiday, but enjoyed year round.

If you're able to resist eating the whole pot, the leftover corned beef from our easy recipe makes for a perfect sandwich.

Recipe: The Corned Beef And Cabbage You'll Love This St. Patty's Day

If broccoli cheddar soup is your go-to order when dining at your favorite fast-casual lunch spot, you might be pleasantly surprised to find out just how easy it is to make it at home. Sure, you've got to futz around prepping the broccoli and other veggies, but this really won't take much longer than waiting for an order to be filled. Once you're done with the prep work, the soup cooks up in under half an hour, and you'll have 6 servings — one to enjoy now, and the rest to freeze in individual portions and enjoy next time you want a quick, yet satisfying lunch.

Recipe: This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Is Easier Than You Thought

Remember when the whole sourdough baking trend blew up during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns? Seldom has one particular food been so associated with a specific time period. Well, the hashtag may no longer be trending on social media, but the bread's popularity remains, and it's still a challenge that any aspiring baker worth their pink Himalayan salt may wish to tackle.

While sourdough bread is undoubtedly time-consuming, it will be time well spent. Our recipe takes several days from start to finish, but it makes use of a secret weapon to ensure that the finished product turns out just right: a Dutch oven, of course! Baking the bread loaf in this lidded vessel concentrates the heat where it belongs to help ensure a perfectly crispy crust and chewy interior. Your friends and family will hardly believe it didn't come from a bakery.

Recipe: Rustic Sourdough Bread

To a true pit master, pulled pork might start with roasting an entire pig over a fire pit. For the rest of us, however, space constraints — not to mention irate neighbors and local laws — probably prohibit such elaborate preparations. Luckily, it's pretty easy to make a more-than-passable (in fact, pretty darn delicious) pulled pork using your Dutch oven.

Our version makes use of a boneless pork shoulder cooked in a flavorful vinegar sauce. It even gets a hint of that authentic firepit flavor (shhh, don't tell!!) from a few spoonfuls of liquid smoke.

Recipe: The Best Pulled Pork Recipe You've Ever Tried

When we talk of chowder — or "chowdah," in New England-ese — the first kind that comes to mind for many is the kind made with clams. The term chowder, however, simply refers to a type of rich, thick soup, and it doesn't necessarily need to be made with seafood. Corn chowder, in fact, is so hearty and satisfying that you may not even register the fact that it's meat-free.

While our corn chowder recipe does include dairy products, you could always use plant-based substitutes to make a vegan version without sacrificing any of its flavor. You could also go in the opposite direction by tossing in some chopped chicken to make it a one-bowl meal complete with meat and veggies. Either way, we're sure you'll be satisfied with the creamy, filling results.

Recipe: This Easy Corn Chowder Is Comfort In A Bowl

Some nights you just don't want to deal with a lot of slicing and dicing, simmering this, sautéing that, and then (worst of all) having to wash what seems like every dish in your house just to get dinner on the table. While you may be tempted to order takeout, memories of last month's credit card bill could have you reaching for a bowl of cereal or a frozen dinner instead. Luckily for you, there is no need to resort to any of these measures when instead you can make this super-easy, super-tasty tortellini!

This one-pot recipe starts with a bag of frozen tortellini, a bag of frozen spinach, and a pound of ground sausage meat. (The sausage, unfortunately, will need to be thawed, but we think you can handle it.) Simmer these 3 ingredients together in a tomato cream sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan, and dinner is done in under half an hour. Even better, the dishes should be done in under 5 minutes!

Recipe: Easy Tortellini For Nights You Don't Feel Like Cooking

When you serve a ham (be it for a special occasion like Easter or just a large Sunday dinner) you're bound to have plenty of leftovers, since hams tend to come in just three sizes: large, really large, and half the darn pig. Once you've finally carved that ham down to the bone, though, what do you do with it? No, not the meat, but the bone itself? Don't just throw it in the trash! Your grandparents would be shocked and ashamed by such flagrant waste.

You'll be pretty upset with yourself, too, for tossing all those past bones once you taste this incredible ham and bean soup. In fact, you'll probably find yourself planning your next ham dinner just so you'll have another delicious soup bone as a lagniappe. Make sure to leave some meat on the bone, as you'll want your soup to have pieces of ham in addition to the meaty flavor.

Recipe: The Ham And Bean Soup Everyone Will Eat Up

Beef Bourguignon, as any Julia Child fan knows, is a rich, hearty beef stew that gets its delicious flavor from an ample amount of red wine. (Burgundy, to be exact, since otherwise it would probably be known as Beef Merlot or Beef Zinfandel.) While this recipe will take a little time to put together, as well as several more hours to simmer to perfection, you don't need to have mastered the art of French cooking in order to make it for dinner tonight.

Recipe: This Beef Bourguignon Is Easier Than You Think

While chicken tikka masala is an Indian dish (and one of the most popular ones at Indian restaurants in the U.K., says the South China Morning Post), it's maybe not considered the most authentic option on the menu. Well, no matter how genuine it may or may not be, there's a good reason why chicken tikka masala is so beloved: spicy tomato and cream-sauced chicken tastes pretty awesome!

And unlike some Indian dishes that require a tandoor to prepare, chicken tikka masala isn't even a meal you need to get from a restaurant to enjoy. Our chicken tikka masala recipe can be made in your own kitchen, out of ingredients that shouldn't be too hard to come by in any supermarket.

Recipe: Simple Chicken Tikka Masala Is Easier Than You Think

It seems every self-proclaimed chili expert has their own go-to recipe that they absolutely insist is the ONLY true way to cook it: with beans or without, with ground meat or chunked or no meat at all, with a lot of secret ingredients or just the basics. Chili, however, isn't just one thing, it is, in fact, a rather broad category of foods.

All this exposition is really just a roundabout way of saying, if someone tells you that turkey chili isn't "real chili," ignore them. What matters most is how something tastes and our turkey chili is made with corn, fire roasted green chilis, and two different types of beans for a meal that is not only quick, easy, and nutritious, but also tastes incredible.

Recipe: Quick Turkey Chili That's Perfect For Weeknights

For many, tomato soup is synonymous with Campbell's flagship product. The iconic brand even holds a place in the annals of art history, having been immortalized in what is perhaps some of Andy Warhol's best-known work. The problem with Campbell's tomato soup is that, iconic as it may be, it's just okay. This is a real shame, since many are only familiar with the red and white canned version. Homemade tomato soup is an entirely different thing — and, needless to say, a vast improvement over the canned variety.

Our tomato soup recipe is so easy to put together, it won't require much more effort than wielding a can opener. In fact, aside from chopping some onions, opening a few cans is probably the hardest thing you'll have to do to enjoy a tomato soup that tastes far better than you could ever imagine.

Recipe: The Tomato Soup Recipe You'll Make All The Time

Pasta or pizza? This is the eternal Italian restaurant debate, one that all boils down to whether you want to eat your yummy cheese-and-tomato-laden carbs with a fork or your own two hands.

For those times when you absolutely cannot make up your mind, however, we present the best of both worlds: pizza rigatoni! As the rigatoni part of its name implies, this is a pasta-based dish, but in addition to marinara sauce, it also includes a few pizza-type toppings: shredded mozzarella, sliced pepperoni, and optional sliced pepperoncini peppers.

Recipe: One-Pot Pizza Rigatoni You'll Make Again And Again

Chicken and dumplings may seem like the ultimate Southern grandma food, but you know what? Grandma was on to a good thing here. Our chicken and dumplings recipe makes for a hearty, filling meal that can feed a whole family on the tightest of budgets — it's even made with chicken thighs, a cut that tends to be cheaper than breasts.

Should you be dining solo, you can easily save the leftovers for later, since nothing's better than comfort food that only needs a few minutes in the microwave to be as good as new.

Recipe: Chicken And Dumplings Your Whole Family Will Devour

Have you ever been lucky enough to eat real deal, homemade split pea soup? This dish isn't fancy enough to feature on many restaurant menus, and sadly the canned version does it absolutely no justice. Instead, split pea soup is the kind of thing you can (and definitely should) be making at home.

It's budget-friendly, nutritious as can be, and is actually fairly quick and easy to make. Oh, and did we mention it just so happens to taste pretty incredible? Trust us, you're going to want this recipe in your back pocket for a rainy day.

Recipe: The Split Pea Soup Recipe You'll Want To Try Today

While butter chicken may not sound like the name of a particularly exciting dish, it's actually a staple on Indian restaurant menus. While it's not the most traditional of Indian dishes, having been created in the 1950s (via Menu Magazine), the dish has introduced numerous newbies to the glories of Indian cuisine.

This butter chicken recipe isn't difficult for any home cook to prepare, nor are any of the ingredients going to be hard to find. In addition to butter, the chicken is cooked with several other dairy products (namely yogurt and cream), as well as tomatoes, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and a whole lot of spices. While you may be tempted to skip any you don't already own, the flavors play together so nicely we'd seriously advise against it.

Recipe: The Easiest Butter Chicken Recipe You'll Ever Make

Plain old rice on its own is admittedly not the most exciting of side dishes, but with just a few additional ingredients you can turn that boring rice into something so good, you'll gobble up every last bite. That is definitely the case with this Mexican rice recipe, which makes the perfect accompaniment to eggs in the morning, stuffed into a burrito, or alongside grilled chicken. (We're also not above eating the dish solo, in a heaping bowl that would more accurately be described as a main.) 

This Mexican rice recipe starts with brown rice, but you could use white rice if you prefer, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. This dish gets its flavor from diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and tomato bouillon, although you can substitute beef, chicken, or veggie bouillon if this last ingredient proves difficult to find.

Recipe: This Mexican Rice Is The Perfect Easy Side Dish

Who doesn't love one-pot recipes? Fewer dirty dishes in the sink is never a bad thing. Here's another recipe to add to your collection: a delicious vegetarian entrée where the spaghetti cooks right in the sauce!

If you have an abundance of produce you can make this dish with fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones, or add leftover rotisserie chicken for an extra dose of protein. This one-pot pasta is nutritious, super customizable, and done in a hurry, taking just half an hour from fridge to table.

Recipe: Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipe With Spinach And Tomatoes Your Family Will Love

Oxtail is a meat that isn't always readily available in U.S. grocery stores, but you'll want to seek it out to make this incredible Korean-inspired recipe. Based off galbi jjim, a Korean short rib dish often eaten on holidays and for special occasions, this flavorful, hearty meal is perfect for a cozy night in.

Serve your soy-braised oxtail over rice or with polenta. While it may take a few hours to cook, the results are sure to impress.

Recipe: This Soy-Braised Oxtail Is Surprisingly Delicious

Oh là là! Could there be anything more délicieux than a bowl of soupe à l'oignon gratinée, dripping with melted fromage and accompanied by a crusty baguette and a glass of Bordeaux? You don't need to be sitting at a charming little bistro on the Left Bank to enjoy such a treat. Instead, you can fulfill your Parisian food dreams chez vous by making up a batch of this not-too-difficult French onion soup.

While our recipe calls for the easy-to-obtain mozzarella cheese, feel free to substitute Gruyère for an even more authentic taste of la cuisine française. Ready in under an hour, this delightful soup is more than worth any possible onion-inspired tears.

Recipe: The French Onion Soup Recipe You Need In Your Life

Got a pound of ground beef in the freezer, but you're stuck for meal ideas? Stuffed peppers are a classic for a reason. Our recipe is super-easy to throw together, and makes for a cute, compact, all-in-one meal of meat and veggies wrapped up in a brightly colored pepper package.

The best part of this recipe, though, is the zesty southwestern flavor these stuffed peppers get from the black beans, diced chilis, and tangy melted cheese on top. If you wish, you can even dress them up a little more with some sour cream, chopped cilantro, picked jalapeños, or other taco-style toppings.

Recipe: This One-Pot Stuffed Pepper Recipe Is Perfect For Busy Nights

Chicken noodle soup is every grandmother's go-to cure for colds and the flu. (Which one of them were you supposed to starve? Neither one, as far as Grandma's concerned.) The problem is, when you feel yourself coming down with the annual wintertime cruddies, Grandma's not always there to cook for you, and you might not have the energy to stand over the stove all day yourself.

Oh, the humanity! Must you resort to a can of Campbell's? No need, when instead you can whip up this quick, yet satisfying 20-minute chicken noodle soup using a rotisserie chicken, a package of egg noodles, some veggies, and a carton of chicken stock. If you want, you can even buy frozen, pre-chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and your soup will be done all the sooner.

Recipe: The 20-Minute Chicken Noodle Soup You Need This Winter

What exactly is goulash, anyway? It's a type of hearty Hungarian stew that is often meat-based, but (like many types of peasant cuisine) vegetarian versions are common. After all, back in the old country, meat wasn't always as easy to come by as dropping by the local Aldi to check out what's on sale.

Our vegetarian goulash recipe is super-satisfying, as it features mushrooms, one of the most meaty veggies around. The dish also gets plenty of flavor and a bold color from paprika, Hungary's favorite spice, along with a little tomato paste and red wine. Top with some sour cream for a filling and comforting meal.

Recipe: One-Pot Vegetarian Mushroom Goulash Your Whole Family Will Love

While the word "chili" is often followed by "con carne" — meaning with meat — it's perfectly possible to make a "chili sin carne," as well. Our vegetarian bean chili is so hearty, it doesn't even need any meat substitutes (Impossible or otherwise).

With a well-stocked pantry, you can make this recipe any time, since all you really need is four cans: tomato sauce, black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans. Add some onions, spices, and salsa, and you'll have a meal that tastes so good, even carnivores may not think to ask "Where's the beef?" Top with sour cream and cheddar if desired, or leave it off for a vegan meal.

Recipe: 3-Bean Vegetarian Chili That's Perfect For Weeknights

If you've never had the barbacoa at Chipotle, you're missing out. While it may look like ordinary shredded stew meat, it packs quite the flavor punch.

No need to stand in line at the fast casual chain to try it for yourself, though, when this copycat recipe will allow you to recreate this delicious dish at home. In fact, we suspect we may have one-upped Chipotle with our super-tender, spiced-just-right barbacoa. That first bite might just have you saying Chipotle Shmipotle, who needs them when the homemade version is so easy?

Recipe: Chipotle Copycat Barbacoa So Good It May Be Better Than The Real Thing

Beef stroganoff has come down in the world a bit since the days when it once graced the tables of Russian royalty, but then, that just means that this now-democratized dish is something we can all enjoy without an army of Le Cordon Bleu cooks at our beck and call.

This stroganoff recipe is extra-easy, since the whole shebang — ground beef, mushrooms, noodles, and all — can be cooked up in just one single pot. Creamy, comforting, and filling; we can't think of a better way to live like a Czar.

Recipe: One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff You Need To Try

While Olive Garden may offer all-you-can eat soup, the one thing they won't do is let you take home your leftover bounty. It's supposed to be all you can eat in one sitting, after all, not all you might care to consume over the course of the next week or so.

Should the craving for Olive Garden soup strike in the middle of the night, however, you can always be prepared by making up a big batch of this copycat Zuppa Toscana, which features Italian sausage and kale in a garlicky broth. This recipe makes six servings, but you can freeze the leftovers to enjoy your favorite soup at any time. Perfect for curling up in front of the TV or with a good book for a rainy night in.

Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana For Cold Nights