When Was Your Last Homecooked Meal? 15 Recipes To Inspire You To Cook!

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When Was Your Last Homecooked Meal? 15 Recipes To Inspire You To Cook!

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves reaching for the phone to order takeout more times than we’d like to admit. The thought of cooking at home can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. These recipes are a perfect starting point, they’re straightforward and designed to ease you back into the rhythm of home cooking, making the kitchen feel less like a chore and more like a friend.

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’ve had a long day, relax with Oven Baked Chicken Thighs dripping with a thick onion gravy; it’s a comforting hug in food form. The kitchen smells like home as it cooks, and it’s the kind of meal that turns a regular evening into something special.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bite-sized pieces of Pork Belly Burnt Ends will surprise you with their sticky-sweet glaze and crispy edges. You won’t need a fancy occasion for these little morsels; they’ll make any get-together feel like a celebration. So go on, give these a try and watch them disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Picture your table boasting the colors of the Mediterranean with a dish of Mediterranean Cod. This meal is a nod to breezy seaside dining, bringing freshness and flavor without fuss. Plus, it’s a simple way to mix up the dinner routine with some coastal flair.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A bowl of Chicken Paprikash is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket; it’s all about comfort. With subtle hints of spice and creamy texture, this dish feels like a welcoming embrace. Perfect for those evenings when you crave something hearty yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Authentic Hungarian Goulash is a nod to tradition and heartwarming simplicity. It’s a one-pot wonder that fills the room with a sense of heritage and home. When you need a meal that feels like a passing down of family secrets, this is the one to go for.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken breast with herbs, cheese and tomatoes.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Chicken Bake will whisk you away to warm, sun-soaked lands with its robust flavors. It’s uncomplicated enough for a weeknight dinner yet feels like a weekend feast. And, it’s a reminder that delightful dinners don’t have to be complex.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Spanish Rice is all about bringing the vibrance of Spain to your kitchen table. The aromas transport you, and it pairs perfectly with nearly any main dish. It’s an easy side that brings a fiesta to your plate without leaving home.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Million Dollar spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish.
Million Dollar spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With Million Dollar Spaghetti, every forkful is rich and brimming with comfort. It’s like the classic pasta dish got a grand makeover, and it doesn’t hold back on indulgence. Go ahead, and treat your dinner table to a little luxury.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar spaghetti

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

A casserole dish with chicken and vegetables in it.
Shrimp and Grits Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Next up, reinvent breakfast for dinner with the Shrimp and Grits Casserole, a southern favorite heated up with a new twist. It’s hearty and fills the house with a welcoming scent that beckons everyone to the table. This meal proves that some classics can take on a whole new persona.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins is a refreshing change to your standard salad fare. This dish has a flare of exotic spices balanced by sweet pops of fruit. It’s a perfect pick for a light lunch that’s far from boring.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

A closeup shot of two tacos filled with smoked pork belly and vegetables.
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you want to mix things up, try Smoked Pork Belly Tacos. They’re a playful dish where smoky meets fresh, and every bite is a mini fiesta. It’s casual dining with a seriously flavorful twist.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Braised Beef Short Ribs with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs bring a whole new meaning to taking your time to enjoy dinner. This dish is slow food at its finest, with rich aromas that make waiting part of the pleasure. It’s Sunday dinner-worthy, any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a change of pace, Chicken Tinga offers a bold, smoky flavor profile. It’s a versatile dish that suits tacos, tostadas, or even as a hearty sandwich filling. If you want to bring the essence of Mexican street food into your home, this will do the trick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Seafood Stuffed Salmon on a circular white plate.
Seafood Stuffed Salmon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Impress your guests or treat yourself with Seafood Stuffed Salmon – it’s elegance without the effort. Each bite tastes the ocean’s bounty, wrapped in a tender fillet. It’s a special meal that doesn’t require a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Corned Beef Fritters

Corned beef fritters on a white plate with a sunflower.
Corned Beef Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes the best dishes are those that take you back, and Corned Beef Fritters do just that. They’re a crispy nod to the past that will have everyone clamoring for just one more. Whip these up for an irresistible snack that doubles as a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

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