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17 Recipes You Couldn’t Mess Up If You Tried

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By Michelle Price

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17 Recipes You Couldn’t Mess Up If You Tried

Does the thought of chopping vegetables and following fancy recipes leave you reaching for the takeout menu? You’re not alone! This collection of recipes is your secret weapon against weeknight stress. We’ve got delicious and easy meals that ANYONE can make, even if you’re a total beginner in the kitchen. No weird ingredients, no confusing steps, and definitely no burning things to a crisp.

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This hearty casserole is a one-pot wonder, perfect for feeding a crowd. Cheesy goodness and fluffy rice come together in a snap, with minimal cleanup required. Dinner doesn’t get much easier than this!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Lunchtime crunch? No problem! This shortcut chicken salad is your new best friend. Made with canned chicken, it’s a cinch to throw together for a light and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup

Image shows A bowl of carrot chicken soup on a wooden table.
Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Warm up your soul with a comforting bowl of carrot chicken soup – perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s packed with flavor and comes together in a jiffy. Dinner doesn’t get much simpler than this!
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This tuna and tomato pasta is so easy, even your sous chef (aka your kid) can help (with a little supervision of course!). Light, refreshing, and ready in about 25 minutes – what’s not to love about a no-brainer weeknight meal?
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Crockpot Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Crockpot Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Taco night just got easier! This slow cooker recipe lets the appliance do the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful carnitas for delicious tacos. Minimal prep work, maximum flavor – dinnertime win!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Transform your weeknight dinners into a festive feast with these cheesy chicken enchiladas. Made with rotisserie chicken and a store-bought sauce, they’re a cinch to throw together. Dinner on the table in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy the company or catch up on your favorite show.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Pulled Pork

Image shows a Pulled pork sandwich on white plate with pretzels on the side.
Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Shredding juicy pork has never been easier! This Instant Pot recipe makes tender, flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even fun and interactive nachos. Dinner with minimal effort? Sign up!
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Feeling like a couch potato? No worries! This tangy tomato lime chicken lets your slow cooker do all the work. Just toss everything in and come home to a delicious and effortless meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Image shows an overhead shot of Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork on a blue plate served with rice.
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Flavorful and juicy roast pork without the hassle? Slow cooker to the rescue! This ridiculously easy recipe lets you toss everything in before work and come home to a delicious meal later.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Lasagna Roll Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Forget about fussy layers, lasagna roll-ups are a game-changer! Whip up cheesy goodness in bite-sized portions for a quick and easy weeknight win.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Roll Ups

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into cheesy comfort food with these Cheesy Stuffed Shells. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for a meatless Monday meal. No complicated layering required, just fill, bake, and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of puff pastry Chicken Empanadas on a white tray.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Impress your guests with these flavorful chicken empanadas, but don’t stress! They’re surprisingly easy to make using rotisserie chicken and a store-bought crust. More time for relaxing and enjoying the company.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This BBQ shredded chicken is a breeze to make in your Instant Pot and perfect for topping salads, sandwiches, or even mac and cheese! No matter what you pair it with, it’s guaranteed to be delicious and ridiculously easy.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Pesto Salmon

Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Weeknight fancy made simple! Pesto-infused salmon is a vibrant and healthy dinner option that’s surprisingly easy to make. The fresh flavors of pesto complement the richness of the salmon perfectly, creating a light and delicious meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Crockpot Chili

Image shows a closeup of a bowl of Crockpot beef chili.
Crockpot Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving comfort food but don’t feel like slaving away in the kitchen? Dive into a warm and comforting bowl of crockpot chili! Packed with hearty flavors and protein, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Forget fancy techniques, this creamy pea pasta is a quick and easy win. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a well-rounded side dish that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This chicken tortellini soup is the perfect cozy night in meal. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an extra time-saving trick, and have a comforting and delicious dinner in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

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