19 Dinner Gems You Won’t Believe You’ve Overlooked

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19 Dinner Gems You Won’t Believe You’ve Overlooked

There’s a world of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, dishes so delicious and easy you’ll wonder why they haven’t been your go-to all along. This post unveils 19 dinner gems you won’t believe you’ve overlooked.

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Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

A wooden spoon is being lifted out of a stuffed bell pepper casserole dish.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole has the essence of classic stuffed peppers, simplified into a convenient casserole form. It’s an essential dinner recipe, perfect for when time is of the essence but flavor cannot be compromised.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a vibrant dish that brings a beloved favorite to your table with ease. This citrus-infused chicken dish is not to be missed, offering a homemade alternative to takeout that is both easy to make and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Recreate the famous Broccoli Cheddar Soup from Panera in the comfort of your own kitchen. This velvety soup is a must-have recipe that pairs the richness of cheese with the wholesomeness of broccoli, making any dinner table feel like a cozy café.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking Taco Casserole is a playful twist on a classic, bringing all the flavors of a taco into a festive casserole. This dish is a dinner party in a pan, layering beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos for a meal your family will love.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With these Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs, you’ll master the art of effortless dinners that are rich in flavor and comfort. This dish is a must-try, as it turns simple ingredients into an easy meal. Set the slow cooker in the morning and return to a dinner that’s ready to be enjoyed.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe brings the beloved flavors of the restaurant to your dining room. It’s a dinner staple that you won’t want to miss, offering a taste of nostalgia baked into every slice. A homestyle classic that will make its way into your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Beef tips with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips with gravy is a dish that promises melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This dinner classic is a hearty selection you won’t want to pass up, especially when it’s so easy to make in the slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a dish that combines the sweet and savory in one meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a dinner choice that you’ll want to experience, perfect for those evenings when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup copycat recipe brings the restaurant’s cozy flavors straight to your kitchen. It’s a must-have recipe for a comforting meal that comes together quickly in the slow cooker, combining creamy broth with tender chicken and veggies.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs show you the magic of slow cooking, resulting in tender meat that effortlessly falls off the bone. Coated in a blend of peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce, these ribs are a dinner highlight you’ll want to sink your teeth into.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the comforting taste of Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup with this homemade recipe. It’s a dinner classic that captures the essence of the popular restaurant’s soup in every spoonful, perfect for those who crave a hearty and heartwarming meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef is an easy dish that’s sure to impress. In just 20 minutes, this meal brings the bold flavors of a restaurant favorite to your dinner table, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep at the ready for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker Pork Chops have a delicious, creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a dinner recipe that provides a satisfying and creamy meal with minimal effort. Just set the slow cooker and let it do all the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil.
Olive Garden Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is a quick and nutritious one-pot meal that brings the flavors of Olive Garden to your home. This vegetable-packed soup is a dinner essential that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Taco Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder that delivers a complete meal brimming with the beloved flavors of tacos. It’s a dinner recipe that’s both hearty and simple. This is a family-friendly dish that makes dinner a festive occasion with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are a hands-off dinner marvel, delivering tender meat that effortlessly slides off the bone. This dish is a must-try for anyone seeking a smoky, tangy taste without the trouble of grilling.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Baked Manicotti

Baked manicotti in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Manicotti. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Baked Manicotti is a classic Italian dinner that’s a must-have for cheese lovers, with its richly stuffed shells and robust meat sauce. It’s a meal that makes any evening to a festive family gathering, offering a taste of Italy that you won’t want to miss.
Get the Recipe: Baked Manicotti

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken is a dish with a rich sauce and blend of spices. This dinner recipe is a comforting choice that’s effortless to prepare. It’s a meal that reassures you that a delicious dinner can be enjoyed without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Italian Mushroom Stew

Top view of a big pot of mushroom stew with cheese and basil on a cutting board next to the pot.
Italian Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Italian Mushroom Stew is a dish with the rustic charm of a traditional Italian meal. It’s a dinner experience that’s not to be missed, perfect for those who appreciate a hearty stew served over fresh Italian bread.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Asian Spare Ribs

Two ribs on a tray with sesame seeds and sesame seeds.
Asian Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Asian Spare Ribs are a dinner recipe that’s not to be missed, offering a simple way to enjoy aromatic spices and sauces infused into tender ribs. This meal is so delightful, it’ll inspire future adventures in your slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Asian Spare Ribs

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