When I think of family gatherings, my mind immediately jumps to the chaotic kitchen, the clatter of pots, and the chorus of laughter. Easy big batch recipes are the unsung heroes of these moments—like a warm, comforting hug in a dish. Whether it’s the aroma of garlic wafting through the air or the sight of a bubbling casserole, these meals promise not just full bellies but also hearts snug with nostalgia.
Steps
- French Onion Pot Roast:
- Begin by seasoning a beef roast and browning it on all sides in a large pot. Remove the roast and sauté onions in the same pot until caramelized.
- Add beef broth, thyme, and the browned roast back to the pot. Cover and cook slowly in the oven until the meat is tender.
- Creamy Chicken Marsala Gnocchi Soup:
- Sauté chicken pieces in a pot until golden, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, cook mushrooms and garlic until softened.
- Stir in Marsala wine and cream, then add the chicken back along with gnocchi. Simmer until the gnocchi is cooked and the soup is creamy.
- Baked Feta Chickpeas:
- Toss chickpeas with olive oil, garlic, and spices, then spread them in a baking dish. Place a block of feta in the center.
- Bake until the feta is soft and the chickpeas are crispy. Mix everything together and serve warm.
- Marry Me Chicken:
- Sear chicken breasts until golden brown in a skillet. Remove and make a cream sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs in the same pan.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and bake until cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Beef Stew:
- Brown beef chunks in a pot, then remove. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot.
- Add the beef back with potatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover with broth and simmer until the beef is tender.
- White Bean & Smoked Sausage Skillet:
- Brown sliced smoked sausage in a skillet. Add chopped shallot, garlic, and kale, and cook until the kale wilts.
- Stir in cannellini beans and a bit of cream. Top with homemade croutons before serving.
- Chicken Alfredo:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté chicken in a skillet until cooked through.
- Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Heat until everything is well combined and hot.
- Classic Chili:
- Brown ground beef in a large pot, then add onions, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until soft.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili spices. Simmer until the flavors meld and the chili thickens.
- Lasagnchiladas:
- Prepare a beef Bolognese sauce and mix in some ricotta and herbs. Spread the mixture onto flour tortillas, roll them up, and place in a baking dish.
- Top with more Bolognese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then bake until bubbly.
- Lunch Lady Sheet-Pan Pizza:
- – Prepare an instant yeast dough and spread it on a sheet pan. Top with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and pepperoni.
- – Bake in the oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- – Sauté onions and garlic in a pot, then add diced chicken and cook until browned. Add broth, corn, black beans, and spices.
- – Simmer until the flavors meld, then serve with tortilla strips on top.
- Chicken Shawarma Sheet-Pan Dinner:
- – Marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and shawarma spices. Arrange them on a sheet pan with sliced onions and bell peppers.
- – Roast in the oven until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Cheesy Barbacoa Biscuit Bake:
- – Slow-cook beef chuck roast with fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotle chiles, and spices until tender. Shred the beef and mix with the sauce.
- – Layer the barbacoa mixture in a baking dish, top with cheese and biscuit dough, and bake until the biscuits are golden.
- Mexican Beef ‘N Rice Skillet:
- – Brown ground beef in a skillet, then add onions, bell peppers, and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in rice, tomatoes, and spices.
- – Cover and cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo:
- – Slice and brown smoked sausage in a skillet. Add bell peppers, onions, and Cajun spices, cooking until the vegetables are soft.
- – Stir in cream and cooked pasta, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil (for searing)
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Red pepper flakes
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt
- Black pepper
FAQ
- How can I make the Marry Me Chicken more flavorful?
- To enhance the flavor of Marry Me Chicken, ensure the chicken breasts are seared until golden brown before baking them in the creamy sauce. This process locks in juices and adds depth to the taste.
- What makes the beef stew recipe unique?
- Our beef stew stands out with its inclusion of baby potatoes, a medley of vegetables, and tender beef. The addition of tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce gives it an extra layer of flavor.
- Can I customize the White Bean & Smoked Sausage Skillet?
- Yes, you can customize the White Bean & Smoked Sausage Skillet by adding your favorite greens or substituting the smoked sausage with another protein of your choice. The creamy sauce made from shallots, garlic, and cannellini beans can complement various ingredients.
- What is unique about the Lasagnchiladas recipe?
- Lasagnchiladas combine the elements of traditional lasagna with a twist. The dish rolls saucy beef Bolognese and herby ricotta into flour tortillas, topped with more Bolognese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and then baked to perfection.
- How is the sheet-pan pizza similar to school cafeteria pizza?
- The Lunch Lady Sheet-Pan Pizza uses instant yeast dough, a herby sauce, and shredded mozzarella with spicy pepperoni, all baked on a sheet tray to achieve the familiar thick, fluffy crust reminiscent of classic school cafeteria pizza.
Tips
- When preparing the French Onion Pot Roast, consider browning the roast well before slow-cooking it to enhance its flavor and depth.
- For the Creamy Chicken Marsala Gnocchi Soup, using freshly made gnocchi can elevate the dish, making it even more satisfying.
- In the Baked Feta Chickpeas recipe, experiment with adding seasonal vegetables you have on hand for a more varied texture.
- When making the Lasagnchiladas, ensure the tortillas are well coated in sauce to prevent them from drying out during baking.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven – Useful for recipes like French Onion Pot Roast and Beef Stew.
- Slow Cooker – Handy for making dishes like Cheesy Barbacoa Biscuit Bake.
- Cast Iron Skillet – Ideal for recipes such as White Bean & Smoked Sausage Skillet and Mexican Beef ‘N Rice Skillet.
- Sheet Pan – Necessary for Lunch Lady Sheet-Pan Pizza and Chicken Shawarma Sheet-Pan Dinner.
- Instant-Read Thermometer – Helpful for ensuring meats are cooked to the right temperature, especially in dishes like Marry Me Chicken or Classic Chili.
