Gather your family around the table for these comforting stay-at-home dinner recipes. The best part? They're all made with common kitchen ingredients.
Our 50 Favorite Stay-at-Home Dinners
Updated Feb. 10, 2022
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Made with love, comfort and your favorite kitchen staples, the whole family will enjoy these stay-at-home dinner recipes. From homemade pan pizzas to classic shepherd’s pie, we’ve got meal ideas for any craving! Looking for more stay-at-home cooking and baking ideas? Be sure to check out our hunker-down handbook.
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Pepperoni Pan Pizza
I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida
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Spicy Goulash
Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up my goulash recipe. Even the elbow macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Our fun, simple chicken taco recipe is perfect for a stress-free dinner. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
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Chicken Parm Sliders
Sliders are the perfect finger food. This flavorful chicken Parmesan version won’t disappoint. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
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Lettuce-Wrap Burgers
I love the way these fresh flavors blend together. It’s a snap to throw this together using leftover burgers for a quick, healthy dinner. The burgers can also be served on buns. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas
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Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
Everyone needs an easy meal. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
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Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet
I remember my grandma making this stovetop supper many times—we always loved Granny’s spaghetti! My husband and I now enjoy making this for our dinner. You can easily use ground turkey instead of ground beef if that’s what you happen to have on hand. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
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Lemon Chicken Orzo
Lemon chicken orzo is a one-pot wonder. It's easy enough to make for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough to serve for guests. Customize it with different pasta shapes and your favorite vegetables.
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Chicken Biscuit Skillet
My mother always made this while we were growing up. Now I make it for my own husband and kids. I use the small biscuits since their tops brown so nicely. I also sometimes add mushrooms to this recipe because my family loves them. —Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
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Taco Bowls
An utterly satisfying, one-dish dinner, taco bowls make for a fabulous weeknight meal with beef, black beans and an assortment of toppings. The best part is their versatility—customize with lentils, sweet potatoes, sautéed bell peppers or corn for a nutritious, filling, and family-friendly meal.
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Chicken Chimichangas
I developed this quick and easy chicken chimichanga recipe through trial and error. I used to garnish with sour cream, too, but eliminated it in order to lighten the recipe. They’re much healthier than fried chimichangas. —Rickey Madden, Clinton, South Carolina
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Quickpea Curry
This colorful curry is a nice change of pace. I like to substitute fresh peas for frozen when they’re in season. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
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Easy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak
Friends shared this three-ingredient marinade years ago, and it’s been a favorite since. Serve this steak with salad and grilled potatoes for a quick meal. —Beverly Dietz, Surprise, Arizona
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Pork Chops and Asparagus
This pork chop and asparagus recipe is a complete dinner (even dessert) cooked on a single sheet pan. Hands-off cooking and simple clean-up make this ideal for busy weeknights.
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Quick Pepperoni Calzones
This calzone recipe takes the Italian favorite to the next level with Parmesan and herbs sprinkled on top. —Shannon Roum, Waukesha, Wisconsin
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Dinner in a Bag
I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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Caprese Chicken with Bacon
Smoky bacon, fresh basil, ripe tomatoes and gooey mozzarella top these appealing chicken breasts. —Tammy Hayden, Quincy, Michigan
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BLT Skillet
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
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Baked Potato Soup
I found our favorite soup in an unexpected place—a children’s cookbook! This creamy comfort food is not only delicious but also scaled down to make a small amount that’s perfect for my husband and I. —Linda Mumm, Davenport, Iowa
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Quick and Easy Vegetable Potpie
This meatless Monday superstar comes together quickly and is inexpensive as well. My 4-year-old always asks for seconds! You can substitute any canned or frozen beans for the canned lentils in this easy vegetable potpie. We also like using frozen edamame. —Maggie Torsney-Weir, Los Angeles, California
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Chicken Broccoli Casserole
When you're looking for comfort and ease, this chicken broccoli casserole is the answer to your dinner dreams.
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Baked Mac and Cheese
Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson, Dover, Delaware
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Chili-Stuffed Poblano Peppers
For an updated version of an old favorite, try these chili-stuffed poblano peppers. They're loaded with hearty meat and chili, plus a few extra tasty ingredients for good measure!
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Spanish Rice
You'll find my easy Spanish rice is better than any boxed mix in grocery stores. Best of all, it can be prepared in the same amount of time as those so-called "quick and easy" boxes. —Anne Yaeger, Washington, DC
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Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
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Ravioli Lasagna
Our four-ingredient ravioli lasagna is the perfect shortcut meal for when you're craving lasagna but don't have as much time to cook. It's an easy and delicious meal for any night of the week.
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Black Bean and Beef Tostadas
Just a handful of ingredients add up to one of our family’s favorites. It’s easy to double for leftovers, too! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas
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Herbed Pork Chops
Herbs are a fast and flavorful way to dress up pork. Plus, they make the chops look so pretty on a platter. I prepare these year-round as a way to capture the taste of summer. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
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Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Chickpea salad sandwiches are further proof that chickpeas are the most versatile legume in the pantry. Lightly smashed, they soak up a creamy dressing loaded with vegan mayo, tangy mustard and fresh dill to make a plant-based take on classic deli salads like tuna or egg.
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Grilled Greek Pita Pizzas
This easy flatbread pizza captures classic Mediterranean flavors in every bite. It works equally well as a speedy main dish or an appetizer. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
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Black Bean & Corn Quinoa
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn’t. It’s one of the best quinoa recipes. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
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Air-Fryer Taco Twists
Why serve tacos only in ordinary flour or corn tortillas? For a mouthwatering change of pace, try these air-fried tacos baked in flaky, golden crescent rolls. My family enjoys them for a warm lunch or light dinner. —Carla Kreider, Quarryville, Pennsylvania
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Spinach Tortellini Soup
Spinach tortellini soup comes to the rescue when you're staring down dinnertime and haven't a clue what to make! This filling, flavorful 20-minute soup recipe will please the whole family.
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Tater Tot Casserole
I like to make this dish when time before supper is short. If we want leftovers, I just double the ingredients and use a 13×9-in. pan. —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California
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Pronto Vegetarian Peppers
In the summer I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania
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Easy Chicken Enchiladas
With a few staple ingredients, these easy chicken enchiladas are so quick to make, dinner will be on the table before you know it.
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Quicker Chicken and Dumplings
Ready in just 30 minutes, this homey meal relies on convenience items and timesaving drop-style dumplings. It couldn’t be any easier! —Willie DeWaard, Coralville, Iowa
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Easy Jambalaya
This jambalaya disappears quickly. Plus, it’s incredibly easy! —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
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The Best Shepherd’s Pie
Our top-rated shepherd's pie recipe delivers a cozy, filling, homestyle dinner that never disappoints.
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Breaded Pork Chops
This is the perfect elegantly simple breaded pork chop recipe you’ve been looking for. The prep takes all of five minutes, and the cooking takes just 10.
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Satisfying Tomato Soup
After craving tomato soup, I decided to make my own. My sister Joan likes it chunky-style, so she doesn't puree. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich. —Marian Brown, Mississauga, Ontario
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Open-Faced Pizza Burgers
I'm not sure where I first saw this pizza burger recipe, but I'm glad I did! My family requests this meal often. A dash of oregano livens up canned pizza sauce. —Sharon Schwartz, Burlington, Wisconsin
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Classic Red Beans N Rice
After living where Cajun cooking is common, we rely on this staple dish. Even If you've never tried red beans and rice, you'll like this recipe! —Jackie Turnage, New Iberia, Louisiana
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Tuna Noodle Casserole
Families are sure to love the creamy texture and comforting taste of this traditional tuna casserole that goes together in a jiffy. I serve it with a green salad and warm rolls for a nutritious supper. —Ruby Wells, Cynthiana, Kentucky
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Salsa Bean Burgers
I created these based on a turkey burger recipe and wanted to make them even better for you. Use a favorite salsa with just the heat you like to make it your own. —Jenny Leighty, West Salem, Ohio
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Burritos
Packed with beans, your choice of protein and a myriad of other potential fillings, this easy burrito recipe is your launchpad to unlimited flavor combinations.
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
A batch of this creamy chicken noodle soup is our answer to soup season or flu season. The soup's satiating nature and wholesome taste will deliver warmth and coziness when you need it most.
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Chicken Tamale Pie
Because it cooks almost entirely in the slow cooker and uses a boxed cornbread mix, this two-layer chicken tamale pie is an easy and mostly hands-off dinner.
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Garlic Bread Pizza
Our Test Kitchen approved garlic bread pizza recipe needs four ingredients and 15 minutes. The results are a cheesy and oh-so-savory appetizer that can feed a crowd in a pinch!Originally Published: May 07, 2020
