Pioneer Woman Beef Stew and Pimento Cheese Grits

Dinner, with Less Mess

Renee Comet

Dinner, with Less Mess

There's no denying that the least exciting part of cooking is cleaning up the mess afterwards. Whether you tackle a good, old-fashioned Sunday supper or a simple weeknight meal, it feels like the dirty pots, pans and plates always pile up fast. That's where these one-pot wonders come in. Grab your favorite casserole dish to make a dump dinner, break out the cast-iron skillet and whip up rustic chicken and dumplings or turn to your Instant Pot for shrimp scampi in just 20 minutes; whatever you decide, you'll find that these recipes are wonderfully delicious — and make cleanup a breeze. Take this American version of goulash, for example. It features hearty pasta and plenty of aromatic spices (including paprika as a nod to the traditional Hungarian dish) for a comforting and complete meal that can be made entirely in your Dutch oven. What could be easier?

Get the Recipe: Goulash

Macaroni and Cheese

You can't go wrong with Tyler's macaroni and cheese. He uses cheddar and Parmesan to play up the classic flavors. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes for a perfect golden crust.

Get the Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese

Simple, Perfect Chili

Armando Rafael

Simple, Perfect Chili

The name says it all: Ree's chili is a simple, perfect one-pot meal-in-a-hurry.

Get the Recipe: Simple, Perfect Chili

Creamy Skillet Chicken

Renee Comet

Creamy Skillet Chicken

One humble skillet has four jobs in this easy weeknight meal: it sears, sautes, simmers and steams. The cleanup is so minimal, your dishwasher will be out of work!

Get the Recipe: Creamy Skillet Chicken

Perfect Pot Roast

Seared and then roasted in broth for three hours, Ree's pot roast is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. For a larger 4- to 5-pound roast, plan on roasting for four hours. You'll know it's ready when the meat is fall-apart tender.

Get the Recipe: Perfect Pot Roast

Chicken Ramen Noodle Casserole

Renee Comet

Chicken Ramen Noodle Casserole

Low maintenance and packed with flavor, this creamy casserole transforms dorm-friendly ramen noodles into a satisfying casserole for a crowd.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Ramen Noodle Dump Dinner

20-Minute Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Matt

20-Minute Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi Pasta

The genius of this recipe is that all of the ingredients — wine, garlic, shrimp — even the pasta — cook together in one pot. Just make sure to use shrimp that's still frozen or they will overcook. You don't have to serve garlic bread with the dish, but there's nothing better for sopping up all that delicious buttery sauce.

Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Roasted Squash Chili Mac

Who says mac and cheese is just for kids? Surprise your dinner guests with this sophisticated twist on the classic comfort food. Rachael adds chili powder, oregano, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, garlic and chile peppers for a flavor-packed cheese sauce.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Squash Chili Mac

Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

Use tomato paste, heavy cream and sweet chunks of lobster tail to create an extra-thick, extra-decadent macaroni and cheese that's worthy of a special occasion.

Get the Recipe: Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and Smoked Gouda with Cauliflower

Kids won't object to eating their veggies when you serve up this cheesy dish. Cauliflower lends great texture, but the creamy smoked Gouda still takes center stage.

Get the Recipe: Mac-n-Smoked Gouda with Cauliflower

Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Tyler calls this dish the "ultimate macaroni and cheese," and how could it not be, given the perfect union of sharp white cheddar and crisp bacon? To serve, scatter the bacon mixture over the casserole fresh out of the oven. Use a big spoon to scoop out servings, making sure you get some bacon in each spoonful.

Get the Recipe: Mac 'N Cheese with Bacon and Cheese

Chickless Pot Pie

Trisha's vegetarian take on chicken pot pie is just as decadent without the meat. Although the luscious vegetable filling with peas, carrots and potatoes could be a meal on its own, wrapping it in premade pie dough seals in flavor with a crispy crust.

Get the Recipe: Chickless Pot Pie

Buffalo-Chicken Mac and Cheese

©Con Poulos

Buffalo-Chicken Mac and Cheese

This recipe from Food Network Magazine aims to please any and all palates. The key to getting the perfect bite in every forkful is the layering: macaroni, chicken, macaroni, cheese sauce. Top with the panko-blue cheese-parsley mixture and bake until bubbly.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Chicken and Noodles

"Not to be confused with chicken noodle soup," Ree says, "this recipe is more of a thick chicken stew." To thicken the sauce, Ree adds a mixture of flour and water that she calls a "cowboy's roux" — fitting for a hearty meal on the ranch.

Get the Recipe: Chicken and Noodles

Jack's Brunswick Stew

Trisha likes to use hen in her Brunswick stew. It's a fattier bird, which produces a rich broth, but it can be hard to find in grocery stores. Not to worry — standard chicken is just as good, she says.

Get the Recipe: Jack's Brunswick Stew

One-Pot Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Add pulled pork to this Cheddar-and-mozzarella mac and cheese; top it with barbecue or hot sauce if you're feeling bold.

Get the Recipe: One-Pot Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

Ree says that adding beer to this hearty stew provides great flavor, and paprika gives it a rich color and some spice. Serve with cheddar cheese grits to round out a satisfying meal.

Get the Recipe: Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

Leftover Baked Potato Soup

Don't let leftover baked potatoes from last night's dinner go to waste. Alton halves the potatoes, then scoops out the starchy filling and feeds it through a ricer. The potatoes' mild flavor blends perfectly with the buttermilk, sour cream and grated Parmesan.

Get the Recipe: Leftover Baked Potato Soup

Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls

Ina starts by making a homemade chicken stock, which she later uses to cook the matzo balls in. Leave the skins on the onion and garlic — it gives the soup its golden hue, and "it all gets strained later," Ina says.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Soup

Chicken Pot Pie

Ree says not to worry about getting perfect edges on your pot pie crust — that way, it will look rustic. Plus, you'll get to dig in sooner!

Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Curry Chicken Pot Pie

To save time, Alton uses a frozen vegetable mix of peas and carrots and prepared puff pastry for this pot pie. After roasting the vegetables, combine with the chicken and curried onion mixture, then top with puff pastry. You'll know your pot pie is ready when the puff pastry has browned and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken Pot Pie

New England Clam Chowder

When cooking with clams, "always check for broken or cracked shells," Anne Burrell says, and if you find any, ditch 'em. Steam the clams to open them and reserve the natural clam juices and seawater to flavor your chowder.

Get the Recipe: New England Clam Chowder

Spicy Beef Chili

This recipe from Food Network Kitchen is light on the liquid ingredients, making every bowlful extra meaty. Perfect for parties and get-togethers, you can make this chili up to two days in advance.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Chili

Tyler's Texas Chili

Tyler's Texas Chili is loaded with aromatic flavor, which he achieves by combining browned beef with garlic, chipotles, jalapenos, tomatoes, sugar, a cinnamon stick and Mexican chocolate. Spoon yourself a hearty bowlful topped with queso fresco, cilantro and lime.

Get the Recipe: Tyler's Texas Chili

Spaghetti and Meatball

Spaghetti and Meatball "Stoup"

If you're having trouble deciding what kind of meat you're in the mood for, try Rachael's Spaghetti and Meatball "Stoup." The recipe calls for a meatloaf mix made from ground beef, pork and veal, available at most butcher counters.

Get the Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatball "Stoup" (thicker than soup, thinner than stew)

Spicy Corn Chowder

Between the tender corn kernels, crisp pieces of bacon and chunks of red potato, the Neelys' corn chowder is loaded with great texture and flavor. And for those who love a healthy dose of heat, this may just be the perfect cold-weather dish.

Get the Recipe: Gina's Spicy Corn Chowder

Manhattan Clam Chowder

This chowder recipe from Food Network Kitchen gives the New England variety a run for its money. Since Manhattan Clam Chowder doesn't require milk or cream, it's much lighter, getting its robust flavor from minced clams, garlic and roughly chopped tomatoes.

Get the Recipe: Manhattan Clam Chowder

Shortcut Fried Chicken and Dumplings

Renee Comet

Shortcut Fried Chicken and Dumplings

Leftover fried chicken thankfully finds its way into this creamy skillet dinner, and the biscuit-like dumplings bake up into a flaky, golden crust. It's like chicken and dumplings meets pot pie.

Get the Recipe: Shortcut Fried Chicken and Dumplings

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie is the perfect way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. Packed with protein and fiber, Alton's hearty homage to the U.K. comfort food will leave your family stuffed and happy.

Get the Recipe: Shepherd's Pie

Sausage and Veggie Stew

You'll definitely want to serve this stew with bread to soak up every bit of the kielbasa's smoky flavor.

Get the Recipe: Sausage-and-Vegetable Stew

Italian Chicken Soup with Parmesan Gnocchi

Alex Guarnaschelli's recipe makes it easy to prepare gnocchi from scratch. You'll know they've finished cooking when they float to the top of the soup.

Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Soup with "Toasted" Parmesan Gnocchi

Chicken and Dumpling Soup

For the dumplings in his comforting soup, Michael Symon recommends using an ice-cream scoop to form the dough. Drop them in the hot broth and cover until the dumplings become plump and float to the surface.

Get the Recipe: Chicken-and-Dumpling Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Why use one type of cheese when you can use three? Ree opts for mild cheddar, sharp cheddar and Jack in her thick and creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup. You can splash in some chicken broth for thinning, if necessary.

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Steve Giralt

Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic combination that kids love. Ina's easy soup recipe features a thick, oniony base and perfectly golden grilled cheese croutons for a sophisticated spin that adults will appreciate.

Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Croutons

Mac and Cheese Soup

Antonis Achilleos

Mac and Cheese Soup

Two comfort food favorites collide in this recipe from Food Network Magazine. Start by preparing the broth, then add the milk, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan and macaroni, stirring until the cheeses have melted.

Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Soup

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Sunny recommends twining up the thyme, parsley and sage before submerging them in the chicken broth. It makes it easier to remove the herbs once the broth has taken on their earthy flavors.

Get the Recipe: Sunny's Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Matzo Ball Soup

To make the matzo balls, Bobby uses seltzer water, egg and schmaltz (rendered chicken fat used for frying). Staying true to character, he steeps roasted jalapenos in his broth for a spicier soup.

Get the Recipe: Throwdown's Matzo Ball Soup

Chicken Stew

Giada's stew is quick and easy to prepare since it doesn't require cooking a whole chicken. Using only chicken breasts cuts down on time and prep work.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew

Mexican Chorizo & Turkey Chili

If you're looking for alternatives to chicken or beef chili, try Rachael's recipe. It calls for turkey as well as Mexican chorizo — a savory, piquant sausage made of ground pork and chile peppers.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Chorizo and Turkey Chili

Quick and Spicy Tomato Soup

Giada's trick to making this recipe so easy is to either buy your favorite store-bought marinara sauce, or to make your own and use the leftovers for the soup broth.

Get the Recipe: Quick and Spicy Tomato Soup

Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

No need for a flour-and-butter roux in this easy stovetop version of an old favorite; the cream cheese adds body and richness. If your mac and cheese gets a little stiff as it cools, just stir in some warm water to smooth it out — it works like a charm.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Chunky Chili

Chunks of chuck roast and three different beans lend bite and texture to Ree's super-easy chili.

Get the Recipe: Chunky Chili

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese — perfect for a large crowd or as a side dish — is super simple to make. The cream cheese gives it richness and a little tang.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Kale and Mushrooms

Don't be alarmed by how much kale you start with for this recipe. It will cook down quite a bit and pairs deliciously with the creamy pasta and shiitake mushrooms.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Kale and Mushrooms

Creamy Jalapeno Popper Macaroni and Cheese

This pleasantly spicy mac and cheese delivers on its name. The cheesy jalapeno pasta with its crunchy panko breadcrumb topping tastes just like poppers!

Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Popper Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Pizza Macaroni and Cheese

You could call this mac and cheese a mashup: It tastes just like pizza! Use the leftover oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes to make the topping.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Pizza Macaroni and Cheese

Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage and Hash Browns

The best part of this breakfast-inspired mac and cheese is the hash brown topping. It couldn't be easier: Just thaw frozen hash browns and toss them with butter so they bake up golden and crispy.

Get the Recipe: Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage and Hash Browns

Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara

The best parts of the traditional Italian dish of spaghetti carbonara are found in this baked mac and cheese: richness from the bacon, creaminess from grated cheese and spice from black pepper.

Get the Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

The key to this hearty Mexican-inspired casserole is Trisha's simple chicken-gravy base.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Make-Ahead Paella Casserole

This paella is perfect if you're short on time: Just assemble, cover and refrigerate the night before for quick cooking the day-of.

Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Paella Casserole

Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole with Cauliflower

With just a little day-before prep work, this creamy casserole comes together with mushrooms, poached chicken and cauliflower.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole with Cauliflower

Black Bean Lasagna

Trisha's veggie lasagna is anything but boring. Black beans, ricotta tofu and fire-roasted tomatoes make for a comforting, flavorful meal that's vegetarian and dairy-free.

Get the Recipe: Black Bean Lasagna

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna, peas, fresh mushrooms and lots of cheese make Sunny's revamped noodle casserole a crowd-pleaser.

Get the Recipe: Sunny's Tuna Noodle Casserole

Classic Italian Lasagna

Tackle Giada's traditional lasagna by making each of the separate ingredients before layering.

Get the Recipe: Classic Italian Lasagna

Oxtail Stew

Matt

Oxtail Stew

This oxtail stew is inspired by the Jamaican version, with tender oxtails and butter beans seasoned with spicy habaneros, ginger and allspice. Time is the key to the comforting brown gravy, which simmers for several hours, intensifying in flavor and rich color. We love it even more the next day, once the beans have had time to break down and the oxtails melt into the gravy even more. Serve with a few dashes of hot sauce for added heat and acidity.

Get the Recipe: Oxtail Stew

Sloppy Joe and Macaroni Casserole

Try Rachael's modern take on an old-school classic: sloppy joes. Just add macaroni, cheddar and deli-style dill pickles.

Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe and Macaroni Casserole

Baked Bean Casserole

Trisha mixes pork, beans and barbecue sauce in this easy casserole that serves 12.

Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole

Stewed Lentils and Tomatoes

You've never had lentils this delicious before. Don't skip the fresh thyme or red wine vinegar — together, they add a huge pop of flavor!

Get the Recipe: Stewed Lentils and Tomatoes

Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

This meal is a veggie lover's dream: Loaded with red peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms and peas, you'll get tons of flavor in every bite.

Get the Recipe: Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

Feel Good Sweet Potato Stew

Packed with sweet potatoes, beans and nuts, Michael's hearty stew is a dish you'll crave again and again.

Get the Recipe: Feel Good Sweet Potato Stew

Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Crust

Con Poulos

Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Crust

Save your chicken bones for a cozy feast. You'll use them to enrich the store-bought broth in this Food Network Magazine recipe.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Potpie With Cheddar Crust

Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina

Chicken Spaghetti

Ree's chicken and spaghetti casserole is pure comfort food. She makes it easy to eat by breaking the spaghetti into pieces.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Spaghetti

Broccoli and Orzo Casserole

Creamy Havarti works best in this comforting casserole. The mild Danish cheese is widely available in different flavors — try dill or caraway for an extra punch.

Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Orzo Casserole

Chicken Noodle Casserole

This casserole based on a favorite soup will satisfy any comfort food craving. Partially cooking the egg noodles allows them to soak up the flavorful sauce without becoming too soft.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole

Coconut-Almond French Toast Casserole

The buttery coconut-almond crust makes this French toast casserole truly special and offsets the creamy, fluffy texture of the bread. You'll want to assemble the dish the day before to give the bread time to soak in the custard.

Get the Recipe: Coconut-Almond French Toast Casserole

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

This colorful, extra-cheesy breakfast casserole can be made ahead and baked the next day — perfect for brunch with a large crowd.

Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Beef and Bean Taco Casserole

Food Network Kitchen nicknamed this the "broken enchilada" casserole because the soft layer of baked tortilla chips on the bottom reminded us of enchiladas. But this dish is much easier to make!

Get the Recipe: Beef and Bean Taco Casserole

Baked Spaghetti

This mashup of lasagna and spaghetti with meat sauce makes for a warming one-pan dinner. (And if you start with leftover cooked noodles and meat sauce, you're set for a super-fast weeknight meal.) Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake when you're ready to serve.

Get the Recipe: Baked Spaghetti

Chicken and Dumplings

Tyler recommends poaching the dumplings in a homemade chicken stock and cream sauce. That way, the dumplings will absorb some of the sauce's rich flavor.

Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Smoky Chipotle Cheddar Mac

Tired of macaroni or penne? Rachael recommends cavatappi (corkscrew shaped) pasta for this spicy, smoky twist on traditional mac and cheese.

Get the Recipe: Smoky Chipotle and Cheddar Mac

Family-Style Pot Roast

Once the beef is fork-tender, Guy Fieri purees the vegetables into a smooth gravy.

Get the Recipe: Family-Style Pot Roast

Braised Beef Brisket with Onions, Mushrooms and Balsamic

Anne uses a generous amount of balsamic vinegar to create a bright, sweet sauce for her beef brisket.

Get the Recipe: Braised Beef Brisket with Onions, Mushrooms, and Balsamic

Pimento Cheesy Mac

Pimentos are sweet and aromatic — perfect when paired with sharp yellow cheddar. For a bit of heat, Rachael adds paprika and dry mustard to the bechamel sauce.

Get the Recipe: Pimiento Cheesy Mac

Beer-Braised Chicken

This savory braised chicken dish doesn't hold back on flavor. It calls for brown ale, dark brown sugar and thick-cut bacon.

Get the Recipe: Beer-Braised Chicken

Broccoli Cheddar Orzotto

Little eaters will gobble up Ree's cheesy, creamy dish (and they won't even mind the broccoli!).

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Orzotto

American Meat Sauce

This sauce is a departure from the Italian version some of us know and love. The American version is slightly sweeter and has a distinct green pepper flavor.

Get the Recipe: American Meat Sauce

Sausage and Rigatoni Dump Dinner

Teri Lyn Fisher

Sausage and Rigatoni Dump Dinner

Skip boiling a big pot of water. This hearty pasta dinner calls for uncooked rigatoni and layers of ricotta and Italian sausage to be layered right in the casserole, so you'll have nothing to wash while it bakes.

Get the Recipe: Sausage and Rigatoni Dump Dinner

One-Pot Mac 'n' Cheese

This one-pot wonder has humble beginnings: just milk and macaroni. As the pasta cooks, the starch that is released helps thicken the milk to make the perfect base for a sauce. The cheeses and seasonings are stirred in at the very end, and everything comes together magically.

Get the Recipe: One-Pot Mac 'n' Cheese

Braised Pot Roast with Vegetables

Tyler's beef pot roast braises for three hours in a hearty tangle of aromatic vegetables, herbs and crushed tomatoes.

Get the Recipe: Braised Pot Roast with Vegetables

Dressed-Up Bacon Mac and Cheese

Raise the mac and cheese bar by adding bacon for crunch and a touch of cayenne pepper for heat.

Get the Recipe: Dressed-Up Bacon Mac and Cheese

Beef and Okra Stew

Stacy Howell

Beef and Okra Stew

Kardea's cozy stew is just what you want on a chilly evening. Ground ginger adds warmth to her filling stew, which is packed with sirloin, okra and onion. Bonus? The whole thing comes together in less than an hour!

Get the Recipe: Beef and Okra Stew

Beanless Beef Chili

Chili seasoning, red pepper flakes and cinnamon pack a punch of flavor in this meaty chili. The perfect finish? Top it off with spiced sour cream.

Get the Recipe: Beanless Beef Chili

One-Pot Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce

This one-pot meal is perfect for the beginner cook: Everything but the cheese goes into one skillet, and it all magically comes together. The tomato paste is here for a little flavor insurance, just in case your tomatoes aren't at their best; feel free to add an extra tablespoon when tomatoes are out of season.

Get the Recipe: One-Pot Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Hangover Soup

True to its name, this chunky soup loaded with bacon, sausage, chopped pork loin and veggies is perfect after a long night out — but we think you'll appreciate its restorative qualities even if you didn't wake up with a throbbing headache.

Get the Recipe: Hangover Soup

Simple, Perfect Chili

Whether you're prepping for a tailgate party or simply looking to warm up with a hearty recipe, Ree's chili will fill the bill every time. She opts for a classic beef-bean mixture, which she makes bold with smoky chili powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Serve the chili alongside gooey cheddar, fresh onions and crunchy tortilla chips to let your family members create personalized bowls.

Get the Recipe: Simple, Perfect Chili

Cheddar Corn Chowder

Armando Rafael

Cheddar Corn Chowder

Loaded with tender potatoes, juicy corn and a half-pound of sharp white cheddar, Ina's creamy, bacon-topped chowder is a comforting soup that can be fixed with fresh or frozen corn.

Get the Recipe: Cheddar Corn Chowder

Spicy Macaroni and Cheese

Feeling nostalgic for her mom's mac and cheese, Sunny came up with this smooth, spicy version to hold her over between visits home. Buttery croutons top it off for a nice crunch.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Macaroni and Cheese

Grilled Chicken Caesar Mac

Rachael uses anchovy paste to replicate the robust flavor of Caesar dressing in this mac and cheese. Serve it with shredded escarole or romaine dressed with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil for a balanced dinner.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caesar Mac

White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a great alternative to its tomato-based counterpart. It has lots of flavor from jalapenos, poblanos and chili powder and get's a cool, bright finish from sour cream and lime.

Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

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