Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe

This one was a big hit with everyone when we made it. It’s rich and cheesy without being complicated. We usually serve it for dinner, but it also makes a great breakfast casserole because you can slice it into generous squares and serve it alongside fruit, potatoes, or your favorite breakfast meats.

Why You’ll Love This Chile Relleno Casserole

This chile relleno casserole comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients and only a few minutes of prep. The combination of mild green chiles, fluffy eggs, and two kinds of melted cheese makes it flavorful and satisfying without a lot of work, and a 9×13-inch pan makes plenty for a family breakfast, weekend brunch, potluck, or easy dinner.

Step By Step Directions

1. Whisk together the eggs, flour, baking powder, and seasonings in a large bowl.
2. Stir in the drained green chiles.
3. Fold most of the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese into the egg mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
7. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover chile relleno casserole in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Individual portions are easy to reheat for a quick breakfast or lunch. You can warm leftovers in the microwave for convenience or reheat them in the oven until warmed through.

More Delicious Casserole Recipes

• Beef Stroganoff Casserole
• Chicken Stuffing Casserole
• Cheeseburger Casserole
• Pizza Casserole
• Tuna Casserole
• See all our amazing casserole recipes!

How to Make Chile Relleno Casserole

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Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe

Chile Relleno Casserole is a cheesy, fluffy egg casserole made with green chiles, Monterey Jack, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an easy family dinner!

Course Breakfast, Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword chile relleno casserole

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Calories 275kcal

Author April Woods

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cans chopped green chiles drained (4 ounces each)
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese divided
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
• Stir in the drained green chiles, 1½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, and 1½ cups cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese and ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
• Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting into 12 squares and serving.

Notes

Calories and nutritional data are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.

Recipe Notes

• Green chiles: Drain the canned green chiles well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole. Mild green chiles provide plenty of flavor without making the dish overly spicy.
• Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts especially well, but packaged shredded cheese works too.
• Breakfast or dinner: This egg-based casserole is wonderful for breakfast or brunch but also makes an easy dinner with rice, beans, or a side salad.
• Make ahead: Bake the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and reheat individual portions when ready to serve.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely, wrap portions tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions until heated through, or cover and warm in a 325°F oven.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute a gluten-free all purpose flour blend for the regular flour. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1square | Calories: 275kcal

Other Awesome Recipes with Green Chiles

• Mexican Corn Soup
• Creamy Corn Dip
• Nacho Meatballs
• Taco Rice

Final Thoughts

Chile relleno casserole is an easy way to get plenty of cheesy green chile flavor without stuffing or frying individual peppers. We especially loved this one as a breakfast casserole, but it’s versatile enough for brunch, lunch, or dinner — and the fact that everybody enjoyed it definitely puts it in the make-again category.

The post Chile Relleno Casserole appeared first on Mama Loves Food.

Weekly Meal Plan Recipes

I’ve organized 260 different dinner recipes into 52 weekly meal plans, giving you a full year of dinner inspiration without repeating a single meal! Each week includes five family-tested dinners and two desserts, with plenty of flexibility to mix and match, plan for leftovers, or take a night off from cooking. I’ve also included a free printable meal planner and grocery list to help you put together a plan that works for your household.

How to Use These Weekly Meal Plans

Each week includes five easy dinner ideas and two delicious desserts, but there’s no need to follow the plans exactly! Pick the recipes your family will love, swap meals between weeks, and leave room for leftovers, takeout, or whatever life throws your way.

Choose your dinners, check the ingredients you’ll need, and add everything to your shopping list. You can even print our free weekly meal planner to keep your menu and grocery list organized in one place.

Winter Meal Plans

Cold-weather comfort foods, cozy soups, slow cooker dinners, and plenty of warm-from-the-oven favorites.

Spring Meal Plans

Fresh flavors, lighter meals, quick dinners, and recipes that welcome warmer days.

Summer Meal Plans

Grilled favorites, easy sandwiches, salads, and cookout-friendly meals for long summer evenings.

Fall Meal Plans

Back-to-school staples, comforting casseroles, soups, and holiday-season dinner ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to make all five dinners in one week?

Not at all. Think of each week as five dinner options. Make all five, choose a few, or combine recipes from different weeks.

Are grocery lists included?

This collection is designed for dinner inspiration rather than a single fixed shopping list. Each linked recipe includes its own ingredients, so you can build a grocery list around the dishes you choose.

Can I use these meal plans any time of year?

Absolutely. The seasons are just a helpful way to organize recipes. There is no reason you cannot make chili in July or grill chicken in January.

Are the desserts required?

No. The two desserts are bonus ideas for whenever you want a homemade treat.

Other Awesome Recipe Collections

• Easy Air Fryer Recipes
• Amazing Meatball Recipes
• Best Ground Beef Recipes
• Easy Chicken Recipes
• Quick Weeknight Dinners
• Cheap Dinner Ideas
• Cozy Chicken Soup Recipes
• Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Recipes
• Best Bread Recipes
• Easy Potato Soup Recipes
• Pumpkin Recipes for Fall Cooking
• Crock Pot Recipes Collection
• Crockpot Chicken Recipes
• Holiday Cookie Recipes
• Christmas Candy Recipes
• See all our best recipe collections!

The post Weekly Meal Plan Recipes: A Full Year of Easy Family Dinner Ideas appeared first on Mama Loves Food.

Christmas Candy Recipes

Whether you’re putting together Christmas candy boxes for friends, making teacher gifts, or looking for something delicious to bring to a holiday party, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. We’ve rounded up our favorite homemade Christmas candies, plus a few sweet and savory food gifts that are sure to spread some holiday cheer!

Easy Homemade Christmas Candy Recipes

These classic homemade candy recipes are perfect for filling holiday tins, assembling Christmas treat trays, or wrapping up as thoughtful edible gifts. From crunchy peanut brittle to creamy chocolate-covered candies, there’s something for every sweet tooth!

Crockpot Candy

This easy crockpot candy is loaded with chocolate and crunchy peanuts for the ultimate sweet and salty treat! Made right in your slow cooker, it’s perfect for making big batches of homemade Christmas candy without spending all day in the kitchen.

Martha Washington Candy

Martha Washington candy is a traditional holiday favorite made with sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, cherries, and a rich chocolate coating. These delicious bite-sized candies look beautiful in a Christmas gift box!

Cool Whip Candy

If you love 3 Musketeers candy bars, you’re going to love this homemade version! Cool Whip candy has a light, fluffy chocolate center covered in a delicious chocolate coating. It’s a fun and surprisingly simple homemade candy recipe.

Sponge Candy

Sponge candy is a crunchy, airy confection dipped in rich chocolate for a delicious combination of textures. This old-fashioned candy is a wonderful addition to Christmas treat trays and homemade gift boxes.

Microwave Peanut Brittle

Homemade peanut brittle doesn’t have to be complicated! This microwave peanut brittle is sweet, salty, and wonderfully crunchy. Break it into pieces and package it in festive bags for an easy holiday gift.

Graham Cracker Toffee

Graham cracker toffee combines buttery brown sugar toffee, crunchy graham crackers, melted chocolate, and pecans. It’s an irresistible holiday treat that’s perfect for breaking into pieces and sharing.

Haystacks

These easy no-bake haystacks are made with crunchy chow mein noodles, butterscotch, and peanut butter. They’re sweet, crispy, and perfect for making with the kids during the Christmas season!

Buckeye Balls

Buckeye balls are a classic combination of creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate. These easy no-bake candies are a holiday favorite and look adorable tucked into little paper candy cups.

Peanut Butter Balls

Homemade peanut butter balls are sweet, creamy, and covered completely in chocolate. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and make a delicious addition to holiday candy assortments.

Pecan Pie Balls

All the delicious flavors of pecan pie wrapped into an adorable bite-sized treat! These pecan pie balls have a rich, nutty filling and a sweet candy coating, making them perfect for holiday gifting.

Christmas Truffles and Chocolate Covered Treats

Homemade truffles and chocolate-dipped treats always feel a little extra special during the holidays! These delicious candies are wonderful for Christmas parties, dessert platters, and beautiful homemade candy assortments.

Peppermint Truffles

These festive peppermint truffles combine chocolatey Oreo filling with a sweet candy coating and crushed peppermint topping. They’re the perfect Christmas candy for anyone who loves chocolate and peppermint together!

Grinch Truffles

Bright green Grinch truffles are almost too cute to eat! Made with a delicious Oreo truffle filling and decorated with festive candy coating, these adorable treats are especially fun for Christmas parties and holiday gift boxes.

Oreo Truffles

With just three simple ingredients, Oreo truffles are one of the easiest homemade treats you can make! These rich chocolate-covered cookie balls are always a crowd favorite and make wonderful edible gifts.

Biscoff Truffles

Biscoff truffles are filled with sweet, spiced cookie butter flavor and dipped in creamy white chocolate. These easy no-bake treats are a delicious alternative to traditional chocolate truffles.

White Chocolate Covered Oreos

Chocolate sandwich cookies dipped in white chocolate make a simple but irresistible holiday treat. Add festive sprinkles to dress them up for Christmas candy platters, party favors, and homemade food gifts.

Almond Clusters

Crunchy almonds coated in delicious chocolate make these homemade almond clusters a classic sweet and salty treat. They’re easy to portion into candy cups and package in decorative tins.

Snowman Brownie Bites

These adorable snowman brownie bites are made with brownies, cherries, and a sweet white candy coating. With their cute decorated faces and gumdrop earmuffs, they’re a festive little treat for holiday gifting!

Christmas Candy Bark Recipes

Chocolate bark is one of the easiest Christmas candies to make! It’s simple to customize, requires very little hands-on time, and looks beautiful packaged in clear gift bags or holiday tins.

Christmas Bark

This colorful Christmas bark is made with crunchy pretzels, red and green candy melts, and festive sprinkles. It’s sweet, salty, and wonderfully cheerful, making it an easy choice for holiday gifting!

Oreo Bark

With just two ingredients, Oreo bark is a wonderfully simple homemade candy! Creamy white chocolate and crunchy Oreo cookies create a delicious cookies-and-cream treat that’s perfect for breaking into pieces and sharing.

S’mores Bark

S’mores bark combines rich chocolate, crunchy graham crackers, and fluffy marshmallows for a nostalgic treat everyone will love. It’s a fun addition to Christmas candy boxes, especially for chocolate lovers!

Homemade Christmas Fudge Recipes

Rich, creamy homemade fudge is a Christmas candy tradition! These easy fudge recipes are wonderful for gifting because they can be sliced into squares, layered into candy boxes, and shared with everyone on your holiday list.

Peanut Butter Fudge

This creamy peanut butter fudge is made with just four ingredients and doesn’t require a candy thermometer! It’s rich, sweet, and incredibly easy to make, making it a great choice for Christmas candy gifts.

Snickers Fudge

Snickers fudge combines rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy salted peanuts for a homemade candy inspired by the classic candy bar. Cut it into small squares for an indulgent addition to holiday treat boxes.

Oreo Fudge

Oreo fudge is a rich chocolate treat packed with crunchy Oreo cookies. Made with just three ingredients, it’s a quick and easy homemade Christmas candy that’s sure to disappear fast!

Cookies and Cream Fudge

This easy cookies and cream fudge combines creamy white chocolate with crunchy chocolate sandwich cookies. The pretty black-and-white squares look especially beautiful alongside colorful holiday candies.

Grasshopper Fudge

Grasshopper fudge features delicious chocolate and mint flavors with a festive green filling and crunchy Oreo cookie base. It’s a fun holiday candy that’s perfect for anyone who loves mint chocolate desserts!

Butterscotch Fudge

Butterscotch fudge is made with just two ingredients for an incredibly easy homemade treat! Its rich, buttery butterscotch flavor makes it a wonderful addition to Christmas candy trays and assorted fudge boxes.

Coca Cola Fudge

Coca Cola fudge is a fun twist on traditional homemade fudge with rich chocolate flavor and a touch of cola. It’s an unexpected treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays!

More Homemade Food Gifts for Christmas

Not every delicious homemade Christmas gift has to be candy! These sweet and savory snacks are wonderful for packaging in mason jars, festive containers, and holiday gift bags. They’re also perfect for adding a little variety to your homemade Christmas gift baskets.

Candied Nuts

Homemade candied nuts are sweet, crunchy, and coated in delicious maple syrup. Package them in small glass jars or decorative bags for an easy homemade Christmas gift that’s perfect for snacking!

Reindeer Chow

Reindeer chow is a festive snack mix that’s perfect for Christmas parties and holiday gifting. With its delicious combination of sweet, crunchy ingredients, this easy treat is always a hit with kids and adults alike!

Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies

Hot cocoa muddy buddies take a classic crunchy snack mix and give it a delicious hot chocolate twist! Package this sweet treat in holiday bags or jars for a fun and easy Christmas food gift.

Seasoned Pretzels

For a delicious break from all the holiday sweets, these seasoned pretzels are a wonderful choice! Coated in buttery ranch and savory seasonings, they’re perfect for adding to homemade snack baskets and Christmas care packages.

How to Package Homemade Christmas Candy for Gifts

Homemade Christmas candy makes a thoughtful gift, and you don’t need expensive supplies to make it look beautiful! Decorative cookie tins, small bakery boxes, clear cellophane bags, and mason jars are all wonderful options for packaging edible Christmas gifts.

Line tins and boxes with parchment paper, arrange the candies in neat rows or individual paper cups, and finish with a festive ribbon or gift tag. For an extra personal touch, include a handwritten note with the names of the treats inside.

When gifting several different recipes together, be sure to consider storage requirements. Some candies need refrigeration, while others are best kept in a cool, dry place. Package refrigerated treats separately when necessary, and include storage instructions so everyone can enjoy their goodies at their best!

Final Thoughts

Homemade Christmas candy is such a fun and delicious way to celebrate the holidays! Whether you’re making a batch of rich chocolate fudge, packaging colorful candy bark for neighbors, or putting together festive treat boxes for teachers and friends, these easy Christmas candy recipes make holiday gifting extra sweet.

Pick a few favorites, grab your festive tins and ribbons, and get ready to spread a little homemade Christmas cheer!

Other Awesome Recipe Collections

• Easy Air Fryer Recipes
• Amazing Meatball Recipes
• Best Ground Beef Recipes
• Easy Chicken Recipes
• Quick Weeknight Dinners
• Cheap Dinner Ideas
• Cozy Chicken Soup Recipes
• Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Recipes
• Best Bread Recipes
• Easy Potato Soup Recipes
• Pumpkin Recipes for Fall Cooking
• Crock Pot Recipes Collection
• Crockpot Chicken Recipes
• Holiday Cookie Recipes
• Weekly Meal Plan Recipes
• See all our best recipe collections!

The post Christmas Candy Recipes: 30+ Candy & Homemade Food Gifts appeared first on Mama Loves Food.

Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

Boxed mac and cheese is fast, but homemade is barely slower and so much better. While the pasta boils, you whisk together a quick cheese sauce in a second pot. By the time the noodles are drained, dinner is ready. The secret to the extra creamy texture is a mix of American cheese and sharp cheddar.

Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Mac and Cheese

It’s ready in about 20 minutes with pantry staples you probably already have. The sauce stays smooth and creamy instead of turning grainy, thanks to the American cheese. It works as a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a Thanksgiving and Christmas side that kids and grown-ups both go back for.

Step by Step Directions

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, then drain.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes.
3. Pour in the cold milk and whisk until smooth. Bring it to a quick boil, then lower the heat and simmer, whisking often, until the sauce starts to thicken.
4. Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the cheese a handful at a time until it melts completely, then stir in the mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Fold in the drained pasta and serve right away.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The sauce firms up as it chills, so add a splash of milk or water when you reheat it.

To reheat on the stove, warm it over medium heat, stirring in milk a little at a time until it’s creamy again. In the microwave, heat it in 30 to 60 second bursts and stir in between.

Mac and cheese is best fresh, but you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

More Awesome Mac and Cheese Recipes

• Dutch Oven Baked Mac and Cheese
• Broccoli Mac and Cheese
• Chili Mac
• Barbecue Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs
• Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

How to Make Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Print

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Creamy stovetop mac and cheese made from scratch in about 25 minutes with milk, butter, American cheese, and sharp cheddar. No oven needed!

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword stovetop mac and cheese

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 319kcal

Author April Woods

Equipment

• Large pot (for the pasta)
• Large saucepan or Dutch oven (for the sauce)
• Whisk
• Box grater
• Colander

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups cold milk
• 2 cups freshly shredded American cheese
• 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
• While pasta is cooking, in a large pot over medium high heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
• Pour in the cold milk and whisk to get rid of the lumps. Bring to a quick boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer, whisking frequently, until sauce has begun to thicken, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Slowly stir in shredded cheese until it has melted completely. Stir in the mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Fold in the cooked pasta and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Calories are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.

Recipe Notes: 

• Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has a starch coating that keeps it from melting smoothly.
• Take the pot off the heat before stirring in the cheese, so the sauce doesn’t turn grainy.
• Leftovers thicken in the fridge. Stir in a splash of milk when reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 319kcal

More Comfort Food Favorites

• Tuna Casserole
• Crack Chicken
• Broccoli Cheese Soup
• Cheez-It Chicken
• Tater Tot Casserole

Final Thoughts

Once you see how easy homemade mac and cheese is on the stovetop, it’s hard to go back to the box. Keep the ingredients on hand for busy weeknights, and make a double batch when the holidays roll around. It disappears every time.

1.20.21, 10.23.26

The post Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese appeared first on Mama Loves Food.

Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

This ground chicken meatloaf comes together with familiar pantry ingredients like breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and eggs. A quick ketchup and balsamic glaze adds just the right balance of sweet and tangy flavor on top.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Meatloaf

This chicken meatloaf recipe is easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is a great alternative when you want something a little lighter than traditional beef meatloaf. It’s hearty enough for a comforting dinner, slices beautifully, and the tangy glaze gives it plenty of flavor without requiring a long ingredient list.

Step By Step Directions

1. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, onion, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Knead the mixture together until everything is evenly incorporated.
4. Press the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
5. Stir together the ketchup and balsamic vinegar, then spread the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.
7. Allow the meatloaf to rest briefly before slicing and serving.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover chicken meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. You can store the meatloaf whole or portion it into individual slices for easy reheating.

Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through. Leftover meatloaf slices are also delicious tucked into sandwiches.

Chicken meatloaf can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual slices or the remaining loaf tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Delicious Meatloaf Recipes

• Crock Pot Meatloaf
• Big Mac Meatloaf
• Sheet Pan Meatloaf
• Turkey Meatloaf
• Classic Meatloaf Recipe
• See all our meatloaf recipes!

How to Make Chicken Meatloaf

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Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Chicken meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food! Made with ground chicken, savory seasonings, and a tangy ketchup balsamic glaze, this easy meatloaf is perfect for family dinners.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken meatloaf

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 8 slices

Calories 270kcal

Author April Woods

Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Instant-read meat thermometer

Ingredients

Meatloaf

• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 onion finely diced
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Glaze

• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, diced onion, eggs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Knead everything together until well incorporated.
• Press the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
• In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup and balsamic vinegar until combined.
• Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the center of the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest briefly before removing it from the pan, slicing, and serving.

Notes

Calories and nutritional data are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.

Recipe Notes:

• Ground chicken: Use 2 pounds of ground chicken as directed. The fat content of the chicken can affect the finished texture and moisture.
• Breadcrumbs: Regular or seasoned breadcrumbs can be used, although seasoned breadcrumbs may change the overall saltiness and flavor.
• Onion: Dice the onion finely so it distributes evenly and softens during cooking.
• Mixing: Combine the ingredients thoroughly, but avoid excessive mixing, which can make meatloaf dense.
• Internal temperature: Always check the center of the meatloaf with a meat thermometer. Ground chicken must reach 165°F.
• Resting: Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to help it hold together.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatloaf whole or in individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 270kcal

Other Awesome Recipes with Ground Chicken

• Chicken Meatballs
• Buffalo Chicken Burgers

Final Thoughts

Chicken meatloaf is an easy way to put a different spin on a classic comfort-food dinner. With savory ground chicken, simple seasonings, and a tangy ketchup-balsamic glaze, it’s a straightforward family meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight and makes great leftovers too.

The post Chicken Meatloaf appeared first on Mama Loves Food.

Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe

This comforting soup is thick and satisfying without being overly heavy, and the combination of potatoes, beef, and vegetables makes it a complete meal in one bowl. Serve it with crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple side salad for an easy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shepherd’s pie soup is everything we love about comfort food: warm, filling, flavorful, and simple to make. It comes together in one pot with familiar ingredients, and the potatoes help give the creamy broth a wonderfully hearty texture. Frozen mixed vegetables make prep especially easy, while ground beef turns it into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Step By Step Directions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot. Drain excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to a plate.
2. Melt the butter in the same pot. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste.
4. Pour in the broth, worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, diced potatoes, and cooked ground beef.
5. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Partially cover the pot and cook until the potatoes are fork tender. If desired, mash some of the softened potatoes directly in the soup.
6. Whisk together your cornstarch slurry and pour it into the soup, then add the frozen mixed vegetables.
7. Return the soup to a simmer and continue cooking, until the vegetables are tender and the broth has thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover shepherd’s pie soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the soup gently in a saucepan on the stove, stirring occasionally. Because the potatoes and cornstarch continue to thicken the soup as it sits, you can add a small splash of broth or cream while reheating if needed to loosen the consistency.

More Hearty Soup Recipes

• Stuffed Cabbage Soup
• Italian Wedding Soup
• Pot Roast Soup
• Beef and Cabbage Soup
• Cowboy Stew
• See all our delicious soup recipes!

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup

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Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a hearty, creamy soup made with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, mixed vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. All the comforting flavors of classic shepherd’s pie in an easy one-pot dinner!

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Keyword shepherd’s pie soup

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 6

Calories 435kcal

Author April Woods

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Potato masher (optional)

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 medium to large russet potatoes peeled and diced
• ½ tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• Salt and black pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions

• Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Drain any excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to a plate.
• Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Continue cooking for another minute, allowing the seasonings to become fragrant.
• Pour in the broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, diced potatoes, and cooked ground beef. Stir everything together until combined.
• Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Partially cover the pot and cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.
• If desired, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the softened potatoes directly in the soup, leaving plenty of potato pieces intact for a chunky texture. This helps create a thicker, creamier consistency. Alternatively, leave the potatoes intact.
• In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the soup, followed by the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir until evenly incorporated.
• Return the soup to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the broth has thickened.
• Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as desired. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Notes

Calories and nutritional data are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.

Recipe Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes work especially well because they soften beautifully and help naturally thicken the soup.
• Vegetables: A frozen mixed vegetable blend containing peas, carrots, corn, and green beans is a great option.
• Consistency: For a thicker soup, gently mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the vegetables. Leave them intact for a chunkier texture.
• Broth: Chicken or beef broth can be used depending on your preference.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened during storage.

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcal

Other Great Recipes with Ground Beef

• Beef Stroganoff Casserole
• Cheeseburger Casserole
• Tachos Recipe
• Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
• Homemade Hamburger Helper
• See all our easy ground beef recipes!

Final Thoughts

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a cozy way to enjoy all the savory flavors of the classic comfort-food casserole in an easy one-pot meal. With ground beef, creamy potatoes, colorful vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s hearty enough for dinner while still being wonderfully simple to make.

The post Shepherd’s Pie Soup appeared first on Mama Loves Food.

Butter Cookies Recipe

There’s something about a plate of homemade butter cookies that makes any afternoon feel special. They’re crisp at the edges, tender in the middle, and taste like pure butter with a little hint of almond. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, or tuck them into a cookie tin for friends and neighbors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You only need a few simple ingredients you probably already have. They look fancy, but they’re easy to pipe once you get the hang of it. The dough freezes beautifully, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. And the baked cookies keep for up to two weeks, so they’re perfect for gifting and cookie trays.

Step by Step Directions

1. Cream the butter, sugar, and salt. Beat with a hand mixer, or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, for 2 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Don’t rush this part, it’s what makes the cookies light.
2. Add the egg and extracts. Beat until smooth and combined.
3. Add the flour slowly. Turn the mixer to low and add the flour a little at a time, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing makes the dough stiff and harder to pipe.
4. Pipe the rosettes. Spoon the dough into a sturdy piping bag fitted with a large open star tip, like a 1M. Pipe 2 inch wide rosettes onto a parchment lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
5. Chill. Refrigerate the piped cookies for 20 to 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F. This helps them hold their ridges.
6. Bake. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bottoms and edges are lightly golden. Let them rest on the pan for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage and Leftovers

Store baked butter cookies in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. They’ll stay fresh for 1 to 2 weeks.

To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

You can also freeze the dough. Pipe the cookies onto a lined pan, freeze until solid, then move them to a freezer safe container for up to a month. Or roll the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or a sealed bag, and freeze it for up to 3 months.

More Delicious Cookie Recipes

• Shortbread Cookies
• Sugar Cookies
• Sprinkle Cookies
• M&M Christmas Cookies
• Lemon Pudding Cookies
• See our full catalog of cookie recipes, and our holiday cookies collection!

How to Make Butter Cookies

Ready to bake? You’ll find the exact amounts, oven temperature, and bake time in the printable recipe card below.

Print

Butter Cookies Recipe

Classic Danish style butter cookies that melt in your mouth. Buttery, crisp swirls just like the famous blue tin, only fresher.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Danish

Keyword butter cookies

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Chilling time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 134kcal

Author April Woods

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour

Instructions

• Using an electric hand mixer, or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy (2 – 4 minutes).
• Add in the egg, vanilla and almond extracts and continue to beat until well mixed.
• Reduce the speed of the mixer to low, and slowly add in the flour, scraping down the sides as necessary. The dough should be on the thicker side.
• Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (like a 1M), and pipe 2 inch wide rosettes on a lined cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.

  Refrigerate the piped cookie dough for about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes at 350° F, until lightly browned on the bottoms and edges.

Notes

Calories are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.

Recipe Notes:

• Butter should be very soft so the dough pipes easily. If the dough gets too stiff, knead the piping bag in your hands for a minute to warm it up.
• Using salted butter? Skip the added salt.
• No piping bag? Roll the dough into a log, wrap, and chill until firm, then slice into rounds and bake.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container for 1 to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. Frozen dough can be baked straight from the freezer; add a couple of extra minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal

Other Awesome Holiday Treats

• Oreo Truffles
• Cake Balls
• Peanut Butter Balls
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Scotcheroos

Final Thoughts

Homemade butter cookies are a holiday classic for a reason. They’re simple, buttery, and they disappear fast from any cookie tray. Make a double batch and freeze half so you’re ready for every party, potluck, and neighbor gift this season.

2.18.22, 10.22.26

The post Butter Cookies appeared first on Mama Loves Food.

Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs

The combination of tart cranberry sauce, sweet chili sauce, fresh jalapeño, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire gives these meatballs the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory. Make them in the slow cooker for an easy party recipe that stays warm for serving, or prepare them on the stovetop when you need them ready more quickly.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs

These cranberry jalapeño meatballs are incredibly easy to make with frozen meatballs and a handful of simple sauce ingredients, but they look and taste special enough for a holiday party. The cranberry sauce gives them a gorgeous festive color, fresh jalapeño adds just the right amount of heat, and the slow cooker makes them especially convenient for entertaining.

Step By Step Directions

Slow Cooker Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs

1. Place the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, stir the cranberry sauce to loosen it, then mix in the sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, diced jalapeño, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Pour the cranberry jalapeño sauce over the meatballs and gently stir until they are evenly coated.
4. Cover and cook until the meatballs are heated completely through and the sauce is hot and bubbling around the edges, stirring once or twice if convenient.
5. Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until smooth, then stir the slurry into the sauce.
6. Continue cooking until the sauce is thick, glossy, and clings to the meatballs.
7. Switch the slow cooker to WARM and garnish with sliced jalapeño, green onions, and fresh cranberries before serving.

Stovetop Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs

1. Place the cranberry sauce in a large saucepan or Dutch oven and stir briefly to loosen it.
2. Stir in the sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, diced jalapeño, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Add the frozen meatballs and gently toss them in the cranberry jalapeño sauce until coated.
4. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated completely through and the sauce is simmering.
5. Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until smooth, then stir it into the sauce.
6. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Transfer to a serving dish or keep warm over very low heat, then garnish with sliced jalapeño, green onions, and fresh cranberries before serving.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover cranberry jalapeño meatballs with the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat them gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, in the microwave, or in the slow cooker on LOW until warmed through. If the cranberry sauce becomes too thick in the refrigerator, stir in a tablespoon or two of water while reheating.

The cooked meatballs and sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Wait to add the fresh jalapeño and green onion garnish until after reheating so they stay bright and crisp.

More Delicious Meatball Recipes

• Marry Me Meatballs
• Nacho Meatballs
• Hawaiian Meatballs
• Sweet and Sour Meatballs
• See our full collection of meatball recipes and also a roundup of all our favorite meatball recipes!

How to Make Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs

Print

Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs Recipe

Cranberry jalapeño meatballs are an easy sweet and spicy appetizer made with frozen meatballs, cranberry sauce, sweet chili sauce, and fresh jalapeño. Make them in the slow cooker or on the stovetop for a delicious holiday party appetizer!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword cranberry jalapeno meatballs

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings 10

Calories 350kcal

Author April Woods

Equipment

• slow cooker or large saucepan/Dutch oven
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen homestyle meatballs (32-ounces)
• 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce (14-ounces)
• ¾ cup sweet chili sauce
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 fresh jalapeños (1 small diced, 1 thinly sliced for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• Green onions thinly sliced, for garnish
• Fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions

Slow Cooker Instructions

• Place the frozen meatballs (no need to thaw) into the slow cooker.
• Add the whole berry cranberry sauce to a medium mixing bowl and stir briefly to loosen it. Stir in the sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, finely diced jalapeño, garlic powder, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
• Pour the cranberry jalapeño sauce over the meatballs and gently stir until evenly coated.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2½ hours, stirring once or twice if convenient, until the meatballs are heated completely through and the sauce is hot and bubbling around the edges.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and gently stir to combine.
• Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the sauce is thick, glossy, and clings to the meatballs.
• Switch the slow cooker to WARM. Garnish with sliced fresh jalapeño, green onions, and fresh cranberries. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Stovetop Instructions

• Add the whole berry cranberry sauce to a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat and stir briefly to loosen it.
• Add the sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, finely diced jalapeño, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until thoroughly combined.
• Add the frozen meatballs and gently stir until evenly coated in the sauce.
• Cover and cook over medium-low heat for approximately 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated completely through and the sauce is simmering. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent scorching.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
• Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and continue cooking uncovered for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
• Transfer to a serving dish or keep warm over very low heat. Garnish with sliced fresh jalapeño, green onions, and fresh cranberries. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Notes

Calories and nutritional data are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.

Recipe Notes: 

• Serving Size: Approximately 3–4 meatballs per serving, with sauce, based on 10 servings and a package containing approximately 35–40 meatballs. Actual serving size will depend on the brand and size of meatballs used.
• Meatballs: Frozen homestyle meatballs work best because their mild, savory flavor complements the sweet and spicy sauce. Turkey meatballs can also be used.
• Spice level: Remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes for mild to medium heat. Leave some intact or add another jalapeño for a spicier sauce.
• Sauce consistency: The cornstarch slurry gives the cranberry sauce a thick, glossy finish. It can be omitted if the sauce is already thick enough.
• Seasoning: Additional salt generally isn’t necessary because the meatballs, sweet chili sauce, and Worcestershire provide plenty of seasoning.
• Keeping warm: Finished meatballs can be held on the slow cooker’s WARM setting for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick. Keep at 140°F or above for safe hot holding.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs with their sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the slow cooker until heated to 165°F.
• Garnish: Add fresh jalapeño, green onions, and cranberries just before serving for the prettiest presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballs | Calories: 350kcal

Other Awesome Party Appetizers

• Crock Pot Little Smokies
• Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
• Corn Dip Recipe
• Cream Cheese Dip
• Tater Tot Nachos
• See all our best appetizer recipes!

Substitutions

Turkey meatballs can be substituted for beef homestyle meatballs, and honey can be used in place of the brown sugar. Lime juice can replace the orange juice if you prefer a sharper, more savory flavor.

For even more sweet heat, replace part of the sweet chili sauce with red pepper jelly. A small amount of seedless raspberry preserves can also replace some of the cranberry sauce if you prefer a sweeter glaze.

Serrano pepper can replace the jalapeño for significantly more heat. If you’re serving a crowd that prefers mild food, leave the jalapeño out of the sauce and use just a few thin slices on top as garnish.

Variations

• For extra-spicy cranberry jalapeño meatballs, add a second jalapeño to the sauce and leave some of the seeds intact. Garnish generously with additional fresh jalapeño slices.
• For cranberry orange meatballs, omit the jalapeño, add extra orange juice, and stir in a little fresh orange zest for a sweeter holiday version.
• For cranberry BBQ meatballs, replace the sweet chili sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky cranberry glaze.
• For cranberry pepper jelly meatballs, replace some of the sweet chili sauce with red pepper jelly for an especially glossy sweet-and-spicy sauce.
• For cream cheese cranberry jalapeño meatballs, serve the finished meatballs over softened cream cheese or offer cream cheese on the side for a fun spin on classic cranberry jalapeño dip.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry jalapeño meatballs are the kind of appetizer that looks festive and impressive without requiring a lot of work. The combination of sweet cranberry sauce, savory meatballs, sweet chili sauce, and fresh jalapeño makes them perfect for holiday parties, while the slow cooker option makes serving a crowd incredibly easy.

Keep a pile of toothpicks nearby and make sure to spoon plenty of that glossy cranberry jalapeño sauce over the meatballs when you serve them!

The post Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs appeared first on Mama Loves Food.

Ham Leftover Recipes

If you’ve made a big ham for Easter, Christmas, or Sunday dinner, don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! These easy recipes use cooked ham to make everything from comforting family dinners to hearty breakfasts and simple lunches. You might even find yourself making extra ham on purpose!

Easy Leftover Ham Recipes

Ham Fried Rice

Turn leftover ham into a delicious weeknight dinner with this easy ham fried rice! Loaded with tender ham, fluffy rice, eggs, peas, and carrots, this flavorful dish comes together quickly and is a great way to use up leftover vegetables, too.

Ham Salad

This old-fashioned ham salad is a classic for a reason! Made with chopped ham, creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, and sweet pickle relish, it’s delicious served on sandwiches, crackers, or lettuce wraps. Perfect for an easy lunch after a big holiday meal!

Ham and Bean Soup

Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade ham and bean soup! This hearty recipe combines tender beans, savory ham, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. Make it on the stovetop, in your slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot for an easy and filling family dinner.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Tender potatoes, savory ham, and plenty of melty cheese make this comforting casserole a family favorite! It’s a delicious way to transform leftover holiday ham into a hearty dinner that everyone will be excited to eat.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

All the delicious flavors of classic chicken cordon bleu in an easy, family-friendly casserole! This creamy dish combines chicken, leftover ham, Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard with a golden stuffing topping. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Split Pea Soup

This hearty split pea soup is the ultimate cozy meal! Made with tender split peas, smoky ham hocks, carrots, and savory seasonings, it’s also a delicious way to use extra diced ham as a garnish. You can make it on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or in your Instant Pot.

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Start your morning with this easy crockpot breakfast casserole! Fluffy eggs, tender biscuits, savory ham, and melted cheese come together for a delicious breakfast that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s especially great for those mornings after a big holiday dinner!

Breakfast Sliders

These ham and cheese breakfast sliders are a delicious way to use up sliced leftover ham! Fluffy scrambled eggs, gooey cheese, and savory ham are layered between buttery Hawaiian rolls and baked until golden. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick meal on the go.

Ham and Cheese Croissant Roll-Ups

These easy ham and cheese croissant roll-ups are made with buttery crescent roll dough, savory ham, and melty cheese. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for using thin slices of leftover holiday ham. Serve them for lunch, as an afternoon snack, or as a fun party appetizer!

Club Sandwich

Give your leftover ham a delicious makeover with this classic club sandwich! Piled high with layers of toasted bread, ham, turkey, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise, it’s a satisfying lunch that’s anything but boring.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

This creamy broccoli cheese soup is already a family favorite, but adding diced leftover ham makes it even better! Tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and plenty of melted cheese create a rich, comforting soup. Stir in your cooked ham for a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Crock Pot Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

This cheesy crock pot tater tot breakfast casserole is the perfect way to start the day! Made with crispy-edged tater tots, eggs, cheese, and breakfast meat, it’s easy to customize with diced leftover ham in place of the sausage. Great for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, or feeding hungry kids!

How to Store Leftover Ham

Store cooked ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to refrigerate leftovers promptly after your meal.

For longer storage, place chopped, diced, or sliced ham in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for 1 to 2 months for the best quality. Label each container with the date and portion size so it’s easy to grab what you need.

When you’re ready to use frozen ham, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Depending on the recipe, you may also be able to add frozen diced ham directly to a soup or other dish that will be thoroughly heated.

Final Thoughts

Leftover ham doesn’t have to mean eating the same dinner three days in a row! With these easy and delicious leftover ham recipes, you can turn that extra holiday ham into satisfying breakfasts, quick lunches, and comforting family dinners.

Whether you’re craving a creamy casserole, a hearty soup, or a warm and cheesy sandwich, there’s something here for everyone. So save that extra ham and enjoy every last bite!

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• Easy Air Fryer Recipes
• Best Ground Beef Recipes
• Must Make Chicken Recipes
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• Quick Weeknight Dinners
• Cheap Dinner Ideas
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• Recipes made with Rotisserie Chicken
• Crock Pot Recipes Collection
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• See all our best recipe collections!

The post Leftover Ham Recipes: 12 Easy and Delicious Ideas appeared first on Mama Loves Food.

Easy Meals Made With Rotisserie Chicken

Grab a chicken from the grocery store, pull the meat from the bones, and you already have the hardest part of dinner finished. These easy rotisserie chicken recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, using up leftovers, or anytime you want homemade dinner without starting from scratch.

Whether you’re craving comfort food, something fresh for lunch, or an easy dinner the whole family will eat, these recipes are a great way to put shredded rotisserie chicken to work.

Rotisserie Chicken Soups and Chili

Chicken Soup with Rotisserie Chicken

Our chicken soup with rotisserie chicken is the obvious place to start! Tender chicken, egg noodles, vegetables, and herbs come together in a cozy chicken noodle soup that’s ready in about 40 minutes.

White Chicken Chili

Creamy white chicken chili with cannellini beans, peppers, green enchilada sauce, and sour cream is hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully easy. The recipe includes specific directions for making it with already-cooked chicken.

Kimchi Stew

This simple kimchi stew is full of bold savory flavor and takes only about half an hour to make. The recipe actually calls for half a rotisserie chicken or cooked shredded chicken, so this one is a perfect fit.

Rotisserie Chicken Casseroles and Baked Dinners

Chicken Spaghetti

Cheesy chicken spaghetti is comfort food perfection made with spaghetti, cooked chicken, creamy soup, broth, and plenty of cheese. Swap in shredded rotisserie chicken and dinner comes together even faster.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This easy cheesy chicken and rice casserole combines cooked rice, vegetables, shredded chicken, and creamy cheese soup with a buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s exactly the kind of low-effort dinner rotisserie chicken was made for.

Chicken Taco Casserole

Our chicken taco casserole is loaded with chicken, rice, corn, peppers, taco seasoning, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. Since the recipe starts with cooked chopped chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut.

Chicken Fajita Casserole

All the flavors of chicken fajitas without standing over the stove! This chicken fajita casserole starts with cooked shredded chicken and combines it with peppers, onion, seasonings, and plenty of cheesy goodness.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, bacony chicken bacon ranch casserole is pure comfort food. Rotisserie chicken is specifically recommended as one of the easy chicken options for this pasta casserole.

Baked Tortellini

Our baked tortellini combines cheese tortellini, pesto, ricotta, roasted red peppers, cooked chicken, and mozzarella for a ridiculously easy cheesy dinner.

White Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy white chicken enchiladas are filled with shredded chicken and Monterey Jack cheese, then covered in a green chile sour cream sauce. They’re also specifically called out as a great way to use leftover chicken.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This easy chicken enchilada casserole is cheesy, saucy, filling, and freezer friendly. The original recipe notes that precooked chicken can be used when you’re short on time.

Chicken Pot Pie

Classic chicken pot pie is filled with creamy chicken and vegetables under a flaky golden crust. Using rotisserie chicken eliminates the need to cook a separate batch of chicken first.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, pasta, mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped cooked chicken make this chicken Alfredo bake an easy family dinner and an excellent use for leftover rotisserie chicken.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

These buffalo chicken stuffed shells are loaded with shredded chicken, ricotta, Colby Jack, ranch, and buffalo sauce. The recipe specifically recommends grabbing a rotisserie chicken as an easy shortcut.

Hot Chicken Salad

Our nostalgic hot chicken salad casserole combines cooked chicken with seasoned rice, creamy sauce, celery, crunchy cornflakes, and almonds. And yes — the recipe specifically says grabbing a rotisserie chicken on the way home works perfectly.

Pasta, Salads, and Easy Lunches

Chicken Alfredo

Creamy chicken Alfredo is an easy classic, and using precooked rotisserie chicken makes it even quicker. Toss the chicken into the finished Alfredo instead of cooking fresh chicken from scratch.

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

Smoky, creamy BBQ chicken pasta salad is packed with pasta, barbecue chicken, ranch, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and crispy onions. The recipe specifically recommends chopped rotisserie chicken as a shortcut.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This hearty chicken Caesar pasta salad combines pasta, greens, parmesan, croutons, tomatoes, Caesar dressing, and chicken into a full meal. Rotisserie chicken is specifically recommended to save time.

Chicken Salad

Classic chicken salad with grapes, almonds, red onion, and creamy mayonnaise is one of the easiest things to make with leftover rotisserie chicken. Serve it on bread, tucked into a wrap, over lettuce, or straight from the bowl.

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Sweet, tangy, creamy honey mustard chicken salad has apples, celery, pecans, and shredded chicken tossed with an easy homemade honey mustard dressing. Rotisserie chicken is recommended right in the recipe for making this especially fast.

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Creamy buffalo chicken salad has all the flavors of buffalo wings with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch, celery, and blue cheese. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully and makes this a five-minute meal.

Chicken Salad Wrap

A chicken salad wrap is an easy lunch made with shredded chicken, grapes, almonds, apples, lettuce, and creamy poppy seed dressing. It’s a fantastic way to turn leftover rotisserie chicken into lunch for the next day.

Tacos, Nachos, Pizza, and Party Favorites

Chicken Nachos

Our easy chicken nachos are made with shredded chicken, salsa, tortilla chips, and plenty of melted cheese. The recipe specifically suggests using a rotisserie chicken, making these perfect for a super fast dinner.

BBQ Chicken Nachos

BBQ chicken nachos layer crispy tortilla chips with barbecue-coated shredded chicken, red onion, and two kinds of cheese. They’re an easy dinner, appetizer, or game day snack and a perfect destination for leftover rotisserie chicken.

Chicken Tostadas

Crunchy chicken tostadas topped with refried beans, shredded chicken, cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and queso fresco make an easy customizable dinner. The recipe starts with already-cooked shredded chicken, so rotisserie is an easy swap.

Chicken Taquitos

These oven baked chicken taquitos need just tortillas, cooked shredded chicken, cheese, taco seasoning, and a little oil. Using rotisserie chicken makes an already simple recipe even easier.

BBQ Chicken Taquitos

Add barbecue sauce, bacon, onion, and cheddar to shredded chicken and you get these crispy BBQ chicken taquitos. They’re easy to make, freezer friendly, and perfect for dinner or snacking.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tacos

These crispy air fryer BBQ chicken tacos are filled with cooked shredded chicken, corn, black beans, cheese, and barbecue sauce. They’re fast, family friendly, and an excellent way to stretch one rotisserie chicken into another meal.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ chicken pizza is topped with barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, cooked shredded chicken, bacon, and red onion. The recipe specifically suggests shredded rotisserie chicken as an easy option.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Creamy, cheesy buffalo chicken dip is always a party favorite, and rotisserie chicken makes it ridiculously simple. Just mix the shredded chicken with cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch seasoning, and cheese and bake until bubbly.

How Much Meat Do You Get From a Rotisserie Chicken?

The exact amount will depend on the size of the chicken, but for most recipes you can simply measure the cooked meat after removing the skin and bones. Recipes calling for about two to three cups of cooked shredded chicken are especially convenient for using a grocery store rotisserie chicken.

Final Thoughts

Keeping a rotisserie chicken on your grocery list is one of the easiest ways to make busy-night dinners less stressful. With everything from soups and cheesy casseroles to salads, tacos, nachos, and pizza, there are plenty of recipes made with rotisserie chicken that don’t feel like you’re eating the same leftovers over and over again.

And the best part? Dinner starts with the chicken already cooked. That’s a win.

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The post Recipes Made With Rotisserie Chicken: 30 Easy Meals appeared first on Mama Loves Food.