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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    24 Grandma Approved Dinners That Will Make You Love Cooking Again

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 16, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, but with these 24 grandma-approved dinners, you'll find joy in the kitchen again. Each recipe is filled with comforting flavors and simple ingredients that remind us of home-cooked meals. Whether you're looking for classic favorites or new twists on old recipes, these dishes are sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, making it perfect for any night of the week. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a great mix of flavors and textures. It's an easy dish that doesn't require much effort, so you can enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This is a dinner that everyone will love and is sure to become a go-to recipe. You'll find yourself reaching for this one again and again.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Creamy Chicken Pasta is ready in just 30 minutes and is always a hit. With rich flavors from red wine, mushrooms, and thyme, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a quick dinner and also makes a great lunch the next day. This dish is bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta that everyone will love.

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    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These Cast Iron Pork Chops are quick to prepare, taking only 25 minutes for a tasty dinner. They are packed with flavor from garlic, mushrooms, and thyme. After searing, the chops are simmered in red wine, which adds a rich taste. This dish is sure to impress anyone at the table. Enjoy a satisfying meal that brings back the joy of cooking.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With only four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in just five minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying. You’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in under 40 minutes. This is a great way to bring some joy back into cooking.

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    Chicken Parmesan

    Chicken Parmesan.
    Photo Credit: Retro Recipe Box.

    Easy Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that features baked chicken topped with red sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It's a comforting meal that brings a taste of home to your dinner table. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. In about an hour, you can have a hearty dinner ready to enjoy. It's a great way to bring back the joy of cooking.

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    Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

    Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken is a tasty twist on the classic Mississippi Pot Roast. It combines ranch seasoning, gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter for a flavorful dish. The chicken has a nice tang to it, but it’s not spicy at all. It’s perfect when served over plain white rice. This is a great option for a simple and satisfying dinner.

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    Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

    Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole brings together the classic taste of a bacon cheeseburger and pasta in one satisfying dish. It's a filling meal that everyone in the family can enjoy, even the picky eaters. The combination of cheese, bacon, and pasta creates a comforting and hearty casserole. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a great way to make dinner fun and delicious.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

    A creamy pesto pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This creamy pesto pasta bake is rich and cheesy, all made in just one baking dish. It comes together quickly, taking less than an hour from start to finish. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip this up, making it perfect for anyone. The flavors are so good, it feels like you’re enjoying a meal from a nice restaurant. This is a great option for a cozy dinner at home.

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    Baked Pork Chops with Stuffing

    Baked Pork Chops with Stuffing .
    Photo Credit: An Affair from the Heart.

    Baked Pork Chops with Stuffing and cream of mushroom soup are a comforting dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. The creamy sauce and savory stuffing create a delicious combination that warms the heart. As the pork chops bake, the aroma fills the house, making it feel cozy and inviting. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a family dinner. It's a great way to bring everyone together around the table.

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    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This Air Fryer Roast Beef is a simple and delicious dinner option that the whole family will enjoy. With a flavorful herby crust on the outside and a juicy, tender center, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. It comes together quickly, taking only 50 minutes from start to finish. You only need a few basic ingredients to create this satisfying meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is all about comfort and simplicity. It's cheesy, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy meal at home. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a meal that brings back fond memories and makes cooking feel enjoyable again.

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    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This slow cooker French onion chicken is simple and satisfying, using just five ingredients. Start with butterflied chicken breasts, then layer on sliced onions, onion soup, a dried onion soup mix, and Swiss cheese. The result is tender chicken that everyone at the table will enjoy. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of work. This dish is sure to bring back your love for cooking.

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    Ground Beef Chili

    Ground Beef Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    This healthy chili is made in a slow cooker and includes beans, corn, and peppers, along with masa harina for added texture. It’s packed with flavors that remind you of the Southwest. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. You can set it up and let it cook while you go about your day. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

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    Potato Ground Beef Casserole

    Ground Beef Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Honour System.

    This ground beef casserole is a family favorite that everyone enjoys. It features browned beef mixed with a tasty tomato sauce, creating a flavorful base. Hearty potatoes are layered in, adding a comforting touch to the dish. To top it all off, there's a generous layer of cheese that melts beautifully. This is a great option for a satisfying dinner.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while cooking. It’s a rich and hearty pasta sauce that captures all the classic flavors you love. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using simple ingredients you probably already have, it’s perfect for busy nights. This dish is sure to bring some joy back to your cooking routine.

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    Chicken Parm Casserole

    Chicken Parm Casserole.
    Photo credit: Golden Grace Kitchen.

    This casserole brings the flavors of a classic Italian dinner into one easy dish. It features juicy chicken, rich marinara sauce, pasta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This is a great option for any night of the week. It's simple to prepare and satisfying to eat. Enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love.

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet pan meal is a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking it. The lamb chops cook in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that is delicious. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everything cooks together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is sure to bring some joy back to your cooking routine.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This creamy pasta dish brings together all the delicious flavors of chicken cordon bleu. It's hearty and filling, making it a great choice for dinner. With its rich taste, this meal is sure to become a favorite. Cooking it in a slow cooker means you can enjoy a comforting dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. You'll find yourself wanting to make this dish over and over.

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    Southwest Chicken Casserole

    Southwest chicken casserole.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Southwest Chicken Casserole is a hearty meal that brings together tender chicken, flavorful spices, and melted cheese in a single dish. It features a simple mix of salsa Verde, black beans, and southwest seasoning, making it easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and delicious. Everyone in the family will appreciate the comforting flavors. It's a great way to enjoy a home-cooked dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Stuffed Pepper Casserole

    Stuffed Pepper Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Clean Eating Couple.

    This casserole is both healthy and tasty. It’s a straightforward dinner that you can whip up in just one pan and in less than an hour. Perfect for busy nights, it requires minimal effort while still delivering great flavor. This dish is sure to bring back your love for cooking. Enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will appreciate.

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    One Pan Baked Ziti

    Baked Ziti.
    Photo credit: Raising Generation Nourished.

    This one-pan baked ziti is perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s quick to prepare and won’t leave you with a big mess to clean up afterward. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. This dish is comforting and filling, making it a great choice for busy evenings. You’ll love how easy it is to bring this classic favorite to your table.

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    French Mustard Chicken

    French chicken in a sauce with bread in it.

    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    Prepare to fall madly in love with this creamy Mustard Chicken. It's a classic French dish that tastes outstanding, and is surprisingly easy to make.

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    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are some of the best you'll ever try, and they don't even need breadcrumbs or eggs. They're simple to prepare and can be ready in less than an hour. You can cook them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, depending on what you prefer. The result is a juicy and flavorful meatball that's sure to please everyone. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Company Casserole

    Company Casserole (Ground Beef Pasta Casserole)
    Photo Credit: Neighbor Food Blog.

    Company Casserole features ground beef and pasta mixed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. It's a dish that everyone in the family enjoys, making it a hit with both kids and adults. This casserole is easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can have it ready when you need it. It's a great option for busy weeknights or when you're hosting friends. With its comforting flavors, this meal is sure to bring everyone to the table.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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