All Posts By Jennifer

You know those recipes you try on a whim — maybe because you’ve got leftover rice, a lone green pepper in the crisper, and half a pound of ground beef staring at you from the fridge — and then, somehow, they become family favorites? That’s what happened with this Sweet and Sour Casserole at our house. Honestly, I didn’t expect much the first time I made it. Sweet and sour? In a casserole? With rice and beef? It sounded a little… weird. But let me tell you — it just works. It’s tangy, savory, a little sweet (but not in …

You know that feeling when you smell something baking and, for a split second, you’re ten years old again, standing barefoot in your grandma’s kitchen, waiting for dinner to be done? That’s exactly what happens every time I make this Runza Casserole. Now, if you didn’t grow up in Nebraska or the Midwest, you might be wondering, “Runza what now?” Well, let me tell ya — it’s basically a warm, pillowy pocket stuffed with ground beef, cabbage, and onion. Simple. Savory. Satisfying. But traditionally, they’re handmade little hot pockets, and to be honest, that’s not always the vibe on a …

I’ve made this casserole more times than I can count — for church potlucks, cold Sunday suppers, and those evenings when I just can’t bring myself to dirty more than one dish. It’s creamy without being too rich, savory but mellow, and has that wild rice nuttiness that makes you feel like you went a little fancy… even if you didn’t. Why You’ll Love This (and Maybe Make It Weekly) Just the right kind of creamy — not gloopy, not heavy, just cozy. Wild rice makes it feel special — earthy, chewy, and so satisfying. Perfect for leftover chicken — …

The Kind of Meal That’s There for You When You’re Not Here’s the thing: some nights I just want dinner to make itself. I want to toss some things in a pot, forget about it, and come back to something warm and cheesy that makes the whole kitchen smell like love. That’s where this casserole comes in. I call it “mom’s-night-off magic.” You throw it in the slow cooker in the morning (or lunchtime, let’s be real), go on with your day — work, errands, laundry that never ends — and then when you come back home? Dinner’s just waiting …

  Now listen, I love a proper tamale as much as the next gal. But between soaking husks, mixing dough, and wrapping each one like a baby burrito — who has the time on a Tuesday? This casserole gets you all the good stuff: that soft, rich masa, tender chicken simmered in green enchilada sauce, and cheesy, creamy layers that’ll have you scraping your plate. No steamer. No husks. No stress. Just comfort with a kick. Why You’re Gonna Love This All the tamale flavor, none of the tamale labor Fluffy, buttery masa layer that holds up beautifully Green chile …

I don’t know about you, but when I’m standing in the kitchen after a long day — laundry still unfolded, emails unanswered, dog staring at me like he hasn’t eaten in weeks — I need something reliable. Something you can just layer up, throw in the oven, and forget about for an hour. That’s where this casserole comes in. It’s beefy. It’s cheesy. It’s full of tender potatoes and cozy flavors that just make everything feel alright again. We’ve had this on chilly nights, lazy Sundays, and even after baseball practice when everyone’s starving and patience is in short supply. …

“Did You Just Say Big Mac Casserole?” Yes. Yes, I Did. The first time I made this, my husband looked at me like I’d lost my mind. But after the second bite, he was making those happy food noises we all pretend we don’t make. You know the ones. It’s cheesy. It’s tangy. It’s crunchy on top and gooey underneath. It’s exactly what you make when you want to feed a crowd with something fun, easy, and so over-the-top, you’ll be asked for the recipe before the plates are even cleared. Why You’ll Love It Tastes like a Big Mac… …

It Ain’t Fancy — But It Sure Is Good This casserole was born out of one of those clean-out-the-fridge nights — you know the ones. I had leftover rotisserie chicken, a bag of pasta that wasn’t enough for a full recipe, and just a handful of cheese odds and ends. Tossed in some ranch and BBQ sauce on a whim and, honey… we hit gold. The flavor? Think cheesy chicken bacon ranch meets a summer BBQ — but without having to fire up the grill or wash a mountain of dishes. Why This Recipe Deserves a Permanent Spot in Your …

I first tasted this casserole at my neighbor Lorraine’s house back in the late ‘90s — she served it with green beans, a heaping pile of mashed potatoes, and one of those jell-o salads that only Southern women know how to pull off. I remember thinking, cheese on pork chops? Isn’t that… illegal in some states? But sweet heavens, was it delicious. The pork was tender, the cheese melty, and that buttery crouton topping? I nearly asked for the dish to lick clean. And now? It’s one of my weeknight regulars. Minimal fuss, maximum comfort. The kind of recipe that …

Now listen. I don’t know exactly why it’s called Full Moon Casserole — maybe because it’s best eaten under the stars with people you love, or maybe it’s just what Aunt Jean called it back when she made it for church socials. Either way, when I make this, I picture a full moon hanging low outside the window, the sound of cicadas buzzing, and a quiet evening where the house smells like melted cheddar and buttery croutons. You know… the good stuff. Why You’ll Be Making This Again and Again Uses simple veggies you probably already have Creamy, cheesy, and …