It's Not About Nutrition

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 …

I’ll be honest — I didn’t grow up eating onion casserole. In our house, onions were something you cooked with, not the star of the show. But years ago, I was at a potluck down in Mobile, Alabama, and this sweet little church lady handed me a scoop of something golden and bubbly and said, “Just try it, sugar.” Lord have mercy. One bite in, I had questions. What is this? Why have I never had it? And how soon is too soon to go back for seconds? Turns out it was a Vidalia onion casserole — creamy, savory, sweet, …

The one dish that saved my behind more times than I can count. Let me just say this: if casseroles had a Hall of Fame, this one would be right up front holding a trophy and probably wearing a little gravy-stained apron. This Chicken and Biscuits Casserole isn’t fancy. It’s not trying to be anything it’s not. It’s just warm, creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting — like pulling on your favorite sweatshirt after a long day. The kind of dinner that doesn’t judge you for eating it on the couch with a fork straight from the pan (been there, no …

So listen—this started as one of those “I should probably eat less pasta” moments. You know the kind. After a week of spaghetti, leftover spaghetti, and one too many drive-thru orders, I looked at a head of cauliflower and thought, well, let’s see what you can do, big guy. I wasn’t expecting magic. But oh my stars—once I smothered it in cream, eggs, and every cheese I had in the fridge? It turned into this rich, bubbly, golden dream. And let me tell you, nobody asked where the noodles went. Not my husband. Not my daughter. Not even my cheese-snob …