It's Not About Nutrition

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 …

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 …

A bubbly, cheesy throwback that tastes like a warm hug. Let me tell you what happened the first time I served this casserole. My husband took one bite, looked at me — wide-eyed, mouth still full — and mumbled, “What is this magic?” Magic, dear friends, goes by many names. In this case: Chicken Gloria. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like someone still loves you even if the laundry’s piling up, the dog chewed through your curtain tiebacks (again), and dinner just needs to get done. It’s creamy, cozy, and rich without being fussy. Plus — and this …

There’s something deeply satisfying about a recipe that lets you get ahead of the chaos. And honey, Farmer’s Casserole is one of those rare gems that feels like it’s doing half your job for you. I first made this dish on a snowy Sunday morning, back when the kids were little and nobody wanted to get out of their pajamas — including me. I had a pile of hash browns in the freezer, a hunk of leftover ham, and about fifteen eggs that were just sitting in the fridge giving me side-eye. I didn’t want to fuss with anything fancy, …

You ever make something for dinner and, before anyone even takes a bite, you just know it’s gonna be a winner? That was me with this Cajun Beef Casserole. I pulled it out of the oven — cheese all bubbly and golden, the cornbread crust puffed up like a little crown — and my youngest (who claims he doesn’t like vegetables) peeked over the edge of the pan and said, “That smells like comfort food.” And y’all… he was right. This dish is spicy, savory, a little sweet from the cornbread, and packed full of flavor. Think of it like …

You ever wake up on a Sunday and think, “Okay, I want something special, but I don’t want to actually do anything”? That’s this casserole. Right here. It’s sunshine in a pan, made with refrigerated orange rolls and a cozy little custard that bakes into something between cinnamon rolls and French toast. Sweet, soft, a little citrusy, and just messy enough to feel homemade. I started making this on Christmas mornings when the kids were little because I could prep it the night before and just toss it in the oven while coffee brewed and wrapping paper flew. But now? …

This casserole? Oh honey, this one is a crowd-pleaser. I’m talking “bring-the-neighbors-in-from-their-driveways” kind of good. You know how sometimes you just want dinner to feel like a hug? Not something delicate or fussy — just easy, creamy, cheesy goodness that makes the table go quiet because everyone’s too busy eating? That’s exactly what this Doritos Casserole is. It’s a little retro, unapologetically cheesy, and 100% not health food. And honestly? That’s why I love it. It’s the kind of dish you bring to a potluck and leave with an empty dish and five recipe requests. Or what you make on …

You know how some mornings just need a little something bold to wake you up? That’s this casserole. It’s not fussy, it’s not fancy, but my goodness — it’s flavorful. Between the smoky chorizo, the melty Colby Jack, and that little zing from the green chiles, this Southwest Breakfast Casserole is the kind of dish that gets people coming back for seconds (or thirds, if we’re being honest). I first threw it together on a whim before a Saturday garage sale — had a fridge full of eggs and not much else. By the time I pulled it out of …

I’m not sure about you, but when I hear “fajita night,” my brain immediately flashes to sizzling skillets, caramelized peppers, and maybe a cold margarita in hand. But you know what I don’t always have the energy for? A dozen toppings, tortillas that fall apart halfway through, and a pile of dishes by 7:30 p.m. This Steak Fajita Skillet Casserole solves all of that — it brings you the flavor of fajitas, with the ease of a one-pan meal and the comfort of a hearty casserole. It’s bold, cheesy, just the right amount of spicy, and honestly? It makes the …

So, full confession — this recipe came from a day I didn’t feel like going to the store. You know the kind of day. The fridge was hanging on by a thread, the potatoes were starting to grow eyes, and there was half a bag of shredded cheese looking real lonely in the back. Somehow, all that mess turned into a dinner that had everyone scraping their bowls clean. Now it’s something I make on purpose. It’s cozy, hearty, tastes like you worked way harder than you did, and it’s got that old-school, “my grandma made this” energy — even …