There used to be a restaurant chain here in the Midwest called Max & Erma’s that had delicious chicken tortilla soup. It was creamy, lightly spicy and so comforting on a cold day.

Sadly, I think the chain mostly went out of business a few years ago, and the only one still around is at the airport, I think.

This Crockpot Taco Soup is inspired by, but quite a bit different than that restaurant soup. My version is a little lighter (less creamy) and uses ground beef instead of chicken.

Unlike many other crock pot soup recipes out there, this one doesn’t just have a dull, one-note flavor. Deeply browned ground beef, tomatoes, two types of beans, green chiles and lots of seasoning give this soup layers of comforting flavor.

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Rigatoni bolognese is a hearty and comforting dish I learned to make in culinary school. It’s a classic Italian dish that never fails to satisfy your taste buds.

Patience is key for this long-simmered meat sauce, but your patience will be rewarded with a depth of flavor that is worth the wait.

Today, I’m sharing tips for how to choose the best ingredients and the perfect noodle shape, as well as how to make rigatoni alla bolognese ahead of time, and refrigerate it or freeze it for future meals.

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Get ready for the most tender and flavorful Crockpot Pork Roast

The humble boneless pork shoulder doesn’t get enough love, in my opinion. Maybe because it’s also referred to as pork BUTT?

But this affordable cut of meat shines after a low and slow cook time.

This Crockpot Pork Roast gives you tender meat, soft carrots and onions, and a rich umami-bomb gravy, and your slow cooker does most of the work.

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Air Fried Brussel Sprouts

Have you seen that meme about how everybody hated Brussels sprouts in the 80’s and 90’s because they didn’t have the same marketing person they have now? Back then, they were steamed and bland, but now they’re fried and flavorful!

The Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts I’m sharing today have the NEW marketing person, but with the healthful twist of air frying rather than deep frying.

Because we all know that a boiled or steamed sprout just can’t compare to a crispy one. It’s all about that deep golden brown deliciousness, and your air fryer can get it done!

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Try this Homemade Turkey Soup to warm you up this season

If you’re staring down a big Ziploc bag full of leftover turkey and you’ve already had a few sandwiches, it’s time to make Turkey Noodle Soup.

Even if you don’t feel like eating it right now, you can make it and freeze it for a meal next month or something (Future You will thank you)!

This soup works well with leftover turkey meat (either dark or white meat), and leftover chicken, too!

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Green Bean Casserole Crockpot Recipe

If you’ve been underwhelmed by classic green bean casserole made with canned soup, I really don’t blame you. It’s not my favorite, either.

So I set out to not only give it a fresh and flavorful upgrade, but also do it in a crockpot, so your casserole doesn’t have to take up valuable oven space on Thanksgiving or Christmas. What can I say, I enjoy a challenge.

I ended up testing this recipe five times to get it just right for you. It uses fresh green beans and fresh mushrooms (no gloppy canned cream of mushroom soup).

It’s the perfect balance of cooked but not mushy, saucy but not too liquidy, and it’s the epitome of comfort food with the convenience of slow cooking.

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Ever wonder what to make with Leftover Mashed Potatoes? Here is the answer!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, but with a gathering of just five people, we’re often stuck with quite a bit of leftovers after the big meal.

While you can simply reheat leftover mashed potatoes and drizzle them with homemade gravy a second time around, my favorite way to serve leftover mashed potatoes is this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole.

Make this, and you’ll use up 4 cups of mashed potatoes, so this might be the only leftover recipe you need (or, you can easily make a half batch of this if you have less leftovers).

It’s loaded with all the good stuff, like bacon, cheese, sour cream and two kinds of onions, and topped with crushed cheese crackers for good measure.

“This recipe is a winner! Easy to improvise if needed. I made it yesterday and it turned out to be melt in your mouth, delicious and memorable. Absolutely perfect way to use up leftovers!”

—Melinda

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Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

If you see all types of fall squashes at the grocery store, but are intimidated by preparing them, I’m here to take the mystery out of roasting delicata squash, at least.

Delicata squash is one of the easiest fall squashes to turn into a side dish, because it’s easy to cut, the skin is edible (no peeling), and the sweet, mellow flavor pairs well with a variety of entrees.

To go above and beyond most roasted delicata squash recipes, this one has a no-cook, two-ingredient glaze that transforms the humble squash into something you’d find at an upscale restaurant.

What is Delicata Squash?

Delicata squash, which is also sometimes known as sweet potato squash, is a winter squash with a creamy texture and sweet, nutty flavor.

It has thin, edible skin, which sets it apart from many other winter squash varieties. It’s easy to prepare because you don’t have to peel it!

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This Cranberry Curd Pie will WOW your holiday guests

Every year, I usually panic buy 2 or 3 bags of fresh cranberries, worried there’s going to be a shortage.

Once I make cranberry sauce and then cranberry sauce muffins, and I still have some left, that’s when this cranberry curd tart happens.

It starts with a classic graham cracker crust with some cinnamon added for extra flavor. There are also gluten free crust options, which I discuss below.

Then, fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange peel and sugar come together on the stove in very much the same way you’d make a traditional cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving (except you’ll be blending it smooth and adding eggs to make it custardy). 

The end result is a dessert with a striking appearance and a tart-but-perfectly sweet taste.

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Citrus & Herb Turkey Breast Tenderloin Recipe

I’ve seen so many memes this year about how everybody thinks turkey is the worst part of Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t agree, and it doesn’t have to be this way!

I think the problem some people are running into is over-cooked and under-seasoned turkeys. Or maybe they don’t like being stuck with leftover turkey meat for a week after the holiday?

This Turkey Tenderloin Recipe is here to solve all of the internet’s problems. It is absolutely BURSTING with the bright flavors of citrus and herbs.

And, it’s a standout option if you’re looking for a smaller, hassle-free entree for Thanksgiving that isn’t a whole roasted turkey.

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