22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (2024)

Here are the dishes most bookmarked, dog-eared, clipped, shared, and enjoyed—from once-a-week slow-cooker chicken to special-occasion chocolate cake. Simply put, they're keepers.

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Chicken and Vegetable Potpie

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (1)

Use low-fat milk, olive oil, and double the vegetables to give this rustic, down-home comfort food a healthy revamp. To save time on prep without sacrificing the crisp golden-brown pastry exterior, use store-bought piecrust. Just unroll it, lay it over a filled oven-safe dish, vent, and bake.

Get the recipe: Chicken and Vegetable Potpie

02of 22

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (2)

Thread shrimp onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, brush with a finger-licking garlic butter, and grill alongside lime wedges. Before serving, toss the tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds on each side to add a smoky char. Serve the tacos with cumin-spiced sour cream, shredded cabbage, and tomatillo salsa.

Get the recipe: Grilled Shrimp Tacos

03of 22

Salted Oatmeal Cookies With Dark Chocolate

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (3)

Pillowy oatmeal cookies are stuffed with coarsely chopped dark chocolate chunks and then sprinkled with flaky sea salt (like Maldon), so each bite is the perfect mouthful of salty and sweet. If you need to make the cookies ahead of time, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days.

Get the recipe: Salted Oatmeal Cookies With Dark Chocolate

04of 22

Slow-Cooker Bolognese Sauce

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (4)

You don't have to cook all day to create a high-quality version of this classic Italian sauce. Simply sauté the ingredients together, then transfer to your slow cooker to let the flavors deepen and to tenderize the meat. When it's time to eat, just add pasta.

Get the recipe: Slow-Cooker Bolognese Sauce

05of 22

Saucy Baked Chicken Legs With Olives and Tomatoes

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (5)

With skin that crisps beautifully and meat that stays juicy, chicken legs are an inexpensive cut that's ideal for roasting. And this delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal couldn't be any easier: Simply toss all of the ingredients in an oven-safe casserole dish and bake. Serve with warm, crusty bread.

Get the recipe: Saucy Baked Chicken Legs With Olives and Tomatoes.

Salmon Burgers

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (6)

This tasty fish burger only sounds fancy—it's no different than whipping ground beef into patties. Combine finely chopped salmon with binders—like egg whites, mustard, and breadcrumbs—and seasonings—like dill and salt—and form into patties. For an easy upgrade, swap traditional potato buns for brioche.

Get the recipe: Salmon Burgers

07of 22

Basil Spaghetti With Cheesy Broiled Tomatoes

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (7)

If the kids love spaghetti, wait until they try this: Instead of the usual marinara sauce, broil thick slices of tomato topped with Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and golden (this is a great way to perk up out of season tomatoes, too). Serve the cheesy tomatoes atop a pasta drizzled with a homemade garlic pepper oil and studded with basil.

Get the recipe: Basil Spaghetti With Cheesy Broiled Tomatoes

08of 22

Mexican Chicken Soup

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (8)

This south-of-the-border soup gets it's bold, fresh flavor from a homemade chicken broth. It's not as hard as it sounds: Just combine two whole chickens, carrots, onion, salt, and water, then simmer for about an hour. Shred the chicken, add rice, and serve with fresh avocados, cilantro, and lime juice.

Get the recipe: Mexican Chicken Soup

09of 22

Slow-Cooker Lamb, Apricot, and Olive Tagine

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (9)

Thanks to the slow cooker, this Moroccan meal is a cinch to prepare at home. There's no stovetop prep required—just toss the lamb, apricots, olives, vegetables, and spices into your slow cooker. The slow, all-day simmer ensures the dish is both fragrant and flavorful. Whip up a quick batch of couscous when you're ready to eat.

Get the recipe: Slow-Cooker Lamb, Apricot, and Olive Tagine

10of 22

Deep-Dish Sausage, Ricotta, and Onion Pizza With Tangy Romaine

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (10)

You don't need any special kitchen equipment to make this deep-dish Chicago-style pizza—just a 9-inch cake pan. Place store-bought pizza dough (find it in the refrigerator section or ask your local pizza parlor if they sell dough to go) in the pan, then top with layers of mozzarella, marinara, onion, and browned sausage for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Get the recipe: Deep-Dish Sausage, Ricotta, and Onion Pizza With Tangy Romaine

11of 22

Chicken Tikka Masala

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (11)

A good foray into Indian food, this tomato-based dish is light on the warm spices but still has distinct ethnic flair. Sprinkle garam masala (an aromatic blend of spices like cumin, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom) into a basic tomato sauce. Adding the raw chicken to the sauce helps ensure the chicken soaks up all those delicious flavors while it cooks.

Get the recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

12of 22

Mustardy Kale Salad With Roasted Sweet Potato and Apple

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (12)

Packed with protein and fiber, this hearty main course salad is a nutritional powerhouse. Combine the kale, roasted sweet potato, chopped apple, and almonds in a large bowl and drizzle with a tangy mustard vinaigrette. Once dressed, massage the kale with clean hands to make the salad more palatable.

Get the recipe: Mustardy Kale Salad With Roasted Sweet Potato and Apple

13of 22

Cedar-Plank Salmon

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (13)

This seafood main is impressive, yet low-effort—the cedar board (available at gourmet food stores) does most of the work for you! Coat a quality cut of salmon with a simple rub of brown sugar, thyme, and cayenne before grilling. The result is a slightly smoky, perfectly flaky fish dinner. Nobody will miss the burgers and dogs.

Get the recipe: Cedar-Plank Salmon

14of 22

Flourless Chocolate Cake

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (14)

For serious chocolate lovers only! This rich, dense, and supremely moist cake is packed with two sticks of butter, heavy cream, sour cream, sugar, and a double dose of chocolate. For a pretty presentation, dust the top with confectioners' sugar and serve with lightly sweetened fresh whipped cream.

Get the recipe: Flourless Chocolate Cake

15of 22

Bourbon Apple Cake

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (15)

Made with instant grits (yes, grits!) and spiked with bourbon, this fruit-laden cake has a double dose of Southern flavor. It takes just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, making it a great choice for the busy host who needs a delicious, foolproof, and quick recipe.

Get the recipe: Bourbon Apple Cake

16of 22

Pan-Roasted Chicken With Lemon-Garlic Green Beans

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (16)

The only thing better than a one-dish dinner is a well-rounded one-dish dinner. In this easy recipe, chicken breasts bake atop a bed of quartered potatoes and green beans. A light dressing of lemon, garlic, and olive oil lend bold, bright flavor to the entire dish.

Get the recipe: Pan-Roasted Chicken With Lemon-Garlic Green Beans

17of 22

Maple-Roasted Chicken With Sweet Potatoes

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (17)

At the grocery store, you can save a little bit of money by purchasing a whole chicken instead of the breasts. This recipe utilizes the whole bird and cooks in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Simply cut the poultry into eight pieces, toss with a maple syrup glaze, and bake.

Get the recipe: Maple-Roasted Chicken With Sweet Potatoes

18of 22

Turkey Sloppy Joes With Coleslaw

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (18)

Tomato sauce, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire create a rich, savory sauce with plenty of tang. Pair these oversized and incredibly flavorful sandwiches with a crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw to complete the meal. And be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand!

Get the recipe: Turkey Sloppy Joes With Coleslaw

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Tilapia Tacos With Cucumber Relish

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (19)

Skip the local Mexican joint and prepare this fresher, healthier version of the classic at home. Grilling the fish rather than frying it adds bold taste without all the fat. Wrap the cooked tilapia in soft corn tortillas, top each of the tacos with a crunchy radish and cucumber relish, and serve with your favorite accompaniments (cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges are a must!).

Get the recipe: Tilapia Tacos With Cucumber Relish

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Espresso Brownies

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (20)

Perk up a batch of decadent fudge brownies with a secret ingredient: espresso. Just two tablespoons of the morning pick-me-up intensifies the already rich chocolate flavor. No espresso on hand? Substitute extra-strong brewed coffee or one rounded teaspoon of instant espresso powder with two tablespoons of water.

Get the recipe: Espresso Brownies

21of 22

Molasses-Ginger Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (21)

This no-fuss frozen dessert has just two store-bought ingredients—chewy ginger or molasses cookies and chocolate chocolate chip ice cream—to make dessert quick and easy work. All you have to do is sandwich the slightly softened ice cream between two cookies. No mixer, no baking time—just 10 minutes.

Get the recipe: Molasses-Ginger Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches

22of 22

Kale Smoothie With Pineapple and Banana

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (22)

Don't let the name of this smoothie fool you—thanks to coconut milk, banana, and pineapple, you'd never even know you were getting a healthy dose of greens (kale or spinach both work well). Freeze the fruit before giving the ingredients a whir in the blender to create an icier beverage.

Get the recipe: Kale Smoothie With Pineapple and Banana

22 of the Best Real Simple Recipes Ever (2024)

FAQs

Who did 30 minute meals? ›

30 Minute Meals is a Food Network show hosted by Rachael Ray. Her first of four shows on Food Network, its original run aired from November 17, 2001, until May 5, 2012.

What is the best recipe format? ›

The standard recipe format is the most commonly used — and for good reason. This format checks all the boxes when it comes to what users define as a “good recipe.” It's easy to follow. It gives users a clear list of ingredients that they can quickly reference as they shop and cook.

What food should every kitchen have? ›

Pantry Essentials: Ingredients For a Well-Stocked Kitchen
  • Oils & Vinegars. Olive Oil – Well, duh. ...
  • Baking. Flour – At the very least, you should have All-Purpose Unbleached flour in your kitchen at all times. ...
  • Spices & Seasonings. ...
  • Sweeteners. ...
  • Canned Goods. ...
  • Rice & Grains.
Feb 8, 2018

Does Rachael Ray still do 30 minute meals? ›

That's right! Rachael Ray's OG series, 30 Minute Meals, is BACK!

Who invented eating 3 times a day? ›

The three meals per day concept originated with Englanders who achieved financial prosperity. European settlers brought their eating habits with them to America. Unfortunately, practicing antiquated, meal etiquette often causes you to consume calories when you're not hungry.

What are the most popular American family dinners? ›

Looking for a family dinner recipe?
  • White Chicken Chili. MAIN INGREDIENTS: chicken, beans, chili seasoning.
  • Beef Orzo Skillet. ...
  • Chicken Apple Pasta Primavera. ...
  • Easy Beef Goulash. ...
  • Chicken with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes. ...
  • Chili Mac. ...
  • Poached Eggs in Salsa. ...
  • Sweet Turkey Chili.

What to cook for lots of people? ›

Feed-a-crowd recipes
  • Spiced salmon with traybaked sag aloo. ...
  • Chicken Provençal. ...
  • Chicken gyros. ...
  • Sharing bavette with blue cheese, beef dripping wedges & ranch salad. ...
  • Sticky tamarind tomato & spinach whirl. ...
  • Summer vegetable & flatbread platter with dill & mustard dip. ...
  • Spring sharing board. ...
  • Waste-nothing loaded potato wedges.

What should you always do first to your recipe? ›

Start with the ingredient list. List ingredients with exact measurements and in the order in which they will be used. Leaving out ingredients is the most common mistake in recipe writing.

Where to find best recipe? ›

15 Best recipe websites
  1. Pinch of Yum.
  2. Budget Bytes.
  3. Smitten Kitchen.
  4. Damn Delicious.
  5. Simply Recipes.
  6. Minimalist Baker.
  7. Half Baked Harvest.
  8. Joy the Baker.
Dec 18, 2023

What is the most critical part of a recipe? ›

Ingredient List - The ingredient list is one of the most critical parts of a recipe. The ingredients should be listed in chronological order, with the ingredient used first at the very top of the list (Palmer, 2020).

What food has everything you need? ›

"The only food that provides all the nutrients that humans need is human milk," Hattner said.

What is the most essential meal? ›

Breakfast is often called 'the most important meal of the day', and for good reason. As the name suggests, breakfast breaks the overnight fasting period. It replenishes your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness, while also providing other essential nutrients required for good health.

Who made TV dinners in the 70s? ›

1973 – The first Swanson "Hungry-Man" dinners were marketed; these contained larger portions of its regular dinners.

Who made TV dinners in the 60s? ›

In the 1960s, Swanson expanded its line of meals to breakfast and lunch. In 1973, TV dinners got supersized when the Campbell Soup Company (Swanson's parent company) introduced Hungry-Man, extra-large frozen meals targeted toward, well, hungry men.

Who made the 3 course meal? ›

The three-course meal originated in Persia by a person known as Ziryab. This Persian man made many strides in dining that have greatly influenced the modern restaurant experience. He invented the tablecloth and encouraged people to use glassware at dinner.

Did people eat 3 meals a day in the 1800s? ›

Much like today, families usually ate three daily meals. The main meal in the 1800s, however, was not the large evening meal that is familiar to us today. Rather, it was a meal called dinner, enjoyed in the early afternoon. Supper was a smaller meal eaten in the evening.

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