22 Meals That Prove Bold Doesn’t Have to Mean Complicated

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Crab Rangoon Pizza

Crab Rangoon Pizza. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

My crab rangoon pizza brings together melty cheese, tender crab, and crunchy wonton strips for a fusion favorite. Can’t decide between Chinese takeout or pizza night? This recipe delivers both in one craveable bite.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Pizza

Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Chicken chipotle pasta combines juicy chicken and crisp veggies in a bold, creamy sauce with just the right kick. It’s easy to make and absolutely worth scraping the plate for.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Carne Asada Fries

Carne Asada Fries. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Carne asada fries layer savory steak, spicy pico de gallo, and creamy guacamole over crispy fries. Each bite brings a mix of textures and bold flavor that totally hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Fries

BBQ Pork Tenderloin

BBQ Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This BBQ pork tenderloin is smoky, slightly sweet, and so juicy it practically slices itself. You can grill it or roast it—either way, the flavor’s a knockout with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Tenderloin

Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Bang bang shrimp are ultra-crispy and tossed in an irresistible, creamy-spicy sauce. You’ll go from prep to plate in just 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Maple Citrus Glazed Salmon

Citrus glazed salmon filet on plate with green beans and brown rice.
Maple Citrus Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: Lemons and Zest.

Maple citrus glazed salmon takes just five minutes to prep, yet the flavor is anything but basic. The sweet maple and zesty citrus balance perfectly over flaky, tender salmon. Serve it with rice and salad for a quick, elegant dinner.
Get the Recipe: Maple Citrus Glazed Salmon

Meatball Mac and Cheese

Overhead view of a cast iron skillet full of meatball mac and cheese.
Meatball Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pumpkin 'N Spice.

This meatball mac and cheese is packed with homemade Italian meatballs and gooey cheese. It looks impressive but comes together easily, making it perfect for busy nights or cozy weekend dinners.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Mac and Cheese

Spring Roll Salad With Peanut Dressing

The spring roll salad in a large salad bowl the the peanut dressing on top.
Spring Roll Salad With Peanut Dressing. Photo credit: The All Natural Vegan.

Spring roll salad offers all the fresh, crunchy flavors of a Vietnamese spring roll without the wrap. Tossed with a creamy peanut dressing, it’s light, colorful, and super satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spring Roll Salad With Peanut Dressing

Smoked Birria Tamales

Smoked Birria Tamales. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Smoked birria tamales take the deep, rich flavor of birria and wrap it in tender masa with a touch of smoke. Perfect for special occasions or when you’re meal prepping for the week.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Birria Tamales

Spaghetti alla Nerano (fried zucchini pasta recipe)

Spaghetti alla Nerano (fried zucchini pasta recipe). Photo credit: The Pasta Project.

Spaghetti alla Nerano combines pan-fried zucchini, Provolone cheese, garlic, and fresh basil for a creamy pasta dish straight from Southern Italy. It’s surprisingly simple and totally unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti alla Nerano (fried zucchini pasta recipe)

Honey Butter Salmon Bowls

A salmon bowl with fresh vegetables and green onions.
Honey Butter Salmon Bowls. Photo credit: Spend With Pennies.

Salmon rice bowls are fast, fresh, and full of flavor. Tossed in a sticky honey butter glaze and served with your favorite toppings, they’re perfect for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Salmon Bowls

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These Louisiana rub chicken wings are buttery, crispy, and full of bold flavor—plus, they only need three ingredients and minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Chicken Paprikash is comfort food at its finest, featuring tender chicken in a smoky paprika-spiced sauce. Best of all, it comes together easily in a skillet.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Crockpot Orange Chicken

Overhead view of Crockpot Orange Chicken.
Crockpot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Save Money Fever.

Crockpot orange chicken is sweet, tangy, and far better than takeout. Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Orange Chicken

Korean Garlic Cream Cheese Bread

Four Korean cream cheese garlic bread rolls on a black slate.
Korean Garlic Cream Cheese Bread. Photo credit: Somebody Feed Seb.

Korean garlic cream cheese bread is crispy outside, soft inside, and filled with herbed cream cheese. Baked until golden, it’s an irresistible treat that’s rich, savory, and totally unique.
Get the Recipe: Korean Garlic Cream Cheese Bread

Light Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Carbonara

Light Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Carbonara. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This lighter take on carbonara uses spaghetti squash and shrimp for a nutritious spin on a creamy classic. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and great for low-carb nights.
Get the Recipe: Light Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Carbonara

Heart Shaped Pork Potstickers

Heart-shaped dumplings on a wooden cutting board.
Heart Shaped Pork Potstickers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Heart-shaped pork potstickers are a festive twist on a takeout favorite, combining juicy filling with crispy bottoms and tender tops. Perfect for holidays or dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Heart Shaped Pork Potstickers

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Overhead view of Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Simple and Fraiche.

Buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potatoes are spicy, creamy, and easy to customize. Add blue cheese, ranch, or green onions for a dish that’s balanced, filling, and totally weeknight-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Instant Pot French Onion Burgers and Gravy

Instant Pot French Onion Burgers and Gravy. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

French onion burgers made in the Instant Pot are juicy and smothered in savory onion gravy. It’s fast comfort food with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot French Onion Burgers and Gravy

Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts

Sheet pan chicken from Two Peas and Their Pod.
Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: 100 Days of Real Food.

Honey mustard sheet pan chicken features crispy, juicy thighs roasted with caramelized Brussels sprouts. Everything cooks on one pan for maximum flavor and minimal dishes.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts

Smoked Beef Ribs (Dino Ribs)

Smoked Beef Ribs (Dino Ribs). Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

These giant beef ribs are smoky, tender, and seriously impressive. The rich bark and fall-apart texture make them perfect for weekend cookouts or feeding a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Ribs (Dino Ribs)

Easy Cheeseburger Pie

A slice of cheeseburger pie being lifted, showing layers of meat and melted cheese.
Easy Cheeseburger Pie. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cheeseburger pie is a weeknight win—simple ingredients, easy steps, and serious comfort in every bite. Think of it as all your favorite burger flavors baked into one warm, hearty slice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheeseburger Pie

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