18 Traditional Family Meals That Always Deliver Big Flavor

Classic Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew combines tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered in a rich broth. Start with 2 pounds of beef stew meat, 4 cups of broth, 4 potatoes, 4 carrots, an onion, and 2 cloves of garlic. Brown the beef and add onions and garlic for depth. Stir in flour, broth, and veggies, then let it all simmer until the meat is tender. It’s a comforting, one-pot wonder for cold nights.

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a family favorite featuring a creamy chicken and veggie filling wrapped in a flaky crust. To make this, combine 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken, 2 cups of mixed frozen vegetables, 1/3 cup of butter, 1/3 cup of flour, 1 3/4 cups of chicken broth, 2/3 cup of milk, and season with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a pot, then whisk in the flour to make a roux, adding the broth and milk to thicken the sauce. Stir in the chicken and vegetables, then pour the filling into a pie crust and top with another crust. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Enjoy classic spaghetti and meatballs with a rich marinara sauce. For the meatballs, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 egg, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Form them into balls and brown them in a skillet. Then, add 24 ounces of marinara sauce and let them simmer for 20 minutes. Serve over a bed of cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with extra Parmesan.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a hearty dish made with ground lamb or beef and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Start with 1 pound of ground meat, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 cup of beef broth, 2 cups of mixed peas and carrots, and 4 cups of mashed potatoes. Brown the meat with the tomato paste, add the broth and vegetables, and let it cook until thick. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. It’s cozy and delicious.

Chicken Alfredo

Creamy chicken Alfredo is a quick go-to meal with fettuccine noodles and a luscious sauce. You’ll need 2 boneless chicken breasts, 12 ounces of fettuccine, 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Grill the chicken and slice it, then cook the pasta. In a saucepan, melt the butter, add the cream, and stir in the Parmesan. Toss with the pasta and chicken, creating a rich, comforting dish.

Beef Stroganoff

This creamy beef stroganoff is loaded with tender beef strips and mushrooms. Use 1 pound of beef sirloin, 1 cup of beef broth, 1 cup of sour cream, 8 ounces of mushrooms, 1 onion, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Brown the beef, then remove it and sauté the onions and mushrooms. Sprinkle in flour, pour in the broth, and let it thicken before adding the sour cream and beef. Serve over egg noodles for a creamy, comforting meal.

Lasagna

Lasagna layers pasta, meat sauce, and cheese in a delicious Italian casserole. Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic. Add 24 ounces of marinara sauce, then in another bowl, mix 15 ounces of ricotta with 1 egg. Layer the sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese in a dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a Southern classic with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. Boil a whole chicken with 2 chopped carrots, 2 celery stalks, and 1 onion in 8 cups of broth until tender. Remove the chicken, shred it, and add it back to the pot. For the dumplings, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 cup of butter, then drop spoonfuls into the broth. Cover and cook for 15 minutes for pillowy dumplings.

Meatloaf

This savory meatloaf is baked to perfection with a tangy ketchup glaze. Combine 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 egg, 1 chopped onion, and seasonings. Shape it into a loaf and spread 1/4 cup of ketchup on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for an hour. Serve with mashed potatoes for a nostalgic family meal.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a cheesy casserole with pasta, marinara, and ricotta. Cook 1 pound of ziti pasta, brown 1 pound of ground beef, and mix with 24 ounces of marinara sauce. In a dish, layer pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly. It’s an easy, delicious dinner.

Beef Chili

This chili is packed with beef, beans, and spices. Brown 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 chopped onion, then add 2 cans of kidney beans, 2 cans of diced tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of chili powder. Let it simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with shredded cheese on top. It’s perfect for cool nights.

Chicken Parmesan

Breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara and cheese make this dish a winner. Dip 4 chicken breasts in egg, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry until golden. Top each with marinara sauce and mozzarella, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Serve with pasta or salad. It’s a comforting Italian classic.

Pot Roast

Slow-cooked pot roast with vegetables makes a tender, flavorful meal. Brown a 3-pound chuck roast, then add 4 large potatoes, 4 carrots, an onion, and 4 cups of beef broth. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours until the meat is tender. Serve with the broth as a gravy. It’s a filling, comforting dish.

Tuna Casserole

This tuna casserole combines pasta with tuna and a creamy sauce. Cook 12 ounces of egg noodles, then mix with 2 cans of tuna, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of frozen peas. Pour into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. It’s a simple, classic comfort food.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed peppers make a colorful, satisfying meal. Brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 cup of cooked rice and 1 can of diced tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stuff the mixture into 6 bell peppers, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Each pepper is packed with flavor. They’re a hearty, balanced meal.

Chicken Fried Steak

This Southern classic features breaded beef steaks with creamy gravy. Coat 4 cube steaks in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat again in flour. Fry in oil until golden. For the gravy, add 1/4 cup of flour to the drippings, then whisk in 2 cups of milk. Serve with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Beef Tacos

Seasoned beef tacos are quick and customizable. Brown 1 pound of ground beef with taco seasoning, then spoon into taco shells. Add toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa. They’re easy to assemble and full of flavor. Perfect for family taco night.

Chicken Marsala

Sautéed chicken in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms creates a rich, Italian-inspired dish. Sauté 4 chicken breasts, add 8 ounces of mushrooms, 1 cup of Marsala wine, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Let it reduce and serve over pasta or rice. It’s an easy, elegant meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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