50 Dinners That Require (Almost) No Clean Up (2024)

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50 Dinners That Require (Almost) No Clean Up (1)

ByEmily Racette Parulski

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: Aug. 15, 2024

    One-pot meals, sheet pan suppers, foil packet dinners and skillet recipes have come to save the day.

    1/50

    Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Spicy Mac and Cheese

    I’ve been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, chicken, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate! I use rotisserie chicken and precooked bacon when I’m pressed for time. —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon

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    2/50

    Shrimp Boil Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Shrimp Boil Recipe

    This shrimp boil is meant for a crowd. The spicy sausage, soft potatoes and tender corn are packed with flavor. Add a squeeze of lemon for some brightness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    3/50

    Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas

    For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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    4/50

    Curried Chicken Skillet

    This protein-packed skillet dish is loaded with bright flavor. A little curry and fresh ginger make the veggies, chicken and quinoa pop. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut

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    5/50

    Meatball Tortellini

    I combined some favorite staples from our freezer and pantry to come up with this easy dish. It has few ingredients and little preparation. —Tracie Bergeron, Chauvin, Louisiana

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    6/50

    Lemon-Dill Salmon Packets Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Lemon-Dill Salmon Packets

    Grilling in foil is an easy technique I use with foods that cook quickly, like fish, shrimp, bite-sized meats and fresh veggies. The options are endless—and the cleanup is easy. —A.J. Weinhold, McArthur, California

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    7/50

    My Best-Ever Jambalaya

    I tried to mimic Jambalaya from my favorite restaurant and it turned out so well my daughter and husband now prefer my recipe and won't order it when we go to the restaurant! —Alexis Van Vulpen, St. Albert, Alberta

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    8/50

    I have three hungry boys in my house, so dinners need to be quick and filling, and it helps to get in some veggies, too. This one is a favorite because it's hearty and fun to tweak with different ingredients. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey

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    9/50

    Meat Lover's Pizza Rice Skillet Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Meat Lover's Pizza Rice Skillet

    For a quick dinner, I threw this together from what I had in the fridge and pantry. Add any other pizza toppings you desire. I often add black olive slices or mushrooms. My son loves this and calls it pizza rice. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

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    10/50

    Comforting Beef Stew

    This slow-cooked beef stew just screams comfort to me. It's also family-friendly—my toddlers gobble it right up! —Courtney Percy, Brooksville, Florida

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    11/50

    Taste of Home

    Fig-Glazed Chicken with White Beans

    Sauteed shallots, fig jam, rosemary, lemon and sherry vinegar make a delightful sauce for both the chicken and the beans. My husband couldn’t believe how well the white beans absorbed the flavor, making this a grand slam. Matchstick carrots can be added to the bean mixture for extra color, flavor and crunch. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

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    12/50

    Stovetop Beef and Shells Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Stovetop Beef and Shells

    I fix this supper when I'm pressed for time. It's as tasty as it is fast. Team it with salad, bread and fruit for a comforting meal. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas

    13/50

    Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Pepperoni Pan Pizza

    I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida

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    14/50

    Slow-Cooked Pork Stew Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Pork Stew

    Sweet prunes and briny olives mellow as they melt into this comforting pork stew. The really nice part? The slow cooker does all the work for you.

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    15/50

    One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

    When the weather's too chilly to grill, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy. —Carly Terrell, Granbury Texas

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    16/50

    Chicken Ole Foil Supper Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Chicken Ole Foil Supper

    These Tex Mex–style chicken packets can be assembled ahead and frozen if you like. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge, then grill as directed. I like to serve them with warm tortillas and fresh fruit on the side. —Mary Peck, Salina, Kansas

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    17/50

    Carne Guisada

    While living away from Texas for a while, my boyfriend and I grew homesick for the spicy flavors of home. We've made this recipe a few times now, and it goes really well with homemade flour tortillas. We love it over rice, too. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas

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    18/50

    Taste of Home

    Foil-Packet Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

    This hearty, satisfying dinner has all the flavors of an authentic jambalaya with little effort. The foil packets can be prepared a day ahead and cooked right before serving. These are also good on the grill! —Allison Stroud, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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    19/50

    Taste of Home

    Sweet Potato and Turkey Couscous

    We always have turkey and sweet potatoes left over after our big Thanksgiving feast. I combine them in this quick, easy and nutritious main dish that satisfies alongside a simple green salad. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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    20/50

    TMB STUDIO

    For these nifty foil packs, small hands make quick work of topping potato wedges with a hot dog, onions and cheese. — Kelly Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin

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    21/50

    Sausage and Vegetable Skillet Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Sausage and Vegetable Skillet

    This hearty stovetop entree has been a family favorite for years. The variety of vegetables makes this dish attractive. Cooking time is minimal. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana

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    22/50

    Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake

    I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

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    23/50

    Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice

    Pineapple shrimp fried rice is a quick one-bowl meal that can be customized with your favorite vegetables. You can even serve it in a pineapple!

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    24/50

    Country Ribs Dinner

    Ribs slow-cooked with carrots, celery, onions and red potatoes are pure comfort food for us. To add a little zip, we sometimes sprinkle in cayenne. —Rose Ingall, Manistee, Michigan

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    25/50

    Upside-Down Meat Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Upside-Down Meat Pie

    This recipe, which my sister gave me more than 30 years ago, is perfect whenever friends drop by. It mixes up in a jiffy, yet it's substantial and satisfying. —Cora Dowling, Toledo, Ohio

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    26/50

    This traditional cooking technique imparts flavor into every bite of your meal, and it requires very little clean-up. I like to serve fish still wrapped in parchment or foil for each person to open. —Jill Anderson, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota

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    27/50

    Spanish Noodles and Ground Beef Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Spanish Noodles and Ground Beef

    Bacon adds flavor to this comforting stovetop supper my mom frequently made when we were growing up. Now I prepare it for my family. —Kelli Jones, Peris, California.

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    28/50

    Sheet-Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Sheet-Pan Chicken and Vegetables

    This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

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    29/50

    Garlic-Ginger Salmon Packets Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Garlic-Ginger Salmon Packets

    With minimal effort and mess, this tender salmon fillet has the makings of a dinnertime staple. Citrus, garlic and ginger bring out the best in this low calorie entrée. —Lisa Finnegan, Forked River, New Jersey

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    30/50

    Taste of Home

    Spiced Grilled Corn

    The wonderful spice mixture doesn't add heat, only great flavor. This just may be the best corn you've ever had! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    31/50

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Rice Skillet

    Pleasant seasonings and plenty of vegetables highlight this traditional chicken and rice pairing. Leftovers are great reheated in the microwave. —Jan Balata, Kilkenny, Minnesota

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    32/50

    Sheet-Pan Tilapia and Vegetable Medley Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Sheet-Pan Tilapia and Vegetable Medley

    Unlike some one-pan dinners that require precooking in a skillet or pot, this one uses just the sheet pan, period. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

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    33/50

    Potato-Sausage Foil Packs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Potato-Sausage Foil Packs

    We had these smoky campfire bundles at a friend's house for dinner and loved the simplicity of this great summer meal. Now we often make it for summer weeknight dinners. —Alissa Keith, Forest, Virginia

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    34/50

    The Best Shepherd's Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    The Best Shepherd’s Pie

    Our top-rated shepherd's pie recipe delivers a cozy, filling, homestyle dinner that never disappoints.

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    35/50

    Mexi-Mac Skillet Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Mexi-Mac Skillet

    This is the yummiest, quickest recipe I have. There’s no need to precook the macaroni. Everything comes together in one smart skillet. —Maurane Ramsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana

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    36/50

    Ragin' Cajun Eggplant and Shrimp Skillet Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Ragin’ Cajun Eggplant and Shrimp Skillet

    We have a large summer garden where lots of produce lingers into fall. That’s when we harvest our onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and eggplant—some of the key ingredients of this dish. —Barbara Hahn, Park Hills, Missouri

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    37/50

    Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet

    We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio

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    38/50

    With chicken, pasta and a bold tomato broth, this hearty and inviting soup is like a big comforting hug in a bowl! —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

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    39/50

    Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

    Mouthwatering Dr Pepper pulled pork, infused with the sweet, bold flavor of Dr Pepper and the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, is perfect for casual gatherings and cookouts.

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    40/50

    Taste of Home

    Firehouse Chili

    As one of the cooks at the firehouse, I used to prepare meals for 10 men. This firehouse chili recipe was among their favorites. —Richard Clements, San Dimas, California

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    41/50

    Wasabi Beef Fajitas

    Beef fajitas get an eastern spin with gingerroot, sesame oil and wasabi, a type of Japanese horseradish. You can find it in the Asian section at your supermarket. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    42/50

    Quicker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Quicker Chicken and Dumplings

    Ready in just 30 minutes, this homey meal relies on convenience items and timesaving drop-style dumplings. It couldn’t be any easier! —Willie DeWaard, Coralville, Iowa

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    43/50

    Zucchini Beef Skillet

    This is a speedy summer recipe that uses up those abundant garden goodies: Zucchini, tomatoes and green peppers. —Becky Calder, Kingston, Missouri

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    44/50

    One-Pan Tuscan Ravioli Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    One-Pan Tuscan Ravioli

    Sometimes I use chickpeas instead of cannellini beans, grated Asiago or Provolone instead of Parmesan, and all zucchini if I don’t have eggplant. Very flexible! —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

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    45/50

    Taste of Home

    Spicy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

    I created this easy skillet dish to use up the boil-in-a-bag rice in my cabinet. The result packs a lot of flavor. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York

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    46/50

    Mediterranean Bulgur Bowl

    You can also transform this tasty bowl into an Italian version with mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes, spinach and basil. —Renata Smith, Brookline, Massachusetts

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    47/50

    Lemony Turkey Rice Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Lemony Turkey Rice Soup

    While growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup. —Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana

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    48/50

    Weeknight Pasta Squiggles Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Weeknight Pasta Squiggles

    This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It contains just a few ingredients, is easy to prep, and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes this healthy pasta recipe a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas

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    49/50

    Skillet Pork Chops with Apples Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Skillet Pork Chops with Apples

    Our family loves to use apples to brighten savory dishes. We experimented with pork chop and apple recipes to find the perfect pairing. —Amanda Jobe, Olathe, Kansas

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    50/50

    Gather zucchini from your garden or farmers market and start cooking. My family goes wild for this wholesome casserole. You can grate the zucchini if you'd like. —LeAnn Gray, Taylorsville, Utah

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    Originally Published: October 11, 2018

    Author

    Emily Racette Parulski

    As a senior editor, Emily manages Taste of Home’s newsletter and promotions team and edits digital content. She has been writing and editing food and lifestyle content professionally for more than a decade. When she’s not working, Emily can be found in her kitchen baking something sweet or enjoying a scoop of frozen custard somewhere in Milwauk...

    Read More

    50 Dinners That Require (Almost) No Clean Up (52)

    50 Dinners That Require (Almost) No Clean Up (2024)

    FAQs

    How can I feed 50 guests cheaply? ›

    Feed the masses without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly dishes.
    1. Mexican Lasagne. A spicy lasagne for those of us who love Mexican and Italian food. ...
    2. Cheese Cob Dip. ...
    3. The Best Burger in Oz. ...
    4. Kangaroo Casserole. ...
    5. Sausage Casserole. ...
    6. Nanna's golden sausage casserole. ...
    7. Quiche Lorraine. ...
    8. Turkey and Pumpkin Lasagne.

    What is the quickest healthiest meal? ›

    25 healthy recipes you can cook in 5 minutes or less
    • Pea and broad bean couscous.
    • Fast home-made baked beans.
    • Porridge.
    • Pasta with cherry tomatoes and rocket.
    • Home-made hummus.
    • Smashed avocado and wilted spinach.
    • Cucumber (or potato) raitha.
    • Quick pitta pizzas.

    How to feed a crowd of 50? ›

    19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
    1. Taco Bar. A taco bar is one of the best inexpensive meals for large groups. ...
    2. Meatballs. ...
    3. Butter Chicken. ...
    4. Lasagna. ...
    5. Chili. ...
    6. Homemade Pizza. ...
    7. Baked Pasta. ...
    8. Skewers.
    Apr 4, 2023

    What are 10 good dinner foods? ›

    Our 20 most popular dinners of 2024
    • Air-fryer salmon.
    • Sweet potato & peanut curry.
    • Beef stroganoff.
    • Easy sausage casserole.
    • Chicken & chorizo jambalaya.
    • Lasagne.
    • Easy chicken curry.
    • No-fuss shepherd's pie.
    Mar 14, 2024

    What is the best cheap food to feed a crowd? ›

    Pasta is one of the cheapest and most filling pantry staples you can buy, and that's exactly why it's the perfect food to feed to a crowd! Plus, everyone loves a good pasta dish. Grab yourself a buffet server warming tray so you can pop your cooked pasta inside and keep it warm all evening long!

    What is the cheapest food to cater a party? ›

    Cheap catering food ideas include rice or pasta-based dishes, hot dogs, burritos, tacos, cookies, and muffins, which are loved by everyone and are often more affordable than sophisticated seafood or meat dishes.

    What is the one food you should eat every day? ›

    What foods are healthy to eat every day? According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 , each day you should aim to eat a variety of fruit, vegetables, dairy, grains, and foods containing protein (either plant-based or from lean meats or fish).

    How to cook for a lot of people cheaply? ›

    25 Cheap Meals for Large Families
    1. 01 of 26. Hungarian Goulash. View Recipe. ...
    2. 02 of 26. Simple Chicken and Noodles. ...
    3. 03 of 26. Easy Taco Casserole. ...
    4. 04 of 26. Winter Lentil Vegetable Soup. ...
    5. 05 of 26. Salisbury Steak. ...
    6. 06 of 26. Crispy and Tender Baked Chicken Thighs. ...
    7. 07 of 26. Black Beans and Rice. ...
    8. 08 of 26. Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup.
    Feb 22, 2024

    What is a cheap way to feed 100 people? ›

    Serving budget-friendly cuisines like salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes can be a very cost-effective choice. Or, if you're looking for a more casual option, how about a barbeque? Burgers, hot dogs and other grill-oriented foods are sure to be crowd favorites, and they won't rack up a big bill.

    What is a mans favorite dinner? ›

    No two guys are alike, but most share a love for hearty, full-flavored meals. Burgers and pizza. Meals cooked over fire. Meats made with beer. Try these and other stick-to-your-ribs recipes made with men in mind.

    What is a perfect dinner? ›

    In the evening, try to build a plate that has: 50% vegetables. 50% legumes and/or whole grains. Compose your dinner based on what you had for lunch to maintain a varied diet.

    What should I eat for dinner everyday? ›

    Healthy Meals: The 10 Best Foods for Dinner
    • Salmon.
    • Sweet Potato.
    • Chickpeas.
    • Lentils.
    • Dark Leafy Greens.
    • Tempeh.
    • Wheat Berries.
    • Olive Oil.
    Oct 3, 2022

    How much does food cost for 50 guests? ›

    Catering prices are $10 to $35 per person for basic party food or drop-off service. Catering costs $30 to $150 per person for formal plated meals, a buffet, or food stations. On average, caterers charge $500 to $7,500 for 50 guests, $1,000 to $15,000 for 100 guests, and $1,500 to $23,000 for 150 guests.

    How much food do I need for 50 guests? ›

    On average, plan for each adult to consume about 1 pound of food total (not including dessert). Count on children to consume about a ½ pound. Remember; the more options you have, the less you need of each.

    How much food do you need for a 50 person buffet? ›

    For a party of 50, you will therefore require 250-400. If there is a meal to be served, then this number can be cut back to 3-4 per person, per hour, which therefore equates to 150-200 appetizers required.

    How to feed 60 people cheaply? ›

    1. Hearty Baked Penne Pasta. This recipe feeds an army. ...
    2. Tasty Taco Bar. Everything you need to make your own Taco Bar at home. ...
    3. Baked Potato Bar. ...
    4. Crockpot Ham. ...
    5. Killer Carnitas. ...
    6. Chicken Spaghetti. ...
    7. Ham and Cheese Sliders. ...
    8. Shredded Beef Tacos.
    Aug 6, 2024

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