Introduction — Find Joy in the Everyday
Alex Snodgrass traces her love of cooking to a childhood kitchen — her mom and grandmother at the stove, siblings squeezed around the table. Everyday Eats is her fourth cookbook, and it was written in a different season: her kids are now thirteen and ten, the business is full, and the elaborate recipes have moved to Sundays and special occasions. So this book leans hard on pantry staples and quick, easy meals — and her version of quick and easy never means boring. She built the book around streamlined techniques — skillet dinners, one-pot pastas, sheet pan wonders — and kept ingredient lists as short as possible without giving up flavor.
It is easy to get caught up chasing impressive, picture-perfect meals, but some of the best family dinners are the simplest ones. The real magic is showing up and feeding the people you love. Dinnertime is a ritual worth protecting — the glue that connects us to our families, our friends, our people, ourselves. Put the phone down, share a laugh, look around the table. Dinner doesn’t have to be fancy to matter, and it doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. It just has to happen. The book’s job is to help it happen more often, with less stress and a whole lot more flavor.
Chapter 1 — Make-Ahead Breakfasts
Four breakfasts you make on Sunday so weekday mornings take about ninety seconds.
Delivery Breakfast Burritos
Roasted sweet potatoes, soft-scrambled eggs, and crisped chorizo rolled into freezer-friendly burritos.
Ingredients
- Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, ½-inch dice (about 6 cups)
- 4 tsp taco seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- Chorizo and eggs
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about ½ onion)
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- 1 lb fresh Mexican chorizo
- 10 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk (omit for dairy-free)
- ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup shredded sharp cheddar (omit for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- To assemble
- 6 large flour tortillas (sub grain-free tortillas for GF and grain-free)
- Salsa, for serving
Method
- Heat the oven to 425°F. On a parchment-lined sheet pan, toss the sweet potatoes with the taco seasoning, salt, and oil. Bake 22 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway, until tender and browned.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Soften the onion with the taco seasoning, about 2 minutes. Add the chorizo in an even layer and let it brown undisturbed 4 to 5 minutes, then break it up and cook about 4 minutes more. Lift the meat out; keep the fat in the pan and turn off the heat.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Over medium-low heat, scramble slowly, pushing the eggs to the middle every so often, about 8 minutes — glossy and very soft. When they are almost done, melt in the cheese for 1 minute, then fold in the chives off the heat.
- Warm the tortillas until pliable. Fill each with ⅓ cup chorizo, ⅓ cup potatoes, and a big scoop of eggs. Fold in the ends and roll tight. Serve warm with salsa.
Prep note: these are built for the freezer — wrap extras tightly and reheat for fast mornings or to stock a friend’s freezer.
Freezer-Friendly Mediterranean Breakfast Sandwiches
A baked egg square with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, spinach, and feta — sliced, stacked on English muffins with bacon, and frozen for the week.
Ingredients
- 8 slices no-sugar-added bacon
- Avocado oil spray
- 8 large eggs
- ⅓ cup whole-milk plain Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups finely chopped baby spinach
- ½ cup crumbled feta
- 8 English muffins (sub gluten-free)
- Hot sauce, optional
Method
- Heat the oven to 325°F. Bake the bacon on a parchment-lined sheet pan until just crisp, about 20 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Whisk the eggs, yogurt, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper until slightly frothy. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta.
- Pour into a well-greased 9 × 13-inch quarter sheet pan or baking dish. Bake 22 to 25 minutes, until fully set. Cool completely, then cut into 8 squares.
- Split the muffins. Stack each with an egg square and two bacon halves. Wrap each sandwich tightly in parchment or foil.
- Fridge up to 3 days, freezer up to 1 month. Microwave 60 to 90 seconds from the fridge, 90 to 120 seconds from frozen.
Serving fresh for a crowd? Toast the split muffins on a sheet pan at 325°F for about 8 minutes first.
Paleo Protein Waffles
Light, fluffy grain-free waffles with a protein boost — they freeze in a stack and come back crisp in the toaster.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 1½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- ¼ cup vanilla protein or collagen powder
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Optional: ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips; fresh berries and maple syrup for serving
Method
- Whisk the wet team: eggs, almond milk, vinegar, maple syrup, oil, and ¼ cup water.
- In a second bowl, stir the almond flour, tapioca flour, protein powder, baking powder, and cinnamon, breaking up clumps.
- Stir the wet into the dry in two additions until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips if using. Rest a few minutes so the batter thickens while the waffle iron heats to medium-low.
- Spray the iron and cook per its instructions (a four-square iron takes about 1¼ cups of batter and 3 minutes).
- Top with berries and syrup — or freeze the extras flat on a sheet pan, then bag them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the toaster, or 5 to 7 minutes at 350°F.
Sheet Pan Breakfast Potatoes with Bacon and Eggs
A whole diner breakfast on one pan: crispy potato-pepper hash, smoky bacon, and eggs baked right in wells on top.
Ingredients
- 1 lb yellow potatoes, unpeeled, ½-inch cubes
- ½ cup small-diced white onion
- 1 cup small-diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup small-diced red bell pepper
- 4 slices thick-cut no-sugar-added bacon, cut into small cubes
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp each kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne, optional
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tbsp each chopped fresh chives and parsley
- Optional for serving: shredded cheddar (omit for DF and paleo), sliced avocado
Method
- Heat the oven to 425°F with a rack at the top. On a parchment-lined sheet pan, toss the potatoes, onion, peppers, bacon, oil, and all the seasonings. Spread in a single layer.
- Bake about 35 minutes, tossing halfway, until the potatoes are crisp at the edges and the bacon is crisp.
- Press six wells into the hash and crack an egg into each. Bake 5 to 6 minutes more — whites just set, yolks still runny.
- Shower with chives and parsley. Plate an egg with hash around it, plus cheddar and avocado if you like.
Meal-prep note: portion into containers for up to 4 days; reheat at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Not a reheated-egg fan? Bake only the hash and fry a fresh egg each morning.
Chapter 2 — Salads and Such
Full-meal salads built around real protein — lunches you actually look forward to.
Italian Deli Chicken Salad
Chicken salad that raids the olive bar — salami, kalamatas, and peperoncini make rotisserie chicken taste like an Italian deli case.
Ingredients
- Dressing
- ¼ cup avocado oil mayo
- ¼ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt (sub mayo for DF and paleo)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Zest of ½ lemon plus 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp brine from the peperoncini jar
- ½ tsp each kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup grated parmesan (omit for DF and paleo)
- Salad
- 4 cups small-diced cooked chicken (rotisserie works)
- ½ cup small-diced Genoa salami (about 6 slices)
- ½ cup chopped peperoncini slices, drained
- 1 cup small-diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup each small-diced celery and shallot
- ½ cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- To serve: greens, a gluten-free wrap, or seedy crackers
Method
- Whisk all the dressing ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken, salami, peperoncini, vegetables, olives, and parsley. Fold until everything is coated.
- Cover and chill at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Serve over greens, in a wrap, or with crackers. Keeps 5 days in the fridge.
Chicken Shawarma Salad
Deeply spiced chicken thighs over a crisp salad with tahini dressing — the marinade does the heavy lifting, so start it in the morning.
Ingredients
- Shawarma-style chicken
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp each ground coriander, turmeric, and allspice
- ½ tsp cayenne
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Tahini dressing
- ½ cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp each garlic powder and kosher salt
- Salad
- Lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, and peperoncini, plus parsley and cilantro to finish
Method
- Whisk the oil, spices, garlic, and lemon juice, then massage into the thighs. Marinate 15 minutes at room temperature — or up to 24 hours in the fridge, which is where the flavor really comes from.
- Whisk the dressing; thin with 2 to 4 tbsp warm water until it pours like Caesar.
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet (cast iron is best) 4 to 5 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest 8 minutes, then slice thin.
- Divide the salad among bowls, top with chicken, drizzle with tahini, and finish with the herbs. A scoop of rice turns it into a hearty bowl.
Grill option: medium-high, about 5 minutes per side, to 165°F.
Classic Tuna Salad
The fridge-staple lunch — dill three ways, a little Dijon, and a touch of sweetness. Lettuce cups, crackers, or a Swiss-topped melt.
Ingredients
- Two 4-oz cans albacore or skipjack tuna, drained
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp avocado oil mayo
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp dill relish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp coconut sugar
- ¼ tsp cayenne, optional
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Method
- Break the tuna up with a fork so there are no big chunks.
- Stir in everything else and season with salt and pepper.
- Chill at least 1 hour before serving. Keeps 4 days in the fridge.
Spicy Miso Chicken Salad
A lettuce-wrap dinner, deconstructed: umami-rich miso-sriracha ground chicken over chopped butter lettuce with mint, cilantro, and peanuts.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ cup small-diced shallot
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1½ lb ground chicken or turkey, preferably dark meat
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 green onions, sliced, whites and greens separate
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp gluten-free white miso paste
- 1 tbsp sriracha, or more
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- ¼ cup each chopped fresh mint and cilantro, plus more
- 2 heads butter lettuce, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts
- Lime wedges
Method
- Soften the shallot, garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes in the oil over medium heat, about 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken, salt, pepper, and green onion whites. Cook, breaking the meat up, until done, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the sesame oil, miso, sriracha, and coconut aminos until smooth.
- Off the heat, stir in the mint, cilantro, and green onion tops.
- Spoon over the lettuce, top with peanuts and extra herbs, and serve with lime. The chicken keeps 3 days; store it apart from the lettuce.
Miso note: miso is not always gluten-free — check for a certified GF label if it matters.
Steak Street Taco Salad with Salsa Verde Vinaigrette
The end of a salsa verde jar becomes a zesty vinaigrette for crispy-edged street-taco steak over romaine.
Ingredients
- Salsa verde vinaigrette
- ⅓ cup salsa verde
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- Steak
- 1½ lb flap or skirt steak
- 2 tsp each ground cumin and chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- Salad
- 8 cups thinly sliced romaine
- ½ cup finely diced white onion
- ½ cup grated Cotija (omit for DF and paleo)
- ½ cup matchstick-cut radishes
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- Corn tortilla chips (omit for grain-free and paleo)
Method
- Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients and set aside.
- Cut the steak into a ½-inch dice and toss with the spices, salt, and pepper.
- Sear in hot oil, in batches, letting it brown undisturbed about 4 minutes, then stirring 4 to 5 minutes more until cooked through with crisp edges.
- Build the salads, top with the steak, and drizzle with vinaigrette. Chips on the side for scooping.
Tangy Thai Crunch Salad with Seared Salmon
Crisp two-cabbage slaw in a lime-chile dressing, topped with sesame-seared salmon and roasted peanuts.
Ingredients
- Dressing
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 Thai chiles, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- Slaw
- 3 cups each finely shredded green and purple cabbage
- 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots
- 4 Persian cucumbers, halved and sliced (about 2 cups)
- ¼ cup each chopped cilantro and mint, plus more
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (sub cashews for paleo)
- Salmon
- 4 skin-on center-cut salmon fillets (6 to 8 oz each)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp each toasted sesame oil and avocado oil
Method
- Whisk the dressing until the sugar dissolves.
- Toss the slaw vegetables and herbs in a big bowl — hold the dressing until serving so it stays crunchy.
- Season the salmon. Sear skin side down in the two hot oils, undisturbed, about 4 minutes, then flip for 4 to 5 minutes more, until it flakes.
- Dress and toss the slaw, divide among bowls, and top each with a fillet, nuts, and extra herbs.
Steakhouse Chopped Salad
A wedge salad without the iceberg: filet mignon, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and a chunky homemade blue cheese dressing.
Ingredients
- Blue cheese dressing
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp avocado oil mayo
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese, divided
- ¾ cup chopped fresh chives, divided
- Bacon and steak
- 4 slices no-sugar-added bacon
- 4 filet mignon steaks (6 to 8 oz each)
- 2 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- Salad
- 8 cups sliced romaine (about 2 heads)
- 1 cup halved and thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 2 green onions, sliced (about ½ cup)
Method
- Whisk the garlic, yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk in ⅓ cup of the blue cheese and ½ cup of the chives, leaving a few clumps.
- Start the bacon in a cold skillet and crisp over medium, about 4 minutes per side. Crumble it; wipe out the pan.
- Pat the steaks dry, season, and sear in oil over medium-high: 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, 5 to 6 for more done. Rest, then slice against the grain.
- Toss the romaine, red onion, tomatoes, green onions, and bacon with the dressing. Top with steak and the reserved blue cheese and chives.
Chapter 3 — Simple Soups
One pot, big flavor, and leftovers that freeze — soup as a weeknight strategy.
Marry Me White Bean Soup
The “Marry Me Chicken” flavor profile — sun-dried tomatoes, basil, a creamy finish — rebuilt as a cozy cannellini bean soup with pancetta.
Ingredients
- 4 oz diced pancetta (omit for vegetarian)
- ½ cup small-diced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, oil reserved
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper, plus more
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- Two 15-oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 bay leaf
- 1 parmesan rind (omit for DF)
- Zest of ½ lemon plus 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup sliced fresh basil, plus more
- Grated parmesan, for serving (omit for DF)
Method
- In a Dutch oven over medium, crisp the pancetta, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1 tbsp of the sun-dried tomato oil, the tomatoes, onion, garlic, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; cook about 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste.
- Deglaze with the wine, scraping the bottom, until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
- Add the beans, broth, coconut milk, oregano, bay leaf, parmesan rind, and lemon zest. Boil, then cover and simmer gently about 20 minutes.
- Fish out the bay leaf and rind. Stir in the spinach, lemon juice, and basil just until wilted; season. Serve topped with basil and parmesan.
Keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months frozen (garnishes separate). Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Ground Beef and Barley Stew
Classic beef-and-barley comfort, sped up: ground beef delivers the slow-simmered flavor in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery (about 2 stalks)
- 1 cup medium-diced carrot
- 1 lb ground beef (90/10)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- One 14.5-oz can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
- 1 cup pearled barley
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried), plus more for garnish
- 1 bay leaf
Method
- Soften the onion, celery, and carrot in oil over medium heat, about 6 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef, breaking it up, about 7 minutes; drain the excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, tamari, tomato paste, and vinegar; toast about 2 minutes.
- Add the broth, tomatoes, barley, and herbs. Boil, then cover and simmer gently until the barley is tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaf and rest 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with thyme.
Keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months frozen; loosen with broth when reheating.
Chicken, Lime, and Avocado Soup
A dump-and-go citrusy chicken soup where creamy avocado slices are the star topping.
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- ½ cup seeded, finely diced jalapeño (about 1 large)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- One 15-oz jar no-sugar-added red enchilada sauce
- One 14.5-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- One 4-oz can mild diced green chiles
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Zest of ½ lime plus ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- To serve: 2 avocados, sliced; grain-free tortilla chips optional
Method
- Combine everything except the lime juice, cilantro, and toppings in the cooker and stir.
- Slow cooker: high 4 hours or, better, low 8 hours. Pressure cooker: 15 minutes on high pressure, then quick-release.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back in with the cilantro and lime juice.
- Ladle into bowls and pile on the avocado; crush chips over the top if using.
Keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months frozen, garnishes separate.
Kimchi Ramen
A twenty-minute umami bomb — kimchi and gochujang turn broth, mushrooms, and ramen into something layered and cozy.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 green onions, sliced, whites and greens separate
- 4 cups stemmed, thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp gluten-free gochujang
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos, 1 tsp coconut sugar
- 1 cup roughly chopped cabbage kimchi
- Two 6-oz packs ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded (sub brown rice ramen for GF)
- 2 jammy eggs, optional
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Method
- Soften the green onion whites, mushrooms, garlic, ginger, and salt in the oil, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the sesame oil and gochujang, then the broth, coconut aminos, and sugar. Add the kimchi and bring to a rapid simmer.
- Drop to a gentle simmer and nestle in the noodles; cook 4 to 5 minutes total, until tender.
- Stir in the green onion tops. Serve immediately, topped with jammy eggs and sesame seeds — the noodles drink the broth fast.
Jammy eggs: simmer 6½ minutes, then straight into ice water for 5 before peeling. Gochujang is often made with wheat — a coconut-aminos-based brand keeps it GF.
Green Chile Stew
Her mother-in-law’s New Mexican crowd-feeder — pork, potatoes, and a whole jar of Hatch green chiles, with the cooker doing all the work.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 lb pork shoulder or tenderloin, ½-inch dice
- 2 cups small-diced yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb yellow potatoes, ½-inch dice
- One 16-oz jar flame-roasted mild or medium Hatch green chiles
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn (omit for grain-free and paleo)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- To serve: cilantro; shredded Monterey Jack (omit for DF and paleo)
Method
- Mix the salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Massage half into the diced pork right in the cooker.
- Add the onion, garlic, potatoes, chiles, broth, and the rest of the spices; stir well.
- Slow cooker: high 4 hours or, better, low 8. Pressure cooker: 35 minutes on high pressure, quick-release.
- Stir in the corn and lime juice; give it 5 minutes to warm through.
- Serve topped with cilantro and Monterey Jack.
Chile note: use mild or medium roasted Hatch chiles — hot ones can take over. Fresh or frozen? Use 2 cups diced. Keeps 3 to 4 days chilled, 3 months frozen.
Chapter 4 — Pasta and Noodles
One-pot pastas and quick noodle bowls — comfort food with only one thing to wash.
Skillet-Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta
Baked ziti without the extra pot: the pasta cooks right in the sauce, then gets a torn-mozzarella lid in the oven.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb bulk mild or hot Italian sausage
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups jarred marinara
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¾ cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup whole-milk ricotta
- ½ cup shredded parmesan
- 8 oz gluten-free brown rice ziti or penne
- 5 oz fresh mozzarella
- Torn fresh basil, for serving
Method
- Heat the oven to 375°F. In a deep oven-safe skillet with a lid, brown the sausage in the oil, about 7 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic; cook 4 minutes, then drain the excess fat.
- Over medium-low, stir in the seasoning, salt, pepper, marinara, wine, broth, ricotta, and parmesan. Toss in the dry pasta to coat; spread even.
- Tear the mozzarella over the top. Bake covered 20 minutes, then uncovered until bubbly and the pasta is tender, about 15 more.
- Rest briefly, top with basil, and serve. Keeps 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth.
Pasta note: if going gluten-free, use brown rice pasta only — its starch thickens the sauce; legume or corn pasta will not work here.
Calabrian Carbonara
Classic carbonara — no cream, just eggs and pecorino — with a spoonful of Calabrian chiles to wake it up.
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 8 oz spaghetti or bucatini (sub GF brown rice spaghetti)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup freshly grated pecorino Romano, plus more
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper, plus more
- 1 to 2 tbsp jarred chopped Calabrian peppers
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, cubed small
Method
- Boil the pasta in well-salted water to al dente.
- Meanwhile, whisk the eggs, pecorino, pepper, and Calabrian peppers.
- Crisp the pancetta in a large deep skillet, about 5 minutes; keep warm on low.
- Drain the pasta and toss it straight into the pancetta and its fat.
- Off the heat, pour in the egg mixture and toss constantly 2 to 3 minutes — the residual heat makes it glossy, not scrambled. Season, bowl it, and top with more cheese and pepper.
Heat-sensitive? Start with 1 tbsp of the chiles. Find them chopped in oil near the pickles and olives.
One-Pot Cheesy Enchilada Helper
Hamburger Helper energy, enchilada flavor: beef, pasta, and red sauce simmered in one pot and finished creamy.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 cup small-diced yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (90/10)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp each chili powder and ground cumin
- 8 oz gluten-free brown rice fusilli
- One 15-oz can red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Method
- Soften the onion and garlic in the oil, about 3 minutes. Brown the beef, about 7 minutes; drain.
- Toast in the salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin, about 2 minutes.
- Add the pasta, enchilada sauce, and broth. Simmer gently, uncovered, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes.
- On low, stir in the yogurt, cheese, and lime juice until melted and creamy. Finish with cilantro.
Keeps 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth to loosen.
Thai Red Curry Shrimp Noodles
Kid-approved curry noodles — red curry paste mellowed with coconut milk, tossed with shrimp, rice noodles, and lots of herbs.
Ingredients
- 8 oz wide rice noodles
- Kosher salt
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 cups thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup thinly sliced white onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos, 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tsp coconut sugar
- Zest of ½ lime plus 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp (36/40), patted dry
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup chopped Thai or regular basil
Method
- Boil the rice noodles in salted water to al dente; drain and rinse cold.
- Soften the bell pepper, onion, and garlic with 1½ tsp salt and the pepper in hot oil, 3 to 4 minutes. Toast the curry paste in, about 2 minutes.
- Add the coconut milk, aminos, fish sauce, sugar, lime zest, and juice; simmer 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Drop to a gentle simmer and cook the shrimp in the sauce, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Rinse the noodles once more, then toss them in with the cilantro and basil until coated, about 2 minutes. Serve with extra sauce spooned over.
One-Skillet Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Tangy Buffalo sauce, rotisserie chicken, two cheeses, and a crunchy panko lid — all in the pasta’s own cooking skillet.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 green onions, sliced, whites and greens separate
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz gluten-free brown rice bowtie pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup mild or hot Buffalo sauce
- ¼ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie)
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- Topping
- ¼ cup gluten-free panko + 1 tbsp avocado oil + ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley, to finish
Method
- Heat the oven to 400°F. In a deep oven-safe skillet, soften the green onion whites and garlic in the oil, about 3 minutes.
- Add the pasta, broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Keep at a steady moderate simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is tender with a little liquid left, 13 to 15 minutes.
- On low, stir in the Buffalo sauce, yogurt, and ¾ cup cheddar until melted. Off heat, fold in the chicken, green onion tops, and blue cheese; level it out.
- Toss the panko with oil and salt. Scatter the last ¼ cup cheddar, then the panko, over the top. Bake 6 to 7 minutes until golden and bubbly. Finish with parsley.
Oven-Roasted Shrimp Scampi
Scampi with the oven doing the work — shrimp roast in garlic, wine, and lemon while you boil the linguine and set the table.
Ingredients
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup halved, thinly sliced shallot
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp (31/40), patted dry
- 8 oz gluten-free linguine
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan (omit for DF)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Method
- Heat the oven to 375°F and start a pot of water boiling.
- In a 9 × 13-inch baking dish, toss the garlic, shallot, pepper flakes, oil, wine, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and shrimp; spread even.
- Bake until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 13 minutes. Meanwhile, boil the pasta in salted water per the package.
- Toss the drained pasta into the baking dish, then add the parmesan and parsley and toss again. Season, and serve with lemon wedges.
Tipsy Noodles
Drunken-noodle flavors on a weeknight schedule — ground beef instead of sliced steak, rice noodles, basil, and as much Thai chile heat as your table can take.
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp coconut sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 to 3 Thai chiles, minced
- ⅓ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp tapioca or arrowroot flour
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lb ground beef (90/10)
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, cut in 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 9 oz wide rice noodles; kosher salt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 cup packed Thai or regular basil, plus more
Method
- Whisk the sauce: aminos, vinegar, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, chiles, broth, and flour. Start the noodle water boiling.
- Brown the beef in the oil, about 7 minutes; drain.
- Add the bell pepper, green onions, and carrots; cook 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in the sauce and simmer about 4 minutes until it starts to thicken; hold on low.
- Boil the rice noodles in salted water to al dente (2 to 6 minutes depending on thickness); drain and rinse cold.
- Toss the noodles into the skillet until glossy, about 2 minutes. Finish with the lime juice and basil, tossing 1 minute until just wilted.
Heat scale: 3 chiles spicy, 2 medium, 1 mild. No Thai chiles? About ½ minced serrano.
One-Pot Italian Shells and Cheese
A homemade nod to the cheesy-Italian-shells Hamburger Helper of the nineties — saucy, herby, and done in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb bulk mild or hot Italian sausage
- ½ tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 12 oz small pasta shells
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- One 14.5-oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- Fresh basil and ½ cup chopped parsley, to serve
Method
- Soften the onion and garlic in the oil, about 2 minutes. Brown the sausage, about 7 minutes; drain all but 2 tbsp fat.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, oregano, and tomato paste.
- Add the shells, broth, tomato sauce, and vinegar. Boil, then simmer gently, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid mostly absorbed, 13 to 15 minutes.
- On low, melt in the mozzarella. Top with basil and parsley.
Chapter 5 — Poultry
Nine chicken and turkey dinners — mostly one skillet, mostly done inside 45 minutes.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
The Chinese-takeout classic from her small-town childhood, rebuilt at home — velvety chicken and crisp broccoli in a savory brown sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tapioca flour
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Stir-fry
- ⅓ cup coconut aminos
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp fish sauce
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tbsp tapioca flour
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- Cauliflower rice or steamed rice, to serve
Method
- Pound the chicken to an even ½ inch, cut into 1-inch pieces, and toss with the salt, pepper, tapioca, coconut aminos, and baking soda.
- Whisk the sauce: aminos, sesame oil, fish sauce, broth, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes, and tapioca.
- Sear the chicken in hot oil in batches, undisturbed 3 minutes per side, until golden. Set aside.
- Cook the broccoli in the same pan with ¼ cup water, scraping the browned bits, about 3 minutes.
- Return the chicken, pour in the sauce, and simmer about 3 minutes until it thickens and coats. Serve over rice.
Sheet Pan Chicken with Soppressata and Peppers
Crispy-skinned chicken thighs roasted over sweet peppers and salty soppressata, finished with olives, goat cheese, and mint.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of ½ lemon plus 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, divided
- 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 lb mini bell peppers, halved and seeded
- ½ cup halved, thinly sliced red onion
- 3 oz hard soppressata or salami, small dice (about ¾ cup)
- ½ cup torn pitted Castelvetrano olives
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (omit for DF and paleo)
- 2 tbsp torn fresh mint
Method
- Heat the oven to 425°F. Whisk the oil, mustard, garlic, lemon, 1 tbsp of the oregano, and the spices.
- On a parchment-lined sheet pan, arrange the thighs with the peppers, onion, and soppressata scattered around. Pour the dressing over and massage into the chicken; spread out, skin side up.
- Bake 30 to 40 minutes, tossing the vegetables halfway, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Top with the olives, then plate and finish with goat cheese, the last of the oregano, and the mint.
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven or air fryer 8 to 10 minutes so the skin stays crisp.
Creamy One-Pot Lemon Feta Chicken with Orzo
A blog favorite: turmeric-spiced chicken breasts baked into lemony, feta-creamy orzo — one braiser, start to finish.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp each ground turmeric and smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Orzo
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup orzo (sub GF brown rice orzo)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Zest of ½ lemon plus 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp each chopped fresh oregano and parsley
- ¾ cup feta crumbles, divided
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Method
- Heat the oven to 375°F. Season the chicken all over with the spice mix.
- Brown it in oil in a deep oven-safe skillet, about 3 minutes per side (it finishes in the oven). Set aside.
- In the same pan, soften the shallot, garlic, and pepper flakes 2 minutes. Add the mustard and wine; reduce by half, scraping the bottom, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo, broth, lemon, salt, herbs, and ½ cup of the feta. Nestle the chicken back in with its juices.
- Bake uncovered about 15 minutes, top with the last ¼ cup feta, and bake about 5 more, until the orzo is done. Garnish with oregano; serve with lemon.
Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet
A taco-seasoning-packet dinner done right — browned thighs baked over toasted, lime-scented rice. The oven time is for making guacamole.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- Veggies and rice
- 1 small red and 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup white jasmine rice, rinsed well
- ¼ tsp kosher salt + 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Zest of ½ lime plus 2 tbsp lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, plus more
- Optional: pickled jalapeños, guacamole, tortilla chips
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Season the thighs with salt and taco seasoning; brown in oil about 3 minutes per side in a lidded oven-safe skillet. Set aside.
- Soften the peppers, onion, and garlic in the same pan, about 4 minutes.
- Toast the rice in with the salt and taco seasoning, about 2 minutes.
- Add the broth, lime, and cilantro; bring to a simmer and nestle the chicken back in. Cover and bake 25 minutes, then uncover 8 to 10 more, until the rice is tender.
- Fluff, garnish, and top bowls with jalapeños, guac, and chips.
Skillet French Onion Chicken with Mushrooms
French onion soup as a dinner: seared chicken over wine-glossed onions and mushrooms, capped with bubbling Gruyère.
Ingredients
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ tsp kosher salt, divided; ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp cassava flour
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
- One 8-oz pack sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Gruyère
Method
- Heat the oven to 375°F. Pound the chicken to ½ inch; season with 1 tsp salt, the pepper, and paprika; dredge in the cassava flour.
- Brown in 2 tbsp oil, 2 to 3 minutes per side; set aside.
- Cook the onion, mushrooms, garlic, and remaining ½ tsp salt in the last tbsp of oil until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the mustard, coconut aminos, and thyme, then the wine and broth.
- Nestle the chicken back in, top with Gruyère, and bake uncovered about 12 minutes, until cooked through and bubbly.
Cumin-Crusted Chicken with Avocado-Cucumber Salad
Smoky seared thighs under a cool, citrusy salad of avocado, cucumber, and tomato — dinner and its side in one.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp each ground cumin and chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cayenne
- Salad
- 4 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup quartered grape tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lime juice + 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 avocados, diced; lime wedges to serve
Method
- Toss the thighs with 2 tbsp oil, the lime juice, and all the spices; marinate 10 minutes while you make the salad.
- Toss the salad ingredients, folding the avocado in gently last. Chill.
- Sear the chicken in the remaining oil (cast iron is best), 3 to 4 minutes per side, in batches, until cooked through.
- Spoon the salad over the chicken and serve with lime wedges.
Grill option: about 5 minutes per side to 165°F.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Chicken
Blistered cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and coconut milk make a velvety pan sauce for golden dredged chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- 2 tbsp cassava flour
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup halved, thinly sliced shallot
- ¾ cup julienned oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup sliced fresh basil, plus more
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts, optional
Method
- Season the chicken with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper; dredge in cassava flour.
- Brown in oil 2 to 3 minutes per side; set aside.
- Cook the cherry tomatoes, pepper flakes, garlic, shallot, and sun-dried tomatoes until the tomatoes blister, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and broth; reduce by half, about 3 minutes. Add the coconut milk and remaining salt and pepper; bring to a simmer.
- Nestle the chicken in, top with basil, and simmer gently 7 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is done. Finish with lemon juice, more basil, and pine nuts.
Kung Pao Ground Chicken
The takeout favorite on fast-forward — ground chicken, crisp veggies, peanuts, and a glossy sweet-savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1½ tsp toasted sesame oil
- ⅓ cup coconut aminos
- ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar, 1 tbsp tapioca flour
- 3 tbsp avocado oil, divided
- 1½ lb ground chicken or turkey, preferably dark meat
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups each small-diced red bell pepper and zucchini
- 4 green onions, sliced, whites and greens separate
- 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ to 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts (sub cashews for paleo), plus more
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Rice or lettuce leaves, to serve
Method
- Whisk the sauce: sesame oil, aminos, broth, fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and tapioca.
- Brown the chicken with the salt and pepper in 2 tbsp oil — undisturbed 3 minutes for a crust, then broken up about 4 more. Set aside; drain the pan.
- Cook the bell pepper, zucchini, and onion whites in the last tbsp of oil 2 minutes; add the garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes for 2 more.
- Return the chicken, add the sauce, and toss about 2 minutes until coated and glossy.
- Stir in the peanuts, lime juice, and onion greens. Serve over rice or in lettuce cups.
Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet
Enchiladas without the rolling — tortilla strips soak up green sauce in a turkey-and-bean skillet under a browned cheese top.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken, preferably dark meat
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 tsp each ground cumin and garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- One 4-oz can mild diced green chiles
- One 15-oz jar green enchilada sauce
- One 15-oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, plus more
- 1 cup corn tortillas sliced in ¼-inch strips
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
- To serve: shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, jalapeño, lime wedges
Method
- Heat the oven to 400°F. Brown the turkey and onion in oil in an oven-safe skillet, about 7 minutes; drain.
- Toast in the cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and green chiles, about 2 minutes.
- Add the enchilada sauce, beans, broth, and lime juice; bring to a simmer. Fold in the cilantro and tortilla strips; level it out and top with the cheese.
- Bake uncovered about 15 minutes until the cheese is golden. Rest 5 minutes so the sauce settles.
- Pile cabbage in the center and serve with avocado, jalapeño, and lime.
Freezer path: assemble unbaked in a freezer-safe dish, top with cheese, wrap airtight, and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight and bake at 400°F, 20 to 25 minutes.
Chapter 6 — Beef, Pork, and Lamb
Steak bites, Sunday pot roast, and set-it-and-forget-it shredded beef.
Chipotle Chimichurri Steak Bite Bowls
The answer to a half-used can of chipotles: smoky chimichurri spooned over quick-seared steak bites, rice, and crisp romaine.
Ingredients
- Chipotle chimichurri
- 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo, minced (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 cup each roughly chopped cilantro and parsley (leaves and tender stems)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- Steak bites
- 2 lb sirloin or flank steak
- 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- To serve
- Rice, shredded romaine, pico de gallo, cilantro
Method
- Pulse all the chimichurri ingredients in a food processor — combined but still flecked and chunky.
- Cube the steak to 1 inch and season generously with salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Sear in batches in hot oil: 2 minutes undisturbed for a deep crust, flip 1 to 2 more. Rest briefly.
- Build bowls: rice, romaine, steak, pico, a big spoonful of chimichurri, cilantro.
Keeps 3 days; store the chimichurri separately and warm the steak gently so it doesn’t overcook.
BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps
All the smoky-tangy joy of a barbecue sandwich, wrapped in butter lettuce with pickles and avocado.
Ingredients
- Beef
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup halved, thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapeño brine
- ¾ cup no-sugar-added barbecue sauce, divided
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp each smoked paprika and garlic powder
- 2 lb flank steak, cut in 4 pieces
- 2 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- To serve
- 2 heads butter lettuce, red onion, avocado, dill pickles, pickled jalapeños, extra BBQ sauce, cilantro
Method
- In the cooker, whisk the garlic, onion, tomato paste, jalapeño brine, ½ cup of the BBQ sauce, broth, sugar, mustard, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Season the steak and nestle it in. Slow cooker: high 4 hours or low 8. Pressure cooker: 60 minutes high pressure, manual release.
- Shred the beef on a sheet pan; toss with the last ¼ cup BBQ sauce, the lime juice, and about ½ cup cooking liquid.
- Pile into doubled lettuce leaves and load up the toppings.
Italian Sausage with Brothy White Beans and Kale
Whole sausage links stay juicy while they flavor a garlicky pot of cannellini beans and kale — rustic, one pan, crusty-bread territory.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 mild or hot Italian sausage links
- 2 large shallots, halved and sliced (about 1 cup)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ tsp each kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Two 15-oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Zest of ½ lemon plus 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, plus more
- 4 cups chopped lacinato kale (about 1 bunch)
- Grated parmesan, for serving
Method
- Sear the sausages in oil, 3 to 4 minutes per side; set aside (they finish later).
- Soften the shallots, garlic, pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, about 2 minutes.
- Deglaze with the wine, 2 minutes, then stir in the tomato paste.
- Add the beans, broth, lemon zest, and thyme; bring to a gentle simmer. Nestle the sausages back in, cover, and cook 10 minutes.
- Wilt in the kale with the lemon juice, 2 to 3 minutes. Bowl the beans, top each with a sausage, and finish with parmesan and thyme.
Perfect Oven-Roasted or Slow Cooker Pot Roast
The Sunday-supper centerpiece — chuck roast falling apart over potatoes, carrots, and celery, with leftovers that carry the week.
Ingredients
- 3½ lb boneless chuck roast, patted dry
- 2½ tsp kosher salt and 1½ tsp black pepper, divided
- 2 tbsp tapioca or all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced in ¼-inch strips
- 3 medium carrots and 4 celery stalks, in 2-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, plus more
- 2 bay leaves
- 1½ lb medium yellow potatoes, quartered
Method
- Season the roast with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper; rub the flour all over.
- Sear in hot oil until deeply crusted, about 4 minutes per side.
- Oven path (275°F): in the same Dutch oven, soften the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic with the last of the salt and pepper, 4 minutes. Stir in the mustard, tomato paste, and paprika; reduce the vinegar by half; add the broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Nestle in the roast, surround with potatoes, cover, and roast about 4 hours.
- Slow cooker path: layer the vegetables, seasonings, vinegar, and broth in the cooker; add the seared roast, thyme, bay leaves, and potatoes. Low for 8 to 10 hours.
- Rest 10 minutes, discard the bay leaves, and shred into big chunks. Serve in shallow bowls with the vegetables and a ladle of sauce.
Keeps 4 days chilled; freeze with some cooking liquid up to 3 months.
Thai-Inspired Shredded Beef Bowls
Beef that simmers all day in a peanut-chile sauce, brightened at the table by a quick-pickled crunch of peppers, carrots, and onion.
Ingredients
- Steak
- 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp minced ginger
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter (sub almond butter for paleo)
- 1 to 3 Thai chiles, minced
- 2 lb flap or flank steak, cut in 4 pieces
- 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth (pressure cooker only)
- Zest of ½ lime plus 2 tbsp lime juice
- Veggie salad
- 12 mini bell peppers, sliced thin
- ½ cup halved, thinly sliced red onion
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- 1 to 3 Thai chiles, minced; 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 4 tsp fish sauce, pinch of salt
- To serve
- Rice, cilantro, Thai or regular basil, lime wedges
Method
- Whisk the garlic, ginger, sugar, aminos, fish sauce, peanut butter, and chiles in the cooker (add the broth for the pressure cooker).
- Season the steak and nestle it in. Slow cooker: high 4 hours or low 8. Pressure cooker: 60 minutes high pressure, manual release.
- Shred the beef, return it to the juices, and toss with the lime zest and juice; keep warm.
- Toss the veggie salad ingredients together.
- Serve the beef over rice with the salad, herbs, and lime wedges.
Sweet and Savory Korean-Style Beef Bowls
Bulgogi-inspired ground beef in a gochujang-ginger sauce over rice, with kimchi on the side (cucumbers for the kids).
Ingredients
- Sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- 2 tsp fish sauce, 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp gluten-free gochujang
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Beef
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ cup finely diced white onion
- 1½ lb ground beef (90/10)
- 1½ tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 green onions, sliced, whites and greens separate
- To serve
- Rice, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 2 cups kimchi
Method
- Whisk all the sauce ingredients.
- Soften the white onion in oil, 2 minutes. Press the beef into a single layer and let it crisp undisturbed 4 minutes, then break it up and finish, about 3 more. Drain.
- Add the salt, pepper, and green onion whites; pour in the sauce and reduce 3 to 4 minutes until it clings.
- Serve over rice with sesame seeds, green onion tops, and plenty of kimchi.
Chapter 7 — Fresh Catch
Salmon, shrimp, and scallops — the fastest proteins in the book, most on one pan.
Really Dilly Sheet Pan Salmon
Salmon roasted under a tangy, tartar-adjacent yogurt-dill sauce, with asparagus sharing the pan.
Ingredients
- Dilly sauce
- ½ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp dill relish
- 1 tsp whole-grain Dijon
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp Louisiana-style hot sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp each kosher salt and black pepper
- Asparagus and salmon
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1½ tsp kosher salt and ¾ tsp black pepper, divided
- 4 skin-on center-cut salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- Fresh dill and lemon wedges, to serve
Method
- Heat the oven to 400°F. Stir the sauce together; set aside 2½ tbsp for the salmon.
- Toss the asparagus with oil, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper on a lined sheet pan; push it to the edges.
- Set the fillets in the middle, season with the remaining salt and pepper, and spread the reserved sauce over their tops.
- Bake 12 to 14 minutes, until the salmon flakes. Serve with fresh dill, the rest of the sauce, and lemon.
Crunchy Coconut Shrimp Bowls with Spicy Aioli
Coconut shrimp, deconstructed: seared shrimp over rice and sesame slaw, showered with toasted panko-coconut crunch and sriracha aioli.
Ingredients
- Spicy aioli
- 2 tbsp avocado oil mayo
- 1 to 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp lime juice, ¼ tsp kosher salt
- Sesame slaw
- 4 cups finely shredded red cabbage
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, ½ tsp salt
- Shrimp and crunch
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp (36/40), patted dry
- 1½ tsp kosher salt, divided; ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup gluten-free panko + ⅓ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- To serve
- 2 cups steamed rice, 1 avocado, cilantro, black sesame seeds, lime wedges
Method
- Whisk the aioli. Toss the slaw. Set both aside.
- Sear the shrimp in hot oil with 1 tsp salt and the pepper, 2 to 3 minutes per side; set aside.
- In the same pan over medium, toast the panko, coconut, and last ½ tsp salt until golden, 2 to 3 minutes — watch it closely.
- Bowl the rice, slaw, and shrimp; rain the coconut crunch over, add avocado, drizzle aioli, and finish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime.
Harissa Salmon Bites with Sesame Cucumber Salad
Broiled, lightly charred salmon bites in a harissa-honey glaze over a cool tahini-yogurt cucumber salad.
Ingredients
- Sesame cucumber salad
- ¾ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp tahini, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp each kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 English cucumbers, seeded, in half-moons (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup halved, thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup each chopped cilantro and dill
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, plus more
- Salmon
- 1½ lb skinless center-cut salmon, in 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp arrowroot flour
- 2 tsp each smoked paprika and garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1½ tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 tbsp mild harissa paste + 2 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tbsp honey
- Rice or gluten-free orzo, to serve
Method
- Heat the oven to 425°F, racks center and top. Whisk the yogurt, tahini, sesame oil, lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper; toss in the cucumbers and onion until the dressing thins, then the herbs and sesame seeds. Chill.
- Toss the salmon cubes with the arrowroot, spices, salt, pepper, and oil; spread on a lined sheet pan and bake 10 minutes.
- Whisk the harissa, lemon juice, and honey. Pour it over the salmon, toss, then broil on high 2 to 3 minutes until lightly charred — watch closely.
- Serve over rice with the cucumber salad, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Seared Scallops with Creamy Pea Couscous and Crispy Prosciutto
The feeling-fancy dinner: golden-crusted scallops on parmesan pea couscous that eats like risotto, topped with crackly prosciutto.
Ingredients
- Couscous
- ½ cup diced prosciutto (about 3 oz)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1½ cups Israeli (pearl) couscous
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley, plus more
- Scallops
- 1 lb jumbo sea scallops, patted very dry
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Method
- Crisp the prosciutto in a saucepan, 3 to 4 minutes; drain on paper towels.
- In the same pan, soften the onion, garlic, and pepper flakes in oil, about 4 minutes.
- Add the couscous, broth, salt, and pepper; simmer gently, stirring, until tender and mostly absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Off heat, stir in the peas, butter, parmesan, lemon juice, and parsley. Cover.
- Season the scallops. In shimmering oil over medium-high, sear undisturbed about 2 minutes until deeply golden, flip, and cook about 2 more.
- Plate the couscous, top with scallops and prosciutto, and finish with parsley and lemon.
Dicing prosciutto: roll the slices like a cigar, slice into ribbons, then crosswise into bits.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajita Tacos
Fajita night with zero skillet-hovering — peppers roast first, spiced shrimp joins late, everything lands in warm tortillas over mashed avocado.
Ingredients
- Fajitas
- 1 lb mini bell peppers, seeded, in thin rounds
- 1 cup halved, thinly sliced red onion
- 1 serrano, thinly sliced, optional
- 4 tbsp avocado oil, divided
- 2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1½ lb peeled, deveined shrimp (36/40), patted dry
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp each garlic powder and smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- Zest of ½ lime
- Tacos
- 10 grain-free tortillas or lettuce cups
- 2 avocados, mashed
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro; salsa and lime wedges
Method
- Heat the oven to 425°F. Toss the peppers, onion, and serrano with half the oil, salt, and pepper on a lined sheet pan; roast about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, toss the shrimp with the remaining oil, salt, and pepper plus the spices, oregano, and lime zest.
- Add the shrimp to the pan, toss, and roast about 10 more minutes until just cooked through.
- Char the tortillas in a dry skillet (or over a flame), swipe with mashed avocado, and fill. Cilantro, salsa, lime — done.
Leftovers keep 2 days; reheat in a skillet or air fryer, not the microwave, so the shrimp stay tender.
Chapter 8 — Easy Sweets
Desserts that keep the “easy” promise — a skillet, a mini muffin tin, and a freezer stash.
Skillet Peach Crumble
A Southern peach crumble that works year-round thanks to frozen peaches — bubbling in cast iron under an oat crumble, begging for ice cream.
Ingredients
- Peaches
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (sub vegan butter for DF)
- 32 oz frozen sliced peaches (or 8 to 10 fresh)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup coconut sugar + ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 2 tbsp tapioca or arrowroot flour
- Crumble
- 1½ cups gluten-free old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup coconut sugar + 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, diced (sub vegan butter)
- Vanilla ice cream, optional
Method
- Heat the oven to 400°F. In a 10- or 12-inch cast-iron skillet, cook the peaches in the butter with cinnamon and salt until they thaw and release juice, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sugar, syrup, vanilla, and lemon zest; simmer 1 to 2 minutes. Off heat, stir in the tapioca until smooth; level the peaches.
- Mash the crumble ingredients together until coarse and crumbly; scatter over the peaches.
- Bake about 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Cool 5 to 10 minutes; add ice cream.
Using fresh peaches? Sauté only 2 to 3 minutes up front so they don’t go soft before baking.
Mini Chocolate Raspberry Tarts
Two-bite chocolate tarts with a raspberry-jam surprise in the middle and a fresh berry on top — built to live in the freezer.
Ingredients
- Cookie base
- Nonstick cooking spray
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1¼ cups almond flour + ¾ cup tapioca flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp each baking soda and kosher salt
- 1 tsp instant espresso powder
- Filling
- ¼ cup no-sugar-added raspberry jam
- ½ cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp each espresso powder and vanilla
- 24 fresh raspberries; flaky sea salt
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F; grease a mini muffin pan well.
- Whisk the sugar, oil, egg, and syrup. Whisk the dry ingredients separately, then combine into a slightly sticky dough.
- Roll 24 balls (about 1 tbsp each) into the cups; press each into a little crust up the sides. Bake 9 minutes, press wells back in, bake 2 more. Cool completely.
- Drop ½ tsp jam in each well. Microwave the chocolate, coconut milk, and syrup smooth in 30-second bursts; stir in the espresso and vanilla. Spoon about 1 tbsp into each tart.
- Press a raspberry into each, sprinkle with flaky salt, and chill 30 minutes to set. Fridge 1 week; freezer 1 month.
Easy No-Bake Crunchy Peanut Butter Bites
Chocolate-dipped peanut butter and crushed cornflakes — simple enough for the kids to make, good enough to hide in the freezer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cups cornflakes cereal
- 2 tbsp hemp hearts
- ½ cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp liquid coconut oil
- 1 tbsp flaky sea salt
Method
- Stir the peanut butter and honey together. Crush the cornflakes coarsely in a zip-top bag and stir in with the hemp hearts.
- With damp hands, roll about eighteen 1-inch balls onto a parchment-lined pan; chill in the freezer briefly.
- Melt the chocolate with the coconut oil in 30-second bursts.
- Dip each bite with a fork and spoon, letting the extra drip off; top with flaky salt.
- Freeze at least 30 minutes to set. Fridge 1 week; freezer 3 months.
Cady’s Strawberry Shortcake
A light lemony almond-flour cake from Cady, the baking whiz of the Defined Dish team — topped with macerated strawberries and whipped topping.
Ingredients
- Shortcake
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2½ cups almond flour + 1¼ cups tapioca flour
- ½ tbsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup liquid coconut oil
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2½ tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon plus ⅓ cup lemon juice, strained
- Topping
- 3 cups thinly sliced strawberries (about 1 lb)
- 1 tsp lemon juice + 1½ tsp maple syrup
- Dairy-free whipped topping
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9 × 9-inch pan with a parchment sling and mist it.
- Sift the flours, cinnamon, and salt. Beat the eggs until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, then beat in the oil, syrup, baking soda, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice.
- Add the dry mix a cup at a time on medium-low until combined.
- Pour, tap out the bubbles, and bake about 35 minutes, until a tester comes out clean (tent with foil if it browns fast). Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then fully on a rack.
- Toss the strawberries with lemon juice and syrup. Cut the cake into squares and serve with whipped topping and berries.