Busy Day Ground Beef and Potatoes

This simple and delicious one pot recipe features ground beef and potatoes cooked together with flavorful seasonings for an easy and hearty meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

This is a recipe Cade and I would make when we first got married and lately I’ve been in the biggest cooking rut. It’s not even that I don’t want to cook, it’s just that nothing feels inspiring and nothing sounds good. So, I’ve been going back to my roots and making some simple comfort foods that everyone will eat and take no brain cells from me.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potatoes

Onion and peppers taste good when you pair them with classic ground beef and potatoes! We add a few seasonings and you have an easy ground beef dinner recipe they whole family will love. Here are all the ingredients you need:

• Canola Oil: helps cook the potatoes until golden and crispy
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: you can peel them or not and dice them into 1/4-inch cubes
• Ground Beef: I usually go with 85/15 for good flavor. You can use more lean ground beef if desired, or substitute it with ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Onion: just a yellow onion works great
• Red Bell Pepper: you could also grab a yellow or orange bell pepper
• Worcestershire Sauce: adds rich umami flavor
• Ketchup: adds flavor and a touch of sweetness
• Liquid Smoke: adds smokiness
• Dijon Mustard: adds flavor
• Seasonings: Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper
• Parsley: adds a fresh pop of flavor

How to Make Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes

You only need one pan to make this family-friendly meal! Grab your cast iron skillet and let’s get cookin’!

1. Brown the Potatoes: Add oil to a large cast iron skillet and heat over high heat. when the oil is shimmering, reduce the heat to medium high and add the potatoes. Season them with salt and stir to coat. Let them cook until browned, stir often until the potatoes are tender.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Remove the potatoes from the skillet and add the ground beef and break it up to cook.
3. Sauté the Onions and Peppers: Push the meat to the sides of the pan and add the onions. Stir until they soften and then add the bell peppers and cook until soft. Drain any grease if needed.
4. Combine: Add all the rest of the ingredients (including the potatoes) to the large skillet and continue to cook until the potatoes are tender.
5. Season: Give the dish one last hit of salt and pepper until you get the flavor you want. Serve it hot and top it with some fresh parsley.

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The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

This lasagna soup recipe has everything you love about classic lasagna with savory meat, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese all in one cozy bowl.

A few years ago my husband and I had the chance to go to New York and film two episodes of Paula’s Party. It was such a fun experience. We even got to meet Carson Kressley, Cheri Oteri, Jason Priestly and a bunch of others. One of the dishes Paula made was Tastes Like Lasagna Soup and it smelled amazing. We were so disappointed we didn’t get to taste it, so when we got home we created our own version. It quickly became a favorite.

There’s just something about lasagna soup that feels like home. It’s saucy, cheesy, cozy, and truly the best kind of comfort food.

Ingredients for Lasagna Soup

This soup recipe is a cross between a creamy soup and broth soup due to the addition of a little ricotta. It’s hearty, beefy, and delicious. In other words, perfection. Here is what you will need:

• Olive Oil: For sautéing veggies
• Minced Vegetables: Diced onion (red), garlic, and bell peppers
• Fresh Herbs: Oregano, parsley, and basil
• Ground Beef: 80/20 for rich flavor
• Beef Broth: Forms the soup base
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess
• Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Smoky flavor with a hint of heat
• Marinara Sauce: Rao’s recommended (stock up at Costco sales!)
• Parmesan Rind: Simmer for flavor, remove before serving
• Lasagna Noodles: Use broken pieces or break up fresh ones
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and gooey topping
• Garlic Bread: Optional but perfect for dipping

Scroll to the end of the post to the recipe card to see all the measurements and details.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

This recipe comes together so quickly, and the steps are super easy. Here are the basic steps:

1. Sauté: Cook the vegetables until tender, then stir in the herbs and seasonings.
2. Brown: Add the beef, cook until browned, and drain any excess grease.
3. Simmer:Stir in all remaining ingredients (except pasta and cheese) and let simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to all day for deeper flavor.
4. Add: D

Crispy Cheese and Herb Roasted Acorn Squash

Try this delicious and easy recipe for crispy cheese and herb roasted acorn squash. Perfect for a tasty side dish or a vegetarian main course. 

Our crispy cheese and herb roasted Parmesan acorn squash is our new favorite way to serve up the old classic. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, and kids love it. The savory squash’s delicious flavor is taken out of this world with it’s crunchy exterior. It’s like you’re eating french fries!

Ingredients To Make Savory Acorn Squash

One of the things I love about this recipe is that most of the ingredients are items we already have at home. If I grab an acorn squash at the store or from the farm stand, I know I have the rest at home ready to go. Here is what you will need:

• Acorn Squash: a small or medium size squash
• Parmesan Cheese: freshly grated from a blog will work the best
• Garlic Salt: adds flavor and saltiness
• Chili Powder: adds a little heat and bold flavor
• Dried Thyme: adds herbaceous flavor
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: helps brown and caramelize the squash
• Parsley: adds a pop of freshness

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Roasting vegetables is my favorite way to cook veggies! It’s so easy and adds so much flavor. Here are the steps for making this squash recipe:

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice: Half and remove the seeds from the acorn squash with a spoon and cut into 1″ slices.
3. Combine: Add the parmesan cheese and seasonings to a small bowl and stir to combine.
4. Coat: Place the squash slices on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and then sprinkle with the cheese mixture. Lay the squash in a single layer.
5. Roast: Stick the tray in the oven and roast for 20 minutes until fork tender.
6. Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot!

Keep scrolling to the end of the post for the recipe with all the complete instructions.

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Instant Pot Taco Soup

This Instant Pot Taco Soup is a quick and easy weeknight dinner packed with bold Mexican flavors. Loaded with beef, beans, corn, and spices, it’s perfect topped with cheese, sour cream, and avocado for a hearty, family-friendly meal.

The Best Taco Soup Recipe

One of my favorite memories as a mom is of our daughters coming home on a chilly late fall afternoon, while our son, still just a toddler, stood at the window waiting for them. The moment they passed the big bush in our yard and came into view, he would light up with pure excitement, bouncing with joy until they walked through the door. That year felt like the happiest season for our little family. The girls would scoop him up in hugs, and that night we all gathered around the table with steaming bowls of taco soup topped with crunchy chips.

It’s funny how the simplest, most ordinary days become the ones we treasure most. There’s something about a pot of soup on the stove that feels grounding and safe. I honestly think every family should make soup at least once a month during the school year! Kids go through so much, and soup has a way of bringing comfort, warmth, and calm to the whole house.

Instant Pot Taco Soup Ingredients

This hearty taco soup is loaded with beef, beans, corn, and bold taco flavors. It’s quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef and onions.
• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, savory flavor as the base of the soup. Can swap for ground chicken or ground turkey.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Corn: Brings a touch of natural sweetness and texture.
• Pinto Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and heartiness. Can swap for black beans or kidney beans.
• Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Adds a mild kick and bright tomato flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides a rich, savory tomato base for the soup.
• Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds creamy, tangy flavor for extra depth.
• Taco Seasoning: Gives the soup classic taco spices and a flavorful punch.
• Beef Broth: Creates a savory, flavorful liquid base for the soup. Swap with chicken broth in a pinch.

Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Note: This recipe calls for dry ranch seasoning, not ranch dressing. Ranch seasoning usually comes in small packets and can be found in the spice aisle.

How to Make Taco Soup in an Instant Pot

This easy taco soup is packed with bold flavors and ready in no time using your Instant Pot or slow cooker.

1. Read more

Cheesy Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice Casserole

If you’re craving a creamy and indulgent chicken casserole, then this cheesy chicken and rice casserole is a must-try! Made with juicy chicken, fluffy rice and lots of cheese, it’s a family favorite!

Growing up my mom made, and still does make, the best casseroles. I don’t care that it’s 2025 and people are worried more about kale pureed into overnight oats, casseroles feel like home and I’m always a fan of an easy chicken and rice recipe for dinner. We call this one angel chicken casserole in our house and it’s based off of two recipes, the crockpot chicken and rice recipe and Mom’s famous Busy Day Casserole recipe.

Typical angel chicken is a creamy sauce with chicken served over angel hair pasta, but I decided to transform the flavorful saucy chicken into a casserole by combining it with rice. It is total comfort food and full of delicious homey flavors! It’s called “angel chicken” for a reason…it tastes like heaven!

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

If you have some leftover chicken or bought a rotisserie chicken at Costco but aren’t sure how to use it, this recipe is a great option. You only need a few pantry staples to make this hearty and irresistible casserole recipe:

• Cream Cheese: I recommend using full fat or possibly 1/3 less fat but avoid fat free for the best texture and flavor.
• Butter: adds richness and flavor
• Cooked Chicken: diced or shredded (I use rotisserie from Costco)
• Cooked Rice: I use 1/3 wild rice and the rest white rice.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: I use my homemade recipe, but feel free to use a can of condensed soup if you want.
  • NOTE: You can swap for cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup if needed.
• Garlic: adds flavor
• Good Seasons Dry Italian Dressing Mix: You can find this at the grocery store on the salad dressing aisle next to the other salad dressing packets.
• Chicken Broth: helps keep the casserole moist as it bakes
• Colby Jack Cheese: Some goes in the casserole and the rest gets sprinkled on top for extra cheesiness.
• Salt and Pepper: adds flavor
• Fresh Parsley: Don’t skip this! This is a creamy, cheesy and rich dish and the parsley adds the tiniest bit of brightness I think the casserole needs.

The measurements needed for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.