5 Hearty Dinner Ideas

This week’s meal plan ensures everyone leaves the table with full bellies and happy hearts. Filling casseroles, hearty soup, plus a sizeable salad, sure to please.

By
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel began testing recipes for Simply Recipes in 2018. She started her food blog in 2017 and taught children's baking classes around Seattle.
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Updated July 13, 2021
Rachel Knecht
"What's for Dinner?" Turkey Meatball Soup with Spinach and Orzo in a white bowl.

I officially have a teenager this week (eek!) and I feel so lucky. Long gone are the days of goldfish crackers and a sippy cup full of milk. No more kids’ menus or kids-sized portions for that matter. This boy needs to EAT. And eat he does.

He loves everything from Chinese dumplings to cheeseburgers. At the dinner table, we all panic as he heads back for seconds. “Don’t take it all!” We know he could finish off what’s left on the stove without a second glance. Don’t worry—to keep the panic at bay, I’ve adjusted the amount of food I provide at dinnertime.

This week’s meals feed the hungriest of families. The large filling casserole Tamale Pie is flavorful and hearty. Turkey Meatball Soup with Spinach and Orzo and Cobb Salad can each be doubled if needed.

Another plus? The variety of protein, grains, and vegetables help keep the bellies full long after dinner. Pressure Cooker Chinese Pulled Pork is a versatile family favorite. Any leftovers would make a great lunch for the next day when this teen is hungry yet again.

Hoping each of you has a week full of tasty meals that feed the body and nourish the soul.

  • Cobb Salad

    Cobb Salad
    Sally Vargas

    Cobb salads are my favorite dinner salad. I love how much variety is packed onto one plate. Chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and blue cheese dressing come together for a classic Cobb. With such a variety, it’s easy to make it work for whatever you have in the fridge. Swap out the frisee and watercress for a different light, crunchy lettuce. Roquefort is a type of blue cheese, so use what you have on hand and enjoy!

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  • Turkey Meatball Soup with Spinach and Orzo

    Turkey Meatball Soup
    Sheryl Julian

    Meatballs are always a hit at our house. Loaded with vegetables, meatballs, and hearty orzo pasta, this soup is a well-rounded meal all on its own. If orzo isn’t available, feel free to swap rice instead. Any dark leafy green, such as kale or Swiss chard, would work well in this soup.

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  • Pressure Cooker Chinese Pulled Pork

    Pressure Cooker Chinese Pulled Pork
    Coco Morante

    Pork shoulder seasoned with aromatic 5-spice powder, sweet hoisin sauce, and a knob of spicy ginger are turned into juicy pulled pork ready to be sandwiched between sliders. Serve with Asian Coleslaw for a tangy side.

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  • Tamale Pie

    Tamale Pie
    Elise Bauer

    This craveable meal is a Tex-Mex take on Shephard’s Pie. Ground beef, corn, beans, and cheese mingle for the casserole filling and then are topped with a thick layer of cornbread. An all-in-one meal that you’ll turn to again and again.

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    Continue to 5 of 6 below.

  • Buttery Tomato Pasta

    Elise Bauer

    Pasta is my go-to when I need a quick, inexpensive meal. Spiral pasta, canned tomatoes, and butter come together for a comforting meal that I could eat every night of the week. Top with shredded parmesan and serve.

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  • Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

    The best cinnamon rolls frosted with cream cheese frosting.
    Cindy Rahe

    Is there anything better than homemade cinnamon rolls? Soft rolls covered in cream cheese frosting are the perfect breakfast or brunch.

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