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Fruited pot roast -

The pot roast begins with searing a beef roast to develop a rich flavor. It's then slow-cooked with onions, carrots, and broth, along with sweet elements like apples or prunes, adding a unique, sweet and savory depth to the dish. The fruit not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a distinctive flavor, creating a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast that's a twist on the traditional.

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Fast chicken divan -

This dish is an efficient use of leftover chicken and frozen broccoli. The chicken and broccoli are layered in a baking dish and covered with a mixture of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder (optional), and cheese. This assembly is topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter for crunch, then baked until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is crisp and golden.

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Slow-cooked spicy goulash -

This hearty goulash features ground beef browned with onions and garlic, then combined in a slow cooker with diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, and uncooked macaroni. As it slow cooks, the flavors meld together, and the macaroni cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the savory and spicy flavors, resulting in a deeply comforting and easy-to-make dish.

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Cassoulet for today -

Adapting the classic French bean stew for quicker preparation, this cassoulet uses canned beans, sausage, and pieces of chicken or duck. The meats are browned, then cooked with onions, carrots, garlic, and beans, along with a rich stock and herbs like thyme. This version captures the essence of the slow-cooked original in a fraction of the time.

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School-night sausage stroganoff -

This quick dish involves browning sausage, then simmering it with onions, garlic, and mushrooms. A sauce is made by adding beef broth and sour cream, creating a rich and creamy base. Served over egg noodles or rice, this stroganoff is a comforting, savory dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.

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Beef & rice stuffed cabbage rolls -

Cabbage leaves are softened by boiling or steaming, then filled with a mixture of cooked rice, browned ground beef, onions, and seasonings. These rolls are placed in a baking dish and covered with a tomato-based sauce, then baked until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are infused throughout the rolls, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

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Stovetop turkey tetrazzini -

This version of tetrazzini uses cooked turkey, which is sautéed with mushrooms and onions, then mixed with cooked spaghetti and a creamy sauce made from broth, cream, and parmesan cheese. The mixture is briefly cooked on the stovetop until everything is hot and the sauce has thickened, offering a comforting dish that's perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.

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Beef roast dinner -

A beef roast is seasoned and then slow-cooked with a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions in a broth seasoned with herbs. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and flavors the vegetables, resulting in a nutritious and hearty one-pot meal that's both satisfying and healthy.

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Best salisbury steak -

This dish features seasoned ground beef patties that are pan-fried until browned, then simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. The result is a tender, flavorful Salisbury steak that's reminiscent of home-cooked meals from childhood, served with gravy that's perfect for draping over mashed potatoes or rice.

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Skillet chicken stew -

This cozy stew combines chunks of chicken breast sautéed until golden, then simmered with diced potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich chicken broth. Herbs like thyme and bay leaves add depth to the flavor. Thickened with a flour or cornstarch slurry and finished with a splash of cream, this stew is both hearty and comforting, perfect for a cold evening.

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Zippy breaded pork chops -

Pork chops are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, then pan-fried or baked until the outside is crispy and golden, and the inside remains juicy. A zesty twist can be added by incorporating ranch dressing into the breading or serving with a spiced mayo dip, giving these pork chops a delightful kick.

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Oven swiss steak -

Tenderized and browned round steaks are layered in a baking dish with sliced onions and a tomato-based sauce, seasoned with herbs and spices like tarragon, then baked low and slow until the meat is tender. This method transforms a tougher cut of beef into a succulent, flavorful dish.

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Spaghetti meatball bake -

Hand-rolled meatballs made from a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings are baked until browned. They're then combined with cooked spaghetti and a homemade or jarred tomato sauce, layered in a casserole dish with plenty of shredded cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden on top, creating a comforting, family-friendly meal.

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Scalloped chicken casserole -

This casserole layers cooked, shredded chicken with sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce made from a roux, chicken broth, and milk, seasoned to taste. The layers are sprinkled with cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy topping, then baked until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

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Meat and potato patties -

A mixture of ground meat, mashed potatoes, and seasonings is formed into patties, then coated in breadcrumbs and pan-fried or baked. This resourceful dish, reminiscent of wartime ingenuity, offers a satisfying crunch on the outside with a soft, flavorful inside, perfect for a simple yet filling meal.

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Favorite corned beef and cabbage: -

Corned beef is slowly simmered in water with spices (often included in the corned beef package) until tender. In the last hour of cooking, chunks of cabbage, potatoes, and carrots are added to the pot, allowing them to cook in the flavorful broth. This traditional dish is a St. Patrick's Day favorite but is hearty and comforting any time of year.

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Chicken-fried steak and gravy -

Tenderized cube steak is coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in egg, then recoated in flour before being pan-fried to crispy perfection. A creamy gravy made from the pan drippings, flour, and milk is poured over the steak, serving up a Southern classic that's crispy on the outside and tender inside.

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Grandma's Swedish meatballs -

Small, seasoned meatballs made from a mix of beef and pork are fried until browned, then simmered in a rich, creamy gravy made with beef broth and sour cream. Served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, these meatballs are a comforting, savory treat with a hint of sweetness from the addition of allspice or nutmeg.

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Tuna noodle casserole -

A mixture of cooked noodles, canned tuna, and peas is combined with a creamy sauce made from a roux, milk, and a touch of cheese, then baked in a casserole dish. A topping of breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter is sprinkled over the top for crunch, and the dish is baked until bubbly and golden, offering a comforting, easy meal that's a staple in many households.

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Beef bourguignon -

This dish features beef cubes browned in bacon fat, then slow-cooked with red wine and beef broth, infusing the meat with rich flavors. Carrots, onions, and mushrooms are added, along with a bouquet garni for herbal notes. The slow simmering tenderizes the beef and melds the flavors into a luxurious, thick sauce, traditionally served over mashed potatoes or noodles.

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Tasty meat pie -

A savory pie filled with a mixture of ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, and mixed vegetables, then bound with gravy or a thick sauce. Encased in a flaky pastry crust and baked until golden, this meat pie is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for cold evenings.

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Mom’s macaroni and cheese -

This classic dish starts with cooking the macaroni noodles to al dente perfection. In a separate saucepan, a roux is made, to which milk is added and cooked until thickened. Velveeta cheese is then melted into this sauce, creating a rich and creamy cheese sauce. The cooked macaroni is mixed into this sauce, transferred to a baking dish, topped with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish, and baked until golden and bubbly. Extras like bacon can be added to taste. 

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Slow-cooked split pea soup -

Dried split peas are simmered with a ham bone, carrots, onions, and celery in a broth until everything is soft and the peas have broken down to create a thick, creamy soup. Herbs and spices add depth of flavor to this comforting, nutritious dish, often served with a side of crusty bread.

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Lamb stew -

Chunks of lamb are browned and then simmered slowly with root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and turnips in a rich broth seasoned with rosemary and thyme. This stew is a warming, rustic dish, with the lamb becoming tender and flavorful as it cooks.

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Buttermilk-mushroom pork chops -

Pork chops are seared until golden, then simmered in a creamy buttermilk sauce with sautéed mushrooms and onions, infusing the meat with a tangy richness. This dish is often finished with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor, served alongside vegetables or mashed potatoes.

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Ground beef veggie stew -

A hearty stew made by browning ground beef, then adding a mix of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and green beans, simmered in a tomato-based broth. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted based on what's in season or already in the pantry, embodying the essence of a comforting, one-pot meal.

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Festive slow-cooked beef tips -

Beef tips are slow-cooked with onions and mushrooms in a savory gravy until tender. Often flavored with Worcestershire sauce and a splash of red wine, this dish is served over rice or mashed potatoes, offering a simple yet festive meal perfect for gatherings.

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Midwest meatball casserole -

Soft, seasoned meatballs are layered with noodles, cheese, and a tomato or cream-based sauce, then baked until bubbly. This casserole combines the comfort of meatballs with the heartiness of a baked pasta dish, creating a crowd-pleaser that's both filling and comforting.

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Sausage florentine shepherd’s pie -

A twist on the traditional shepherd's pie, this version uses Italian sausage for the base, mixed with spinach and a tomato sauce, covered with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until the top is golden. This dish is a flavorful, comforting meal that puts a delicious spin on a classic.

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Roast beef with chive roasted potatoes -

Beef roast is seasoned and oven-roasted until perfectly tender, served with potatoes that have been tossed with olive oil, chives, and garlic, then roasted until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This pairing offers a satisfying meal, with the herbs providing a fresh contrast to the richness of the beef.

Sources: (Taste of Home)

See also: Signature dishes you have to try from each US state

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