Nikki’s Perfect Pastitsio
My mother used to work so hard in the kitchen to make this classic Greek dish, and the results were always well worth her effort. My recipe for pastitsio is easier, a bit lighter and every bit as great as Mom's.—Nikki Tsangaris, Westfield, Indiana
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Beef Bolognese with LinguineAfter much research, tasting and tweaking, I finally came up with this beef bolognese recipe, based on a dish from an Italian restaurant where I worked. It’s perfect for feeding a house full of guests. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Best LasagnaWhat makes this classic lasagna recipe so spectacular? Homemade meat sauce and plenty of cheese. Best of all, it's easy to make lasagna ahead of time so dinner can be ready in a flash.
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Southwest Tuna Noodle BakeNone of my co-workers had ever tried tuna noodle casserole, and since we live near the Mexican border, they challenged me to make a Southwest version. After trying the tasty results, everyone wanted the recipe! —Sandra Crane, Las Cruces, New Mexico
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ohn Pittman, Northampton, Pennsylvania
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Greek Salad RavioliTurn the fresh flavors of a Greek salad into a warm dish for cold winter nights. I like to make a large batch, freeze it, then simply drop ravioli into simmering water for dinner in five minutes! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Slow-Cooker Spaghetti & MeatballsI’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any
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Homemade Fettuccine AlfredoThis easy Alfredo sauce is creamy, comforting and coats fettuccine noodles in fine fashion. This recipe is wonderful as is, but sometimes I like to add sliced fresh mushrooms and black olives that have been sautéed in butter and garlic. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana
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Crockpot Pasta e FagioliCrock pot pasta fagioli is a hearty bean-and-pasta soup that's packed with nutrition thanks to the vegetables in this dish. It's incredibly easy to make in a slower cooker and the perfect dish to start on a chilly day, letting it cook while you do whatever else you choose. Simple, super and satisfying.
Swedish MeatballsWhip up a batch of these easy Swedish meatballs for a meal that's all comfort and no fuss!
Grecian Pasta & Chicken SkilletWe love a homemade meal at the end of the day. But the prep involved? Not so much. My Greek-inspired pasta is lemony, herby and, thankfully, easy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Beef Paprikash with Fire-Roasted TomatoesBeef paprikash, a Hungarian dish, makes a marvelous Sunday dinner. We prefer it with kluski egg noodles, or try mashed potatoes. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Spanish NoodlesOur contest-winning Spanish noodles combine ground beef, tomatoes, onions, peppers and bacon for plenty of flavor in a one-skillet meal. The entire recipe takes just 25 minutes to make, including prep time. Are you hungry yet?
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Italian Pasta BakeWhether feeding a small army or just your very hungry family, this pasta bake recipe never fails to satisfy.
Chicken Noodle CasseroleEveryone needs a chicken noodle casserole recipe in their repertoire. This one is a simple version that produces a creamy, comforting dish that you can make ahead for busier days.
Peanut Butter NoodlesPeanut butter noodles combine whole wheat linguine with a savory-sweet peanut-ginger sauce, plus broccoli, carrots and sweet red peppers for crunch and color. It all comes together in less time than it takes to wait for takeout from your local Thai spot.
Beef Teriyaki NoodlesAt our house, we love to combine fresh ingredients with a pantry product. This version starts with beef, onions, peppers and mushrooms, since we always have them on hand, but make the dish your own—bring out your inner chef! —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
Greek Pasta TossMy husband and I developed this bright pasta dish by tossing in favorite Greek ingredients like olives, feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Try it with shrimp or chicken, too! —Terri Gilson, Calgary, AB
Vegetable Pad ThaiClassic flavors of Thailand abound in this fragrant and flavorful dish featuring peanuts, tofu and noodles. New to tofu? It gives the entree its satisfying protein, for a delicious way to introduce it to your diet. —Sara Landry, Brookline, Massachusetts
Red Clam SauceThis red clam sauce is a delightful seafood dish that combines clams, tomatoes and garlic in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for serving over al dente linguine. It will bring a taste of the ocean right to your table.
German Noodle BakeThis is a recipe I serve each year for my holiday open house because everyone looks for it. Store-bought noodles can be substituted, but I prefer
homemade noodles...and so does everyone else. —Kathleen Meineke, Cologne, New Jersey
Italian Three-Cheese MacaroniYour dream Italian vacation meets the ultimate comfort food in this Italian mac and cheese that's creamy and indulgent.
Thai Lime Shrimp & NoodlesThe flavors just keep popping in this quick dinner! Use as much lime peel and chili paste as you like. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Greek Tortellini SkilletLooking to please picky little palates? One tester loved this simple skillet entree so much, she made it at home for her 2-year-old daughter, who said "Mmm!" after every single bite. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Easy Chow MeinEasy chow mein is protein rich and packed with veggies. Feel free to follow this recipe as is or improvise, according to your preferences.
Beef Burgundy Over NoodlesI got this delightful beef burgundy recipe from my sister-in-law many years ago and have used it ever since. Whenever I serve it to guests, they always request this. The tender beef, mushrooms and flavorful sauce are delicious over noodles. —Margaret Welder, Madrid, Iowa
Ricotta Gnocchi with Spinach & GorgonzolaWhen my family comes for a visit, they always ask me to make this unique dish for dinner. Homemade cheesy gnocchi is topped with a rich sauce made with butternut squash, spinach and Gorgonzola.— Brud Holland, Watkins Glen, New York
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Asparagus Beef Lo MeinThis springtime beef lo mein recipe is as easy as it gets. Ramen noodles make it extra fun. —Dottie Wanat, Modesto, California
Southwestern GoulashI had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
Roasted Veggie OrzoMy sister inspired this recipe. I added a few more spices, but the concept is hers. It's easy to vary, is a great way to add veggies to your diet and the olive oil is heart healthy. —Jackie Termont, Richmond, Virginia
Fettuccine CarbonaraMake restaurant-caliber fettuccine carbonara with its simple, creamy sauce in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Texas-Style LasagnaWith its spicy flavor, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. It's wonderful with side servings of picante sauce, guacamole and tortilla chips.— Effie Gish, Fort Worth, Texas
Cashew Chicken with NoodlesI tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick, easy and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia
Creamy Chicken Thighs & NoodlesI love recipes that you can just throw into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. This easy chicken dinner is one of my favorites. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota
Chicken TetrazziniChicken tetrazzini is a classic comfort dish. This recipe in particular comes with a generous twist, making a casserole for you and your family and another for the freezer or a friend.
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—Nedra Parker, Dunbar, Wisconsin