Posted in #Recipes

14 Easy Overnight Oats Recipes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Overnight oats recipes start your mornings off on the right foot, even if both feet are running out the door as soon as you wake up. These recipes are so simple to make; just mix oats, milk, yogurt and a little honey together the night before and stick the mixture in the fridge to enjoy in the morning with some fruit and granola. Nutritious, wholesome and packed with fiber and protein—what’s not to love about this easy breakfast idea for busy mornings?

If you’re anything like me, though, you can’t eat the same breakfast for weeks on end, no matter how convenient and nutritious. Luckily, this overnight breakfast is super easy to customize. Our overnight oats recipes use simple ingredients like cocoa powder, fruit, nut butters, baking spices, jam and so much more to create exciting flavors like apple cinnamon, PB&J, chocolate and tiramisu.

If you’re ready to add healthy grab-and-go breakfast recipes to your weekly repertoire, start with overnight oats. They’re the most simple, nutritious and quick—not to mention: No cooking is required!

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Posted in #Recipes

Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Cottage cheese has become a popular and versatile ingredient for adding protein to various recipes. Cottage cheese mac and cheese, queso dip, eggy breakfast bakes, pasta sauces and even high-protein cookie dough all benefit from this cheap protein-rich ingredient. However, there’s a way to use cottage cheese in sweet breakfast recipes too, and this blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake recipe is one of our new favorites.

This baked recipe with cottage cheese can be whipped up quickly when you need something tasty in a pinch, or it can be meal-prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for easy grabbing on busy mornings. To make it, all you have to do is whisk together simple ingredients to form the batter, pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with blueberries and bake. This easy breakfast recipe will be ready to dish up for any occasion in under an hour.

Ingredients for Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake

  • Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese provides moisture and a boost of protein in this breakfast bake.
  • Eggs: Three whole eggs are incorporated into the mixture to provide a fluffy base for this easy breakfast.
  • Rolled oats: Add rolled oats into the mix for a bit of texture. They also help soak up some of the additional moisture from the cottage cheese.
  • Milk: We use whole milk for this recipe, but you can easily swap in 2% if preferred.
  • Maple syrup: Sweeten this cottage cheese breakfast bake with a bit of maple syrup. For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup (pancake syrup is not the same as maple syrup!).
  • Vanilla extract: Enhance the flavor of this breakfast bake with a touch of vanilla extract.
  • Cinnamon: A small amount of cinnamon makes all the difference in enhancing the taste of this bake.
  • Salt: Just a pinch of salt goes a long way in balancing the sweet flavors in this blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake recipe.
  • Blueberries: Add pops of juicy, fruity flavor throughout by stirring fresh blueberries into the mixture. Wash the berries and let them dry before getting started.

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Posted in #Recipes

45 Sweet Potato Recipes to Make All Year Long

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

When I moved to Texas, I was introduced to new-to-me foods, like sun tea, chess pie and sweet potatoes. Though I had loved the easy potato recipes my mom whipped up, I quickly realized sweet potatoes were not the same. I watched friends load them up with butter, brown sugar and even marshmallows, finding room for sweet potato recipes at every meal. Although it took a few attempts, I came to love sweet potatoes too, and now I always have some at home for making baked goods, sides and hearty dinners.

This collection features the naturally sweet, nutrient-dense spuds in a variety of recipes, from skillet breakfasts and quick satisfying lunches to easy sides, dinners and sweet treats. If marshmallows and sweet potatoes aren’t for you, there are plenty of savory sweet potato recipes with beans, herbs, cheese and spices. Or, you can embrace the root vegetable’s sugary edge with recipes for sweet potato desserts, including cookies, pies and cakes.

When shopping for sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm with taut, unbroken skin. And don’t be confused by signage at the market: Sweet potatoes are different from yams, but many places still use the words interchangeably. If it has a thin, mostly smooth skin, it’s a sweet potato. Whether you already know how you love to eat sweet potatoes or you are looking for new flavor combinations, you’ll find inspiration here for sweet potato dishes to enjoy year-round.

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Posted in #Recipes

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or whip up an easy weeknight meal for the family, sloppy joe casserole is a comforting one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor. Requiring just 20 minutes of prep time, the mostly hands-off dish gets piled into a slow cooker, where the juices of the meat soak into crispy Tater Tots. Whether you enjoy it on its own or serve it with a simple salad, this nourishing casserole is easy to prep, serve and store.

We start by browning ground beef, then combine it with the sweet and tangy flavors sloppy joes are known for—tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Next, the meat gets layered into a slow cooker with Tater Tots and topped with shredded cheese and sprinkle of paprika. It’s an easy way to get dinner on the table with minimal prep or cleanup.

Sloppy Joe Casserole Ingredients

Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Casserole on kitchen counter
Leticia Almeida for Taste of Home
  • Frozen Tater Tots: These little pops of shredded potato are so versatile, they’re a great ingredient to keep in your freezer. In this recipe, we start by lining the slow cooker with a layer of tots to act as a sturdy base for the slow cooker Tater Tot casserole. They hold everything together while soaking in the juices and flavor from the meat mixture.
  • Ground beef or turkey: While ground beef is a really rich addition to this dish, you could easily swap it out for lighter ground turkey. Either protein will bulk up this dish with hearty flavor, so you can’t go wrong no matter which you choose. Be sure to break the meat into smaller crumbles to help it disperse evenly throughout the casserole.
  • Tomato sauce: Sweet and acidic at the same time, canned tomato sauce is a great way to add moisture and flavor to this sloppy joe casserole. We add it to the cooked ground beef and let it simmer for a few minutes before pouring it over the tots.
  • Sweet chili sauce: This can be a really rich dish, so adding a bit of tangy spice is a great way to offset any leftover grease from the beef and tots. Bottled sweet chili sauce combines with the meat and tomato sauce to add vibrant flavor that’s equally sweet, acidic, spicy and savory.
  • Brown sugar: Adding a bit of brown sugar is a great way to accentuate the savory flavors in this recipe. Brown sugar also has a more caramelized flavor than white sugar, so it adds a deep complexity that pairs nicely with the ground beef.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Tangy, peppery, salty and just a tiny bit sweet, a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce go a long way in this recipe. The umami flavor complements the richness of the beef and adds complexity throughout the dish.
  • Minced garlic: Dried minced garlic has a slightly milder flavor than the fresh version, and it’s a convenient way to add quick flavor to soups and meat sauces. However, you can certainly swap in the fresh version if you prefer it.
  • Minced onion: This rich, slightly nutty dried spice is packed with sweet and savory flavor. Using the dried version also saves a ton of time. It delivers a powerful punch of flavor without the need to spend time mincing a fresh onion by hand.
  • Colby-Monterey Jack cheese: This pleasantly mild cheese melts easily and consistently, so it’s a great choice for casserole recipes like this one. We finish this sloppy joe casserole with a handful of shredded cheese and let it melt gently before serving.
  • Paprika: A few dashes of paprika make for a flavorful and colorful topping here. It’s a warm and vibrant spice that helps add smoky, sweet flavor to whatever dish it’s used in.

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Posted in #Recipes

31 Incredible Lentil Recipes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Ever since the hype around protein shifted to fiber, everyone has been trying to include more fiber-rich ingredients in their diets. For anyone unsure where to start, I recommend lentils. Lentils are packed with both fiber and plant-based protein, making them extra appealing. They’re versatile, too, which means there are plenty of lentil recipes to help you meet your fiber goals, without getting tired of the legume.

The most common way to use lentils is in cozy lentil soup recipes. You can make sausage and lentil soup, curry lentil soup, spicy chicken lentil soup and so many more, each with its own unique texture and flavor. Thanks to their tiny size, lentils are also a great plant-based alternative for meat in ground beef recipes, so you’ll also find recipes for lentil meatballs, tacos, sloppy Joes, meatloaf and potpie.

I love that a lot of these lentil recipes are plant-based, but many combine lentils and meat to boost the protein and fiber of the meal even more. Several options are also gluten- and dairy-free, so there’s truly something in here for everyone.

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Posted in #Recipes

Cabbage Roll Casserole

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Cabbage roll casserole is the saucy, satisfying 9×13 dish that will take your weeknight dinners from boring to bold. Enjoy a casserole dish that combines perfectly seasoned ground beef, chopped cabbage, and fluffy white rice with tomato sauce and beef broth for a wonderfully cozy bite.

Learn how to make cabbage roll casserole, plus get tips on how to make it your own and what side dishes to pair it with for a fabulous meal.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole

Tender chopped cabbage with rich, meaty flavor is just a few steps away. You’ll find the full recipe below with step-by-step instructions, but here’s what you can expect when you make this top-rated recipe:

  1. Brown the beef and drain the grease.
  2. Add the cabbage, sauce, onion, rice, and salt. Pour broth over the top.
  3. Bake for one hour, stir, and continue baking until the cabbage is tender.

What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Casserole

Light side dishes like creamy kale salad or oven-roasted carrots pair well with a cabbage casserole. Try German potato salad for a heartier meal.

How to Store Cabbage Roll Casserole

Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat in a 300 degrees F oven for best results, covering the top of the dish with foil to prevent over-browning.

How to Freeze Cabbage Roll Casserole

You can safely freeze cabbage roll casserole for up to three months. Be sure to use an airtight container, dividing leftovers into portions if desired.

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Posted in #Recipes

30 Super Bowl Crockpot Recipes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Score big at your next Super Bowl party with these easy slow-cooker appetizers. Cheesy dips, spicy wings, handheld sliders, savory meatballs and more cook hands-free, giving you more time to enjoy the game.

Transform your Super Bowl spread with the ultimate game-day secret weapon: your slow cooker! Whether youʻre hosting a crowd or contributing to a game day potluck, these Super Bowl appetizers are ideal for stress-free entertaining. All you have to do is prep, set and enjoy the game while your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

This winning lineup includes everything from cheesy dips that use the best melting cheeses to slider recipes and finger-licking wings. The best part? These Super Bowl potluck favorites stay warm throughout the entire game, making you the undisputed MVP of game-day entertaining. Round out your ultimate Super Bowl party with the sweetest tailgate desserts.

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Posted in Book Reviews

Much Loved Mediterranean Casseroles Cookbook

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Budget-Friendly and Comforting One Pot Recipes Anyone Can Make: Delicious and Cheap Meals Made With Everyday Ingredients

Mediterranean Casseroles Made Simple

From the author of several bestselling cookbooks, busy mom and fitness enthusiast, Alissa Noel Grey, comes a great new collection of delicious, easy to make family recipes that will make you healthier, happier and more energetic than ever.

Inspired by the flavors of Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and beyond, this cookbook features heathy casserole recipes that are as easy to make as they are satisfying to eat. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just need quick family meals you can count on, these recipes are made with easy-to-find ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor.

Inside you’ll find:
✅ Casserole recipes that are budget-friendly and use everyday ingredients already in your pantry
✅ Step-by-step instructions for stress-free cooking, even on busy weeknights
✅ Naturally balanced recipes rooted in the Mediterranean diet – heart-healthy, fiber-rich, and full of good fats
✅ Family-approved favorites perfect for sharing around the table

If you’re craving a return to flavorful, nourishing meals that feel like home – without spending hours in the kitchen – this cookbook will become a much-loved staple in your home!

A conversation with my youngest daughter the other day prompted a search for cookbooks for 2 that promoted the Mediterrean Diet. I prefer to make casseroles to give me leftovers to be reheated another day. This book combines both of these desires!

Posted in #Recipes

Banana Coffee Cake

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A coffee cake can be so much more—when you add bananas, that is. Our banana coffee cake recipe features cream cheese and ripe bananas for a delectably moist treat. Enjoy it with coffee, a glass of milk or even on its own. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for the cake to finish baking so you can indulge!

Ingredients for Banana Coffee Cake

  • Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the cake texture somewhat creamy and also adds a slightly tangy note to the flavor.
  • Butter: Butter makes the cake rich and tender. Let the butter soften for about an hour before you start.
  • Sugar: Sugar helps lock in moisture, which keeps the cake soft.
  • Eggs: Eggs contribute to the mouthfeel and texture of the cake.
  • Ripe bananas: Ripe bananas bring their flavor to the cake and also make the cake moist.
  • Vanilla extract: This extract adds a hint of vanilla flavor to the cake.
  • All-purpose flour: Regular all-purpose flour works well for this cake recipe.
  • Baking powder: Baking powder helps make the cake light and airy.
  • Baking soda: Baking soda neutralizes acids in the cake and also helps keep the cake tender.
  • Pecans, sugar and cinnamon: This trio creates a scrumptious topping for banana coffee cake.

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Posted in #Recipes

49 Healthy Meals to Make on a Budget

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree


Groceries aren’t cheap, but you can eat well without paying a fortune or sacrificing flavor. These ideas for healthy meals on a budget are easy on your wallet and tasty, too.

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