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Spring has arrived, and with it comes the flurry of activities that often fill our calendars to the brim. Between school, sports, and those sunny weekend outings, finding quality time to sit down as a family can sometimes feel like an impossible task. But don’t fret! We can still enjoy delicious homemade meals without sacrificing our time together. The solution lies in one-dish dinners—meals that are simple to prepare and can be popped in the oven while the family is getting settled after a busy day. Here are five of my favorite one-dish dinners that you can prep ahead of time, ensuring you can stick to your evening routine of family bonding instead of slaving away in the kitchen. 1. Supreme Chicken Supreme Chicken, it's like your favorite supreme pizza, but hold the crust. We're talking all the savory goodness of pizza toppings—pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni) , bell peppers, onions, olives—all piled high on juicy chicken breasts. Equipment: My favorite baking dish EVER (Under $20!) Rotary cheese grater Ingredients: 4 thinly-sliced chicken breasts 1 cup prepared pizza sauce 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning 1 tsp Oregano 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 large green bell pepper, sliced 1/2 cup onion, sliced 1/4 cup black olives, sliced 16 slices turkey pepperoni (or regular pepperoni, whichever you prefer) Click to Shop Ingredients Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 F Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in side a 9x13 baking dish Season this chicken (front and back) with the salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning Divide sauce between the chicken and spread to cover each breast Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese and toppings Sprinkle the Oregano over the top Bake for 35 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 3-5 minutes and then serve! Delicious supreme chicken bake topped with colorful bell peppers, onions, olives, and melted cheese, fresh from the oven. 2. Tuscan Chicken Bake Baked Tuscan Chicken is a simple yet flavorful one-dish dinner, effortlessly combining Mediterranean-inspired ingredients for an amazing dinner. Equipment: My favorite baking dish EVER  (Under $20!) Black plates In gredients: 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano 4 cups of fresh spinach 1 (8.5oz) jar of artichoke hearts 1 (12 oz) jar sundried tomatoes 1 cup crumbled feta cheese Click to Shop Ingredients Here Instructions: Place half of the spinach on the bottom of a large baking dish, top with the chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano Drain and chop artichokes hearts and sun dried tomatoes Sprinkle on the artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes Bake at 375 for 20 minutes Remove from oven and sprinkle on feta cheese on and return to the oven for another 20 minutes Tuscan Chicken Bake: A Flavorful One-Dish Dinner with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta. 3. Tomato and Feta Pasta Bake This went viral back in 2021 for an absolute reason - so easy to make and insanely delicious. I have made it a few different ways in the past (subbing the Feta for Boursin, or not using pasta water) But the recipe below is my now go-to! Ingredients: 2 pt. cherry or grape tomatoes (I like to use the heirloom) 3 tbsp minced garlic  1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided Salt to taste and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes 8oz block of feta 10 oz. cooked short noodle of choice (penne, rotini, ziti) Fresh basil leaves, for serving Click to Shop the Ingredients Here Instructions: Preheat oven to 400° In a  baking dish, combine tomatoes, garlic, and all but 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, season with salt and red pepper flakes and toss to combine. Place feta into center of tomato mixture and drizzle with remaining oil Bake until tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden on top, 40 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 c. pasta water before draining. Remove the baking dish from the oven. With a fork, crush the tomatoes and block of feta, mixing everything together. Add the reserved pasta water and cooked pasta. Stir to combine. Garnish with basil.  4. Chicken Fajita Bake Let's make taco Tuesday EASY! This might be TWO dishes, but you can skip the first two steps and place the chicken and peppers/onions directly in the baking dish, leaving it in the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Alternatively, if your skillet is oven-safe, you can put the chicken back on top of the peppers/onions, add cheese, and place the skillet in the oven! Personally, I like to sear the chicken on the stove and sauté the peppers/onions in the skillet before transferring everything to a baking dish. Ingredients: 4 thin sliced chicken breasts 1 taco seasoning package 2 tbsp olive oil 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 large onion, sliced (red or yellow onion) 1 cup of Mexican blend cheese Cooked rice for serving (1 cup per serving) Click to Shop the Ingredients Here Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 F In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with the taco seasoning Add chicken to the skillet and sear 3-4 minutes on each side (does not need to be cooked all the way as we are putting it into the oven) Set chicken aside, add a little more oil and begin sauteing the onions and peppers until soft (just a few minutes) Transfer the peppers/onions to the bottom of a baking dish, add the chicken on top and sprinkle Mexican blend cheese on the chicken Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until your cheese is nice and melted Serve over rice 5. Mississippi Chicken Bake If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself, Mississippi Chicken is a must-try. Picture tender chicken simmered with tangy pepperoncinis, savory au jus seasoning, and that classic ranch flair—all in one pot. Serve it over a pile of creamy mashed potatoes alongside your favorite veggie, and you’ve got a cozy, flavor-packed meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Ingredients: 4-6 chicken breasts Salt pepper, garlic powder Au Jus gravy packet Ranch seasoning packet 1 cup of pepperoncinis rings 1 stick of unsalted butter cut into 8 tbsp squares 4 slices of provolone cheese Click to Shop for Ingredients Here Instructions: Lightly season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder Add chicken breasts to a greased baking dish Season both sides of the chicken with the Au Jus Gravy packet and Ranch seasoning packet Add 2 tbsp of butter to the top of each piece of chicken Sprinkle the pepperoncini on top of the butter Bake at 425 degrees for about 25-30 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees Pull out of the oven and top chicken with provolone cheese and put back in the oven for just a couple of minutes to melt the cheese By having these easy one-dish dinners in your recipe arsenal, juggling busy spring evenings and family time becomes a little less overwhelming. You can prep these meals in the morning or during homework time, knowing that when dinner rolls around, you'll be able to enjoy that precious time spent together instead of worrying about what's for dinner. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and let the one-dish dinners bring your family closer together this spring! Happy cooking! -Allie

Living in Texas, Tex Mex isn't just a cuisine – it's a way of life. From the bold flavors to the vibrant spices, there's something truly special about Tex Mex that captures the heart and soul of the Lone Star State. As someone who calls Texas home, my love for Tex Mex runs deep, and I'm here to share why this cuisine holds a special place in my heart. First and foremost, let's talk about the ingredients. Tex Mex cuisine is all about fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together to create mouthwatering dishes. Whether it's juicy tomatoes, creamy avocados, or smoky chipotle peppers, each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the rich flavors that Tex Mex is known for. But it's not just about the ingredients – it's also about the spices. Tex Mex cuisine is famous for its bold, robust flavors, thanks to a unique blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. These spices add depth and complexity to every dish, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite. While I typically blend my own spices, If I am going to use a pre-blended seasoning from the store, I prefer Kinder's Fajita Blend or Black Cherry Chipotle . If I use a premade taco seasoning packet, I prefer Siete . Now, let's talk about one of my favorite aspects of Tex Mex: the tortillas. If I had to choose between bread and tortillas, it's a no-brainer – 10/10 times, I would choose tortillas. There's just something about their soft, pillowy texture that I can't resist. Whether they're wrapped around sizzling fajitas or served alongside a hearty bowl of chili, tortillas are the ultimate comfort food in my book. And let's not forget about the holy trinity of Tex Mex: chips, salsa, and queso. Is there anything better than sitting on a patio with a basket of warm tortilla chips, a bowl of fresh salsa, and a piping hot skillet of melted queso? It's the perfect combination of crunchy, spicy, and cheesy – a true Tex Mex trifecta. Now, let's get down to business and talk about some of my favorite Tex Mex recipes: Taco Salad: A hearty and flavorful salad featuring seasoned ground beef, red onion, red bell pepper, tomatoes, roasted corn and a delicious avocado cilantro ranch dressing. Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas : Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious, these enchiladas are filled with tender chicken and smothered in a tangy sour cream sauce. Guacamole: A classic dip made with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips. 30 Minute Tex-Mex Skillet: Quick and easy to make, this skillet dish is loaded with delicious flavor. Seared chicken breast, black beans, corn and Ro-Tel on a bed of rice and topped with melty cheese, ready in just 30 minutes. Lazy Migas: Migas are a simple yet satisfying Tex-Mex breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs, crispy tortilla strips, peppers, onions, tomatoes and cheese. However, I deem mine "lazy" because instead of chopping the peppers, onions and tomatoes... I just use a jar of salsa. Oven Baked Chicken Tostadas: Crunchy, cheesy and flavorful tostadas - without deep frying the tortilla! Crockpot Street Corn Soup: A creamy and comforting soup featuring the flavors of Mexican street corn, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Crockpot Enchilada Soup: A hearty and flavorful soup loaded with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and enchilada sauce, simmered to perfection in the crockpot. Crockpot Taco Chili: A satisfying chili packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and taco seasoning, cooked low and slow in the crockpot. Crockpot Salsa Verde Burritos: Tender shredded chicken cooked in tangy salsa verde, wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with melted cheese, all made in the crockpot for easy prep. As you can tell, I use my crockpot quite a bit for cooking. Especially during the cold months. I find that it is quite a handy appliance when you are busy! Even if you just implement it to cook one component of the meal, like the chicken, it takes a load off! These are just a few of my favorite Tex Mex recipes, but the possibilities are endless. Make sure you are following me on social media to see my recipe videos! Cheers, Allie

Christmas morning is pure magic—kids tearing into presents, everyone in their coziest PJs, and the house buzzing with excitement. But let’s be real: who wants to mess with cooking breakfast in the middle of all that chaos? Not me! Still, skipping breakfast on such a special day just doesn’t feel right. The answer? Make-ahead recipes that do the hard work for you. With everything prepped the day before, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up all the holiday fun (with a cup of coffee in hand, of course). Whether you’re hosting a big family crowd or keeping it low-key with just your crew, these six easy, make-ahead recipes will bring the holiday magic to your breakfast table without the stress. Get ready to wow your family, keep the morning smooth, and enjoy every bite! 1. French Toast Casserole This dish is a holiday classic for a reason. Thick slices of bread soak up a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard and bake to golden perfection. Make it the night before, and when you wake up, just pop it in the oven. It’s like having the warm, cozy essence of Christmas wrapped up in a bite! Get the recipe here! 2. Breakfast Enchiladas Why not bring a little Tex-Mex flair to your holiday table? These enchiladas are filled with eggs, sausage, and cheese, then topped with a creamy sauce. You can assemble them the day before and bake them fresh in the morning. They’re festive, flavorful, and a fun twist on traditional breakfast dishes. Check out my recipe! 3. Christmas Quiche Quiche is a holiday staple in my house, and for good reason—it’s endlessly customizable and always a hit. My Christmas Quiche is loaded with festive ingredients like red and green bell peppers, crispy bacon, and melty cheese. The best part? You can prepare the filling and crust ahead of time and simply bake it while everyone is opening gifts. Get the recipe here! 4. Sheet Pan Breakfast Pizza This is a game-changer for feeding a crowd. Fluffy scrambled eggs, gooey cheese, and savory toppings like sausage and veggies come together on a buttery crescent roll crust. Prepare everything ahead, assemble the pizza, and refrigerate overnight. On Christmas morning, all you have to do is bake and slice—it’s easy, satisfying, and oh-so-fun! Click for my recipe! 5. Hashbrown Casserole Nothing beats the comforting crunch of golden hashbrowns baked with creamy cheese and a hint of seasoning. This dish is always a winner with kids and adults alike. It’s easy to prep and holds up beautifully in the fridge, ready to bake to bubbly perfection when you need it. Get there recipe here! 6. Biscuits and Gravy Casserole This hearty dish combines all the flavors of classic biscuits and gravy into an easy-to-serve casserole. Layers of flaky biscuits, creamy sausage gravy, and fluffy eggs make it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Assemble it the night before, and you’ll have a hot, comforting breakfast ready in no time. Click to the the recipe!

Hey y’all! If you didn’t catch me on 4 Good Morning Texas last Friday morning, you missed a good one—but don’t worry, I’ve got all the details for you right here. I had an absolute blast sharing one of my tried-and-true family recipes: beef enchiladas! (Click the pic below for the recipe) This dish has been a staple at my dinner table for years. It’s one of those easy-to-make meals that freezes beautifully, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Back to the show - Growing up in Texas, I have caught many, many segments of this show! I remember days home sick from school and my mom watching the show. It was such a cool experience to be able to demonstrate one of my recipes live on GMT. If you missed it, here’s a clip from the segment where I break it all down! But that wasn’t all—I also showed off a few other dishes that came together from a single batch of crockpot pulled chicken. I love doing this because it’s such a timesaver! I’ll cook 5-6 pounds of chicken with two cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies (or salsa, depending on what I have on hand), some onions, and a homemade taco seasoning blend. The smell alone is worth it, and when it's done, I shred the chicken using a hand mixer (pro tip—it’s seriously the easiest way to shred a lot of chicken at once!). I make sure to add just enough broth to keep the chicken juicy without making future dishes soggy. You can then portion it out for dinner throughout the week or freeze it for up to three months—perfect for tacos, soups, a dish of enchiladas , and more! I have linked a few of the recipes that I featured below! Now, in case you were eyeing the sweet treats in the segment, they shared a few dessert reels that I think you’re going to love. My Magic Cookie Bars and Churro Cheesecake Bars. These recipes are not only crowd-pleasers but also super easy to whip up. I have a quick video of the Churro Cheesecakes below - I will be adding them to the recipe catalog on my site very soon, so don't worry! The video is very easy to follow, I promise :) The Magic Cookie Bars are a perfect balance of sweet & crunchy, and nostalgic to me. My mom used to make them all of the time! I have added the recipe below - so make sure and click the picture! Be careful though... they are addicting! If you’re interested in getting your hands on the products I used during the segment (hello, perfect cookware !), I’ve linked them for you below. Having the right tools really makes these recipes even easier to pull together! Until next time! Allie

Supreme Chicken, it's like your favorite supreme pizza, but hold the crust. We're talking all the savory goodness of pizza toppings—pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni) , bell peppers, onions, olives—all piled high on juicy chicken breasts. You can even customize the toppings to whatever pizza toppings you prefer! It's a bit healthier without the carb-heavy crust, making it a guilt-free option for a quick weeknight meal. And here's the kicker: you can prep it in the morning, stick it in the fridge, and when dinner time rolls around, just pop it in the oven for an easy, delicious dinner. 🍗🍕

Hey there! I'm Allie and if you're anything like me—a parent juggling the beautiful chaos of family life—you know that dinnertime can often feel like a whirlwind. Between work, school pickups, and squeezing in those soccer practices or dance recitals, it's easy for meal planning to slip down the priority list. But for me and my clan—two young kids and a supportive husband—those 30 minutes around the dinner table are sacred. I'm here to let you in on a little secret: whipping up a delicious, satisfying meal for your family doesn't have to be daunting. Whether you're a full-time working parent, part-time hustler, or dedicated stay-at-home mom or dad, I've got your back. Through trial, error, and plenty of taste-testing (courtesy of my eager little ones), I've discovered the joy of creating simple, wholesome meals that cater to even the busiest of schedules. On my blog, you'll find a treasure trove of recipes designed with busy folks in mind. Think quick, easy-to-follow dishes that can be on the table in 30 minutes or less—perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. But hey, I'm not all about the rush; I firmly believe in the power of a well-balanced diet, so you'll also find plenty of nutritious options to keep your family fueled and thriving. But let's be real: life is all about balance, right? That's why I'm not afraid to sprinkle in a dash of indulgence every now and then. From decadent desserts to tantalizing cocktails (because we all deserve a treat every once in a while), I've got plenty of tricks up my sleeve to satisfy your cravings. And if you're navigating the tricky waters of toddler taste buds, fear not—I've got plenty of kid-approved recipes to keep even the pickiest eaters happy and well-fed. So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, join me on this culinary adventure as we explore the delicious world of family-friendly meals. Together, we'll turn dinnertime chaos into a cherished ritual—one mouthwatering dish at a time. Trust me, with a little planning and a whole lot of love, anything is possible. Let's dive in! 🌟