8 of Our Readers’ Favorite Recipes

There’s something truly special about sharing recipes that have won the hearts (and stomachs!) of our readers. These are the dishes that have garnered rave reviews, been shared across social media, and earned a spot in the regular meal rotation for many. From comforting classics to innovative twists on old favorites, here are eight recipes that have stood out as some of our readers’ absolute favorites.

1. Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 4 oz pancetta or guanciale, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. In a skillet, cook pancetta until crispy. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta. Toss to combine.
5. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, adding pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional cheese before serving.

2. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin.
5. Place lemon slices inside the cavity of the chicken.
6. Roast in the oven for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until juices run clear and skin is golden brown.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

3. Vegetarian Chickpea Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add curry powder and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices) and coconut milk.
4. Add chickpeas and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve over cooked rice.

4. Homemade Margherita Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
3. Transfer dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
5. Arrange mozzarella slices on top.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and top with fresh basil leaves before serving.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the beef mixture into the halved bell peppers.
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Pour in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
7. Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

7. Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Stir dry ingredients into banana mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Mouthwatering Beef Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 small flour tortillas
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat.
2. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Warm flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. Spoon beef mixture onto tortillas.
6. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
7. Fold tortillas and serve hot.

These recipes have become beloved staples in the kitchens of our readers, bringing joy to family gatherings, weeknight meals, and special occasions alike. We hope you enjoy them as much as our community does! If you try any of these recipes, be sure to let us know your thoughts and share your delicious creations with us. Happy cooking!