I may be alone in this but I often find myself at a complete loss on what to make for dinner. It’s often just my husband and me and – those who know me well – know that much of the time we just opt for a restaurant! But then I feel guilty because surely I can come up with something to feed my family! So, Dawn and I searched through our collective recipe boxes and came up with five incredibly simple, yet incredibly delicious meals. We think you’ll love these because we all want to serve our loved ones (or guests) something that looks like we slaved in the kitchen, but actually was quick and easy (and fairly inexpensive) to make.

 CHICKEN PARISIENNE

This recipe was Mama Bear’s favorite recommendation when a catering client was on a tight budget but wanted to impress their guests. It could not be any easier – or cheaper – to make. And yet, you won’t believe how your family and friends will love this tasty, tender chicken dish.

6 -8 boneless, skinless chicken breast

2 large 23-ounce cans cream of mushroom soup

1 cup Sherry

1 teaspoon black pepper

8 bell peppers, any color

1 large onion, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups cooked rice, cooled

2 pounds ground beef, 80/20

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon pepper

3 garlic cloves, peeled and diced

1 cup ketchup

1 cup Worcestershire sauce

2 cans petite-cut tomatoes, drained and liquid set aside

STEP ONE

Cut tops of the peppers and remove seeds and membranes

STEP TWO

Place peppers in a roasting pan or foil pan

STEP THREE

In a frying pan, saute onions and garlic in oil for approximately 40 minutes

STEP FOUR

In large bowl, combine onion mixture, rice, raw hamburger meat, drained tomatoes, salt and pepper

STEP FIVE

Fill each pepper with hamburger mixture

STEP SIX

In a separate bowl, mix together ketchup and Worcestershire sauce

STEP SEVEN

Top each pepper with ketchup mixture

STEP EIGHT

Add reserved tomato juice and 2 cups of water to pan

STEP NINE

Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour

CHICKEN DIVAN

Yet another recipe that sounds fancy but is incredibly easy to make. You can really impress your guests with this dish!

2 bags frozen broccoli or fresh broccoli, cut up

6 cups shredded or cubed chicken, cooked

3  10 3/4 ounce-cans condensed cream of chicken soup

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon curry powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 sleeve Ritz crackers, finely crushed

STEP ONE

If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain 

STEP TWO

Place broccoli in a casserole dish

STEP THREE

Add chicken

STEP FOUR

In a medium bowl, combine soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, salt and pepper, to taste

STEP FIVE

Pour mayonnaise mixture over broccoli and chicken

STEP SIX

Crush crackers and sprinkle over the top

STEP SIX

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 35 to 40 minutes

TUNA CASSEROLE

We know tuna casserole has a bit of a bad rep, but let’s admit it – it tastes good. This is a great recipe, so we dare you to try it!

1 bag egg noodles, cooked and drained

2 6-ounce cans tuna, drained

8 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced

1/2 cup butter

1/2 medium onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

2 10.75-ounce cans  cream of  celery soup

2 cups milk

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3 tablespoons bread crumbs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

STEP ONE

In a large bowl, combine cooked egg noodles and tuna

STEP TWO

In a skillet, saute mushrooms, onion, garlic and  butter for approximately five minutes

STEP THREE

Add soup, milk, salt and pepper to sautéed mixture

STEP FOUR

Add frozen peas and cheddar cheese

STEP FIVE

Pour mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan

STEP SIX

In a separate bowl, mix together bread crumbs and melted butter

STEP SEVEN

Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over casserole

STEP EIGHT

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes