60 Classic Dinners Every Newlywed Couple Should Know (2024)

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60 Classic Dinners Every Newlywed Couple Should Know (1)

ByCaroline Stanko

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: Apr. 09, 2024

    Welcome to married life! These classic dinners are the perfect recipes for newlyweds who love to entertain, host holiday gatherings and cook together.

    1/57

    Roasted Chicken with Rosemary

    Herbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal in one a classic flavor. It’s a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah

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    2/57

    Mom's Meat Loaf Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Mom’s Meat Loaf

    Mom made the best meat loaf, and now I do too. When I first met my husband, he wasn't a meat loaf guy, but this recipe won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

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    3/57

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

    Because I work full time, this slow cooker pot roast is my go-to when I want a hearty, home cooked meal. It’s a comfort to walk in and smell this roast simmering. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York

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    4/57

    Sausage Lasagna

    The idea for this sausage lasagna recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who always makes it for my three boys on special holidays. I've put an easy twist on Carole's classic dish, and it's become one of my go-to dinners as well! —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA

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    5/57

    Special Occasion Beef Bourguignon

    I've found many rich and satisfying variations for boeuf bourguignon, including an intriguing peasant version that used beef cheeks for the meat and a rustic table wine. To make this stew gluten free, use white rice flour instead of all-purpose. —Leo Cotnoir, Johnson City, New York

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    6/57

    Taste of Home

    Dijon-Rubbed Pork with Rhubarb Sauce

    This tender pork loin roast served with a rhubarb-orange sauce is simply delicious! Here's an excellent choice for company—it makes a memorable meal. —Marilyn Rodriguez, Sparks, Nevada

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    7/57

    Taste of Home

    Mom's Roast Beef

    Everyone loves slices of this fork-tender roast beef with its savory gravy. The well-seasoned roast is Mom's specialty. People always ask about the secret ingredients. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite meat dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania

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    8/57

    Best-Ever Fried Chicken

    Crispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned, this really is the best fried chicken recipe, ever. Summer reunions and neighborly gatherings will never be the same. When I was growing up, my parents had a farm, and every year, Dad would hire teenage boys to help by haying time. They looked forward to coming because they knew they would be treated to some of Mom's deep fryer recipes, including this delicious fried chicken. —Lola Clifton, Vinton, Virginia

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    9/57

    Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce

    My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona

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    10/57

    Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

    My husband and I think this roasted pork tenderloin tastes like a fancy restaurant dish, but it couldn’t be simpler to make at home. The maple-mustard glaze makes it extra special. It's a modification of a recipe we first tasted at a friend's house. —Colleen Mercier, Salmon Arm, British Columbia.

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    11/57

    Homemade Ravioli Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Homemade Ravioli

    I love to bake and cook, especially Italian dishes like this homemade ravioli recipe. In fact, my idea of a perfect day consists of cooking my family's favorite foods then watching them dig in!—Lori Daniels, Hartland, Michigan

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    12/57

    As a child, I learned from my grandmother how to make these chicken-fried steaks. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are older, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York

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    13/57

    Makeover Beef Stroganoff

    I trimmed the calories, fat and sodium in a classic stroganoff, and my comfy, cozy version still tastes like a Russian masterpiece. —Candace Clark, Connell, Washington

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    14/57

    15/57

    Taste of Home

    Duck Breasts with Apricot Chutney

    When serving this entree as part of a buffet, try using chafing dish to keep it warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    16/57

    Taste of Home

    Frogmore Stew

    This picnic-style medley of shrimp, smoked kielbasa, corn and spuds is a specialty of South Carolina cuisine. It's commonly dubbed Frogmore stew or Beaufort stew in recognition of the two low country communities that lay claim to its origin. No matter what you call it, this one-pot wonder won't disappoint! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    17/57

    18/57

    Epiphany Ham

    I wanted to cook a ham but didn't have the ingredients for my usual glaze recipe, so I made substitutions. You can, too! Instead of black cherry, try another flavored soda, or use sweet-and-sour sauce in place of duck sauce. —Edith Griffith, Havre de Grace, Maryland

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    19/57

    Taste of Home

    Winter Vegetable Shepherd's Pie

    Everyone eats for comfort during the holidays, but comfort foods aren't necessarily healthy. To make a classic comfort food dish healthier, I came up with this lovely take: butternut squash shepherd's pie with ground turkey. It's perfect for putting out on your holiday buffet table. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

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    20/57

    Slow Cooker Cassoulet with Crumb Topping

    Classically inspired, this dish is loaded with chicken thighs, pork and smoked sausage. Tomatoes, beans and wine round out the hearty French stew, and bread crumbs thicken it slightly. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

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    21/57

    Greek-Style Lemon-Garlic Chicken

    I love celebrating my Greek heritage with this super simple and scrumptious Sunday dinner idea. Prep time is a breeze and the ingredient list is relatively short for such a flavorful one-dish meal. Each time I make this I'm transported back to my ya-ya, who gave me the special honor of squeezing the lemons! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

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    22/57

    Beef Tenderloin with Sauteed Vegetables

    This is the most elegant, tender beef. It’s made the classic French way—so easy! —cleo gonske, redding, California

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    23/57

    Taste of Home

    Easy Chicken Paprikash

    When my husband studied Hungarian in the Army, I made him the chicken and onions dish known as paprikash. We serve ours over rice or buttered noodles. —Susan Wildman, Haslett, Michigan

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    24/57

    Taste of Home

    Beef Brisket Marinara

    Marinara sauce and tender meat are real comfort food. Serve this brisket with mashed potatoes, rice or pasta. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

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    25/57

    Chicken Piccata Pockets

    My husband loves chicken piccata. I tried it in a puff pastry pocket with a bit of cream cheese; it tasted sensational. When he took leftovers to work, everyone asked what smelled so great. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

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    26/57

    Taste of Home

    Sirloin Roast with Gravy

    This recipe is perfect for my husband, who is a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy. The peppery, fork-tender roast combined with the rich gravy creates a tasty centerpiece for any meal. —Rita Clark, Monument, Colorado

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    27/57

    Potluck Fried Chicken

    This Sunday dinner staple is first fried and then baked to a crispy golden brown. Well seasoned with oregano and sage, this classic is sure to satisfy diners at church potlucks or late-summer picnics. I love fixing it for family and friends. —Donna Kuhaupt, Slinger, Wisconsin

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    28/57

    Carne Adovada Sopes

    I call this "dude food," as my husband and son would eat this weekly. The tender pork is great. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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    29/57

    Nikki’s Perfect Pastit*io Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Nikki's Perfect Pastit*io

    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 pastit*io is easier, a bit lighter and every bit as great as Mom's.—Nikki Tsangaris, Westfield, Indiana

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    30/57

    Taste of Home

    Almond-Crusted Chops with Cider Sauce

    I use finely ground almonds to give pork chops a crunchy crust. The cider sauce makes them tangy, creamy and sweet. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

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    31/57

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Round Steak

    Quick-and-easy recipes like this are a real plus, especially around the holidays. Serve this slow-cooker round steak over mashed potatoes, rice or noodles. —Dona McPherson, Spring, Texas

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    32/57

    Favorite Baked Spaghetti

    This is my grandchildren's most-loved dish. It feels like a special dinner and is so cozy for cooler months. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland

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    33/57

    Taste of Home

    Breaded Sea Scallops

    I never liked seafood until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. He says my breaded version is the best he's ever had. A tip I learned was to put them on a paper-towel-topped plate to soak up excess oil. —Martina Preston, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania

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    34/57

    Taste of Home

    Grandma Schwartz's Rouladen

    This was one of my Grandma Schwartz's recipes. Grandpa Schwartz was a German butcher and this was one of his (and our) favorite meals. It's an extra-special beef entree when served with mashed potatoes made with butter and sour cream. —Lynda Sharai, Summer Lake, Oregon

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    35/57

    Taste of Home

    Chicken with Garlic-Caper Sauce

    Treat your taste buds to this easy-to-make classic—bursting with Mediterranean goodness. It’s satisfying served with the versatile sauce. But it won’t weigh you down. —Marilee Anker, Chatsworth, California

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    36/57

    Taste of Home

    Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce

    When our kids are visiting Grandma, I make this recipe for just my husband and myself. It's a recipe my mother-in-law has been using for more than 30 years. I especially look forward to preparing it as part of a special Valentine's Day menu. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania

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    37/57

    Contest-Winning Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Contest-Winning Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

    While this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a company dinner, it's so good that I often make it for everyday family meals. We think it is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta

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    38/57

    Taste of Home

    Here's a homey dish that people just can't wait to dive in to! Yes, you can have slow-cooker chicken and dumplings. The homemade classic takes a bit of work but is certainly worth it. —Daniel Anderson, Kenosha, Wisconsin

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    39/57

    Slow-Cooker Chuck Roast Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Chuck Roast

    My husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooker chuck roast recipe is terrific. You'll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York

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    40/57

    Slow-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole

    We tweaked this family-friendly classic to work for the slow cooker. It's easy, wholesome and totally homemade!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    41/57

    Easy Pork Posole

    Looking for a meal in a bowl? Sit down to a Mexican classic full of cubed pork, sliced sausage, hominy and more. It all goes into the slow cooker, so you can come home at night to a table-ready dinner. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas

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    42/57

    Blue Cheese-Crusted Sirloin Steaks

    My wife adores this steak—and me when I fix it for her. She thinks it’s the ideal dish for Friday night after a long workweek. —Michael Rouse, Minot, North Dakota

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    43/57

    Sausage Manicotti

    This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota

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    44/57

    Best Chicken Potpie Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Best Chicken Potpie

    This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California

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    45/57

    Favorite Corned Beef and Cabbage

    It may be the most famous dish to eat on St. Patrick's Day, but this Irish-American corned beef recipe is a favorite at our table all year long. This is how to make corned beef and cabbage. —Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New Jersey

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    46/57

    Stuffed Chicken Rolls

    Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida

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    47/57

    Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce

    This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. Salmon is a go-to for busy nights because it cooks so quickly and goes with so many different flavors. The creamy dill sauce with cucumber tastes light and fresh. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

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    48/57

    Taste of Home

    Farm-Style BBQ Ribs

    Inspiration struck when I saw a recipe similar to this one in a newspaper. My version was an instant hit with my husband and our friends. It got even better when I discovered how easy it is to make in the slow cooker. —Bette Jo Welton, Eugene, OR

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    49/57

    Creamy Braised Chicken

    A smooth, delicate cream sauce gives a special taste to these tender chicken breasts accompanied by pearl onions and sauteed mushrooms. This dish is so rich-tasting, you'll want to serve it to company. —Margaret Haugh Heilman, Houston, Texas

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    50/57

    Homemade Polish Pierogi

    My mother measured ingredients for these using her hand. We've passed the recipe down over the years as the family has grown. —Veronica Weinkauf, South Bend, Indiana

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    51/57

    Soy-Ginger Pot Roast

    My husband really likes roast beef, and I really like my slow cooker. I brought in Asian influences for an all-day pot roast with some oomph. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

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    52/57

    Cold-Day Chicken Noodle Soup

    When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois

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    53/57

    Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Southern Shrimp and Grits

    A southern specialty, sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this shrimp and grits recipe tastes fantastic for brunch or dinner, or anytime company’s coming. It’s down-home comfort food at its finest. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

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    54/57

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Chicken Bog

    Chicken bog is a South Carolina tradition with lots of variations (think herbs, spices and fresh veggies), but the standard ingredients remain: sausage, chicken and rice. This slow-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah

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    55/57

    Standing Rib Roast

    This standing rib roast recipe is practically foolproof. Treat your family to tender slices of standing rib roast or use the seasoning blend on a different beef roast for a hearty, delicious main dish. I love to prepare this recipe for special occasions. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado

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    56/57

    Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

    This hearty main dish is a favorite at our house. It really warms you up. —Kim Kidd, New Freedom, Pennsylvania

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    57/57

    Taste of Home

    Seafood Cioppino

    If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire

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    Originally Published: July 16, 2018

    Author

    Caroline Stanko

    As editor, Caroline researches, writes and edits all things food and beverage and helps produce videos for Taste of Home. With seven years at TOH under her belt, Caroline has worked on the print, SIP and digital teams. When she’s not at her desk, you can probably find Caroline mixing up a killer co*cktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooki...

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