The 10 Recipes Readers Loved Most on Slice of Southern in 2025

 

A look back at the 10 recipes readers loved most on A Slice of Southern in 2025—from easy weeknight dinners and fresh salads to comforting classics you cooked again and again.

The 10 Recipes Readers Loved Most on Slice of Southern in 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, I found myself looking back through the recipes you spent the most time with this year—the ones you searched for, cooked, and came back to again and again. From cozy one-pot dinners to fresh seasonal salads and a surprise breakfast favorite that truly ran away with the year, these dishes quietly tell the story of how we cooked in real life: practical, comforting, and full of flavor. These are the recipes that stood out not because they were flashy, but because they worked—and because you welcomed them into your kitchens.

Most Loved Recipe of 2025

Tomato-Mozzarella Scrambled Eggs – A Savory Morning Upgrade

Why readers loved it: Simple ingredients and big flavor made this an easy, elevated breakfast readers kept coming back to.

Best Weeknight Dinner

One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo in 30 Minutes

Why readers loved it: This weeknight-friendly, one-pot meal delivered comfort and convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Southern Comfort Classic

Southern Skillet Cornbread: Buttery, Golden, & Irresistible

Why readers loved it: A classic Southern staple with crisp edges and a tender crumb that fits just as well on a weeknight table as a holiday spread.

Most Popular Salad

Late Summer Fig Salad with Cucumbers & Feta

Why readers loved it: Sweet figs, crisp cucumbers, and salty feta struck the perfect balance of fresh and satisfying.

Most Impressive (But Approachable)

Rustic Tomato Galette with Gruyère & Thyme

Why readers loved it: This savory galette felt special enough for entertaining but approachable enough for home cooks.

Sleeper Hit of the Year

Leftovers Transformed: Pearl Couscous Risotto with Chicken & Greens

Why readers loved it: A creative, resourceful way to turn leftovers into something comforting and completely new.

Bold Weeknight Favorite

Summer Cajun Chicken Skillet – Light, Bold, and Low-Carb

Why readers loved it: Bold Cajun flavor and a quick skillet method made this a standout for easy, flavor-packed dinners.

Best Protein-Packed Salad

The Ultimate Summer Steak Salad with Zesty Avocado Chimichurri

Why readers loved it: Hearty enough for dinner, fresh enough for warm weather, this salad checked all the boxes.

Best Seasonal Recipe

Summer Stone Fruit Salad with Two Dressings to Love

Why readers loved it: The option of two dressings gave readers flexibility while letting peak-season fruit shine.

Comfort Pasta Favorite 

Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera

Why readers loved it: Bright lemon, fresh herbs, and creamy pasta came together in a comforting dish that still felt light.

Can’t wait to see what we’ll be cooking together in 2026! Save your favorites and get ready for more cozy, flavorful recipes.

Cheesy Turkey Enchilada Rice Skillet – A One-Pan Wonder

This Cheesy Turkey Enchilada Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder packed with bold enchilada flavor, tender ground turkey, beans, corn, and melty cheese. A quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love!

 

Cheesy Turkey Enchilada Rice Skillet – A One-Pan Wonder

If there's one thing I’ve learned to treasure in the middle of a busy week, it’s the magic of a good one-pot meal. Fewer dishes, easy prep, and something hearty bubbling away on the stove—it’s the trifecta of kitchen happiness. This Cheesy Turkey Enchilada Rice Skillet checks every box: it’s quick to make, easy to clean up, and packed with bold, family-approved flavor. Even the pickiest eaters will light up when they see this skillet coming to the table, melty cheese and all.

We love our Latin-inspired flavors around here—those smoky spices, vibrant green chiles, and saucy, satisfying bites just feel like comfort food with a little kick. And when summer heat rolls in, I’m all about meals that keep the oven off. This skillet comes together right on the stovetop in about 30 minutes, which means no sweating over a hot oven and no long waits for dinner to be ready.

Loaded with lean ground turkey, tender rice, pinto beans, corn, and plenty of enchilada sauce, this dish delivers the same cozy satisfaction of a pan of baked enchiladas—without all the rolling and layering. Just one skillet, one stir, and one truly delicious dinner.

Your Easy Enchilada Skillet Checklist

Produce

• Yellow or white onion
• Fresh cilantro

Meat

• Ground turkey

Canned Goods

• Diced tomatoes
• Pinto beans
• Corn (fresh or frozen if preferred)
• Chopped green chiles
• Red enchilada sauce
• Low-sodium chicken broth

Grains

• White rice

Dairy

• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Spices & Pantry

• Olive oil
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Kosher salt

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No worries—this recipe is super flexible! Here are some easy ingredient swaps to help make it work with what’s already in your kitchen:

• Ground turkey → Use ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based crumbles

• White rice → Try brown rice (increase simmer time), jasmine rice, or even cooked quinoa

• Pinto beans → Swap with black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas

• Monterey Jack cheese → Use shredded cheddar, a Mexican blend, or pepper jack for extra heat

• Chicken broth → Sub in vegetable broth or even water in a pinch

• Red enchilada sauce → Use green enchilada sauce 

• Canned corn → Fresh or frozen corn kernels work great too

Variations

Want to switch things up? This one-pan wonder is easy to customize. Here are a few tasty twists to make it your own:

• Make it vegetarian – Skip the turkey and add extra beans or a can of drained lentils for a protein-packed, meatless version.

• Spice it up – Add diced jalapeños with the onion or use hot enchilada sauce for a bolder kick.

• Low-carb option – Swap the rice for riced cauliflower (just reduce the broth and simmer time).

• Southwest twist – Add a handful of diced bell peppers or zucchini with the onion for extra veggies.

• Taco-style – Spoon leftovers into taco shells or tortillas for a next-day remix!

Kitchen Tips and Notes

A few simple tricks can make this one-pan meal even easier and more delicious:

• Toast the rice – Don’t skip this step! Lightly toasting the rice before adding the liquids adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps it hold its texture as it cooks.

• Use a large, deep skillet – A 12-inch deep sauté pan or nonstick skillet works best to keep everything contained without bubbling over.

• Let it rest before serving – After the cheese melts, let the skillet sit off the heat for 3–5 minutes. This helps the rice firm up and makes scooping easier.

• Taste and season as you go – Enchilada sauces vary in saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt at the end.

• Frozen corn is a great shortcut – No need to thaw—just toss it in frozen!

• Add toppings at the table – Let everyone customize their plate with sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges, or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.

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10 Must-Try Ground Beef Recipes: From Classic to Creative

10 Deliciously Versatile Ground Beef Recipes – From Comfort Classics to New Flavorful Twists!

10 Must-Try Ground Beef Recipes

Ground beef is a staple ingredient that’s affordable, versatile, and always satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a nostalgic comfort food classic, or a hearty meal that feeds a crowd, these must-try ground beef recipes have you covered! We’ve categorized them to help you find the perfect dish based on what you're craving—one-pot meals, Mexican-inspired favorites, nostalgic family classics, and easy pasta dishes.

Each of these recipes is packed with bold flavors, simple ingredients, and easy-to-follow steps, making them perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. From rich and creamy Cheeseburger Soup to the ultimate comfort of Shepherd’s Pie and Mom’s Goulash, these dishes prove that ground beef can be transformed into something truly delicious with minimal effort.

With easy prep and delicious results, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just need a reliable, comforting meal. No matter what you choose, you're guaranteed to get a dish that’s full of flavor and sure to become a family favorite! Which one will you try first?

Recipe Categories

🥘 One-Pot & Skillet Comfort Classics

🌯 Easy & Flavorful Mexican-Inspired Dishes

🍲 Nostalgic & Family Favorites

🍝 Pasta Dishes for Easy Dinners

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🥘 One-Pot & Skillet Comfort Classics

        (Quick, hearty meals with easy cleanup!)

• Lasagna Soup – All the rich, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna in an easy, one-pot soup! Perfect for a cozy, comforting meal without the layering.

• Chili Mac – A hearty, one-pot dish that combines the bold flavors of chili with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food mash-up.

• Ground Beef Stroganoff –  A quick and creamy twist on the classic, featuring tender ground beef in a rich, savory mushroom sauce served over noodles.

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🌯 Easy & Flavorful Mexican-Inspired Dishes

        (Perfect for busy nights with bold flavors!)

• Easy Beef Wet Burritos – Hearty, cheesy, and smothered in a flavorful sauce, these wet burritos are an easy way to enjoy restaurant-style Mexican comfort food at home.

• Lighter Burrito Bowl – All the bold, zesty flavors of a classic burrito without the tortilla! A fresh, wholesome, and satisfying meal perfect for a healthier twist on Mexican night.

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🍲 Nostalgic & Family Favorites

        (Comfort food that never goes out of style!)

• Shepherd’s Pie – A timeless comfort food classic with layers of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, baked to perfection.

• Old School Sloppy Joes – A nostalgic favorite featuring saucy, seasoned ground beef piled high on soft buns—messy, delicious, and always a hit!

• Mom’s Goulash – A hearty, one-pot meal with tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, just like Mom used to make.

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🍝 Pasta Dishes for Easy Dinners

        (Fast, satisfying meals everyone loves!)

• Quick Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce – A fast and satisfying dinner featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta smothered in a rich, savory meat sauce—perfect for busy nights.

• Cheeseburger Soup – A comforting, creamy soup inspired by the classic cheeseburger, with ground beef, cheese, and all the familiar flavors in a cozy bowl.

Easy Weeknight Dinners: Rustic Farro & Chicken Medley

Wholesome Comfort in Every Bite: A One-Pan Wonder with Rustic Flavors of Farro, Chicken, and Greens.

Rustic Farro & Chicken Medley

The Rustic Farro & Chicken Medley is a one-pan dish that combines hearty grains, tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant Swiss chard for a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. This skillet meal is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. With the chewy texture of farro, the richness of sautéed vegetables, and the protein-packed goodness of chicken, every bite is a perfect balance of flavor and nourishment.  It’s also a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers—if you have cooked farro from your Garlic-Lemon Pork with Farro and Kale recipe, it’s the perfect base for this dish!  This clever use of leftovers makes this meal not only tasty but also incredibly convenient to whip up.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle. It’s equally impressive for casual gatherings with friends or family, thanks to its rustic charm and colorful presentation. Whether served straight from the skillet for a comforting dinner or prepped ahead for an easy weekday lunch, the Rustic Farro & Chicken Medley is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple and versatile this dish is to make, and your taste buds will thank you!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Protein

• boneless skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables

• carrots
• onion
• Baby Bella mushrooms (2 8oz pkgs)
• Swiss chard
• garlic

Grains

• Farro (2 cups cooked; buy uncooked if needed)

Pantry/Condiments

• Olive oil 
• White wine
• Chicken broth - Better than Bouillon is a good option here for flavor and it's easy to make 1/2 cup of broth.  

Spices/Seasonings

• Paprika 
• Dried thyme 
• Salt and pepper

Cheese

• Fresh grated Parmesan cheese 

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Grains:  Use quinoa, barley, brown rice, or Israeli couscous as a substitute.

• White wine:  Substitute with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

• Chicken broth:  Vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube works well.

• Parmesan cheese: Use Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Variations

• Mediterranean Twist:  Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese in place of Parmesan.  Use a pinch of oregano or Italian seasoning instead of thyme.

• Creamy Version:  Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy texture.

• Vegetarian Option:  Skip the chicken and add chickpeas, tofu, or white beans for protein.  Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Autumn Harvest:  Include diced sweet potatoes, or parsnips alongside the carrots.  Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.

• Asian-Inspired:  Swap the thyme for ginger and soy sauce, and add a drizzle of sesame oil.  Replace Parmesan with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or scallions.

• Herbaceous Delight:  Add a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil at the end for a burst of freshness.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

Tips

• Cook Farro Ahead of Time or use leftovers:  If you don’t have leftover farro, cook it in advance and store it in the fridge.

• Even Cutting:  Dice the vegetables and chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better presentation.

Notes

• Meal Prep Friendly:  This skillet meal reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

• Versatility is Key:  This dish is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have available or to suit dietary preferences. It's a great way to use up leftover grains, vegetables, or proteins.

     Equipment You May Need     

• Sharp Knife – Essential for dicing vegetables, slicing mushrooms, and cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting Board – Use a sturdy cutting board for prepping chicken and vegetables. Consider using separate boards for meat and produce.
• Serving Dish – If transferring the dish for serving, a shallow platter or wide bowl is great for presentation.
• Spatula or Tongs – To flip or toss the zucchini halfway through roasting, ensuring even cooking.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like broth, wine, and seasonings.
• Spoon:  A wooden spoon or heat-resistant silicone spatula works best for stirring and scraping the pan.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan - A heavy-bottomed, wide skillet is perfect for cooking everything in one pan. Non-stick or stainless steel works well.
• Farro - a great grain.  Make sure to get pearled farro which cooks faster.

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Rustic Farro & Chicken Medley

serves 4


2 tablespoons olive oil 

1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 teaspoon paprika 

1 clove garlic, minced 

1 large carrot, small diced
1/2 medium onion, diced
16 oz Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
1/2 bunch Swiss chard, chopped (stems separated from leaves)

1/4 cup white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 cups cooked farro
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 

Cook the Chicken:  Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.  Stir fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, turning the chicken often until cooked through.   Add in the garlic and stir to coat, 30 seconds.   Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:  In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if needed.  Sauté the onion and carrots, 3-4 minutes until softened.  Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender, about 5 minutes.  Add is the Swiss chard leaves and cook, stirring until wilted.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add the white wine to the skillet and allow to cook down 1 minute.  Add in the chicken broth.

Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, along with the cooked farro.  Sprinkle with dried thyme.  Cook for 2-3 minutes, heating up the ingredients and allowing the flavors to blend.  Add in the Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.   Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper.  Serve directly from the skillet or serve in individual plates.