Seriously, no one will even remember what the main dish is after they take a bite of this Ahh-mazing potato dish.

My family loves it when I make creamy homemade mashed potatoes, but sometimes that is just a lot of work and it usually leaves a bigger mess than I would like to tackle when everyone is over.
Peeling the potatoes, boiling, mashing them, then trying to get them on the table while they are still steaming hot is not an easy task.

Finding recipes that I can make the day ahead and just pop in the oven is a huge win for me! I mean with my large family we tend to really go through the food for family gatherings so having something so tasty and filling as a side is awesome. Having something that is budget friendly is even better! In fact this recipe is something that has become a standard on our table for any holiday or reunion.

I remember the time I made a rice pilaf instead and I will tell you that was a huge mistake. The first thing my kids asked were, “Where are the potatoes? ” I told them I thought I would try something new. Total fail. So the next time to make up for it I baked a huge pan of this and added in a few extra strips of bacon. They were so thrilled they could have skipped dessert and just had this as we played cards after dinner was over.

And because I could make it ahead, I was able to spend more time visiting and less time in the kitchen.

This is what Amanda from Domestically Creative has to say about her awesome recipe.

As much as I love any type of mashed potatoes, this loaded mashed potato casserole really takes the cake. It’s so packed full of buttery, cheesy, bacon-y goodness that no one can turn this dish down.

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Quick Tip: Not sure you want to make such a large pan? Go ahead and use 2, 8X8 pans, or 3 loaf sized pans.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Amanda from Domestically Creative.

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Who has time to make something for a potluck? This recipe solves your problem.

Here is the thing, we used to attend a small church in the town we lived in for several years. the first Sunday of every month was potluck Sunday. Sounds great right? Wrong! I hated potluck Sunday.

It was a miracle to get everyone up and out the door. Let alone try to get something made to take. One Sunday I was so frustrated decided to skip potluck Sunday altogether!

It just wasn’t worth the stress, hassle, or mess.

There were plenty of Sundays I just opened a huge can of peaches, put them in a glass bowl and sprinkled a little cinnamon on top.

The bowl was always emptied, but I wished I had a better handle on what I could bring.

This recipe is something I could have totally prepared the night before so all I would have had to do it take it with me and put it in the oven. Live and learn!

This is what the gals in the kitchen have to say about this recipe.

I have never seen anything this amazing since Mabel brought her famous Noodle DoDa Spam Hotdish!

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Quick Tip: Go ahead and add whatever breakfast meat in this dish you want. I am a bit partial to peppered bacon, but a good sausage would also be great.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Complete recipe.com 

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]]> http://urbanretrorecipes.com/next-best-thing-world-peace-home-cookin/feed/ 0 http://urbanretrorecipes.com/total-fiesta-flavors-without-calories/ http://urbanretrorecipes.com/total-fiesta-flavors-without-calories/#respond Wed, 16 Aug 2017 15:09:48 +0000 http://urbanretrorecipes.com/?p=1615  With this recipe, I can have my enchilada and eat it too! Why or why are most of my favorite foods heavy on the calorie side? It is just the way life goes sometimes, but this recipe is rich and flavorful. I am definitely going to add this to my Mexican Dinner night! Even if […]

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 With this recipe, I can have my enchilada and eat it too!

Why or why are most of my favorite foods heavy on the calorie side? It is just the way life goes sometimes, but this recipe is rich and flavorful. I am definitely going to add this to my Mexican Dinner night!

Even if calories aren’t a concern for you..well first of all congratulations.. but it is great to have a few recipes that you can serve up to guests or take to a potluck. Not only does this highlight chicken instead of beef, being able to replace the flour tortillas with corn tortillas also is a big bonus.
In fact, I am wondering why I didn’t think of this sooner!

I know I am always talking about cooking ahead, but it just makes my week go so much smoother. When we had all six kids at home I used to dread the dinner hour because I was always running someone to or from someplace or helping with homework. Being able to just put something in the oven was a life saver. Having food prepped ahead sometimes made the difference between having a hot meal, or pouring a bowl of cold cereal. Yes, that did occasionally happen.

Being able to just put something in the oven was a life saver. Having food prepped ahead sometimes made the difference between having a hot meal, or pouring a bowl of cold cereal. Yes, that did occasionally happen.

So plan ahead to make this yummy south-of-the-border dish and pick up a big tray of chicken! Cook it all up and put an extra pan of this in your freezer with cooking instructions on top.
Wehn you know you are going to have a full day, just pull this out the night before and defrost in the fridge.

Here is what Jamie of Life is Sweeter By Design has to say about her lower calorie dinner.

Do you love the flavors of Mexican food? I definitely do and I didn’t want to give it up even though I am trying to lose weight. Sometimes it takes a little creativity and effort, but it is possible to make recipes healthier and more points friendly! I made this Weight Watchers Chicken Enchilada Bake and didn’t even miss those extra calories.

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Quick Tip: If you are fixing dinner for just a few people instead of a crowd go ahead and make this dish in 3 loaf pans!

 

Think about it. You can put two int he freezer for later. Talk about a win-win!

Photo and recipe courtesy of Jamie from Life is Sweeter

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]]> http://urbanretrorecipes.com/total-fiesta-flavors-without-calories/feed/ 0 http://urbanretrorecipes.com/ill-have-what-shes-having/ http://urbanretrorecipes.com/ill-have-what-shes-having/#respond Mon, 24 Jul 2017 15:04:57 +0000 http://urbanretrorecipes.com/?p=1418  This plate is full of flavor without being full of guilt! Sometimes it is easy to be jealous of someones’ plate. Especially if you are counting calories or carbs! Trust me I know! I have been dieting my whole life and there is nothing more frustrating than trying to cut back on your calorie intake, […]

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 This plate is full of flavor without being full of guilt!

Sometimes it is easy to be jealous of someones’ plate. Especially if you are counting calories or carbs!

Trust me I know! I have been dieting my whole life and there is nothing more frustrating than trying to cut back on your calorie intake, knowing that you will not be eating the food you love! Sure, this might mean that the super cheesy sour cream chicken enchiladas don’t take front and center on the menu, but when you add in great options like this salad you won’t even miss it.

I also love that you can have all the ingredients prepped and ready to toss together during the week for lunches. I think one of the things that sabotages alot of our eating is the fact we don’t plan ahead and have food that is healthy ready to eat WHEN we are hungry. As a result we end up just grabbing something from the snack bar, the food truck, drive-thru, or the fridge.

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste and needs. On a Weight Watchers point program? Cut down on the corn and beans and add in bell peppers and spicy pickled carrots.

This is what Erin of Well Plated has to say about her yummy salad.

This Skinny Taco Salad is also ideal for meal prep. Chop the veggies and cook the turkey in advance and store them individually in the refrigerator. Then throughout the week, you can quickly assemble individual portions and add any other toppings you desire.

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Quick Tip: If you are taking this salad to work or on your next picnic, consider layering the ingredients with the dressing on the bottom, followed by meat, beans, corn, tomatoes, and then lettuce last. When ready to serve turn it upside down on a plate or bowl.

Recipe and Photo courtesy of Erin at Well Plated. 

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]]> http://urbanretrorecipes.com/ill-have-what-shes-having/feed/ 0 http://urbanretrorecipes.com/better-anything-deli/ http://urbanretrorecipes.com/better-anything-deli/#respond Thu, 01 Jun 2017 17:24:24 +0000 http://urbanretrorecipes.com/?p=958 This is a basic crock-pot 101 that nails it on flavor and versatility. I really stink at using the crockpot, or slow cooker, as some of my sisters in the South call the handy-throw-everything-in-and-forget-about-it kitchen appliance. I am not sure if I had a bad crock-pot experience as a child or what. Nothing that a […]

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This is a basic crock-pot 101 that nails it on flavor and versatility.

I really stink at using the crockpot, or slow cooker, as some of my sisters in the South call the handy-throw-everything-in-and-forget-about-it kitchen appliance.
I am not sure if I had a bad crock-pot experience as a child or what. Nothing that a few batches of cookies therapy won’t cure, but still. I really think it is because the only thing I knew how to make was the pot roast with onion soup mix, potatoes, and carrots. Not bad, but not something you want to eat very often. The potatoes and carrots were yummy, don’t get me wrong, but they were coated with a layer of grease from the meat. I felt like I should serve it with a kale smoothie as a clean-out for my system.

The potatoes and carrots were yummy, don’t get me wrong, but they were coated with a layer of grease from the meat. I felt like I should serve it with a kale smoothie as a clean-out for my system.

My crock-pot is in the top shelf all the way in the back, right next to the fondue pot. I need a chair to reach it and when I do, I usually have to wash the dust off before I can use it. I have considered several times giving it away but am always hopeful that “One Day I will get the hang of this and when I do it will make my life so much easier!”
Well, I think that day may have arrived!
I just purchased a huge tenderloin cylinder from Costco. The price was 1.99 a pound and it had a $2.50 discount per package at the register. Too good of a deal to pass up.

So, with renewed optimism,  I looked up recipes as soon as I got home. This one looked amazing.

This is what Juli at Flirting With Flavor has to say about this easy to create recipe that your family will love!

A sweet heat pulled pork with just the right amount of that fresh pineapple goodness, all cooked up in a crock-pot for long roasting depth of flavor and deliciousness!

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Quick Tip: This is a perfect way to get your meat ready for a fun twist on enchiladas so go ahead and fill up a quart sized bag, label it, and put it in the freezer for later!

Photo and recipe courtesy of Juli at Flirting With Flavor. 

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]]> http://urbanretrorecipes.com/better-anything-deli/feed/ 0 http://urbanretrorecipes.com/side-dish-might-feel-cheating/ http://urbanretrorecipes.com/side-dish-might-feel-cheating/#respond Wed, 26 Apr 2017 03:25:27 +0000 http://urbanretrorecipes.com/?p=513 This Side Dish Dresses Up Any Picnic! I just checked to make sure our gas grill is ready to fire up. The taste of grilled chicken, crusty french bread and a cold side make eating outside extra awesome. Especially when you don’t have to spend a ton of time cooking in the kitchen. This recipe […]

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This Side Dish Dresses Up Any Picnic!

I just checked to make sure our gas grill is ready to fire up. The taste of grilled chicken, crusty french bread and a cold side make eating outside extra awesome. Especially when you don’t have to spend a ton of time cooking in the kitchen.

This recipe originally called for frozen spinach but I love being able to toss some fresh spinach into anything for an added wholesome touch.

Being a busy family on the go means having to either have great recipes or having to buy prepackaged foods to take to picnics and get-togethers.

Thankfully, this recipe calls for everything I usually have on hand and is super easy to make the day before. I just put this into a large zip-lock bag to save on space and when it is time to serve, just pull it out of my ice chest or fridge, put into a bowl, add a small handful of extra Parmesan cheese on top and BAM..we are ready to dish up!

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Quick Tip: If you have some extra artichoke hearts or fresh mozzarella cheese, just put those in as well. I am all for customizing dished with our families favorite ingredients!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Kristyn of Lil’ Luna 

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