Dishes I’ve remixed, made my own, and cooked enough times to know they hit.

This page is for the recipes I actually cook. Not one-off experiments. These are the meals I make on repeat, bring to gatherings, or get asked about after people eat. Most of them are remixes of classics with my own tweaks. If it’s here, it has been tested, eaten, and approved by real people.



Pot Roast (Dutch Oven or Crock Pot)

This is a repeat recipe in my house. Cozy, tender, and sweet-savory in the best way. It is one of those meals that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 lb beef chuck roast
  • 4 to 6 carrots, chopped
  • 2 lb potatoes, cut into large chunks
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp rosemary
  • 2 tsp thyme
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1 packet of pot roast seasoning

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef dry and rub with salt and brown sugar. Wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
  2. Sear the roast on all sides until browned.
  3. Transfer the roast to a Dutch oven or Crock Pot and add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
  4. Pour the beef broth over everything and season with rosemary, thyme, and the pot roast seasoning packet.
  5. Cover and cook until fork-tender.
  6. Low: 8 to 10 hours
  7. High: 4 to 6 hours
    Shred if desired.

Notes

  • This recipe is forgiving. If your seasoning packet is salty, taste before adding extra salt.
  • Leftovers are great the next day and even better over cornbread.
  • It can serve two people for 3-4 days, depending on serving size.

Zuppa Toscana (Remixed)

Olive Garden was one of my favorite spots growing up, and this soup was always a family favorite. My mom made it so often that it became a staple, and now it is one of the recipes I still make regularly.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small white onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 3 to 4 russet potatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Italian seasoning to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage in a large pot until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, cook bacon until crisp. Add onion and cook until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  4. Pour in broth and add potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Stir in sausage, cream, and kale. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes until kale is wilted.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

Notes

  • Swap kale for spinach if that’s what you have.
  • Sometimes I switch to turkey bacon, and it’s just as tasty!
  • Serves two people for a couple of days.

Thai Green Chicken Coconut Curry

This is one of my favorite comfort meals when I want something warm, flavorful, and filling but still simple to make. It is rich, cozy, and packed with veggies, and the leftovers always hit.

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1.5 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 small onion, sliced or diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 to 3 tbsp Thai green curry paste
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 small eggplant, chopped
  • 1 can baby corn, drained
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 can of bamboo shoots, drained

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the onion and cook until softened.
  4. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
  5. Add Thai green curry paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to release the flavor.
  6. Pour in coconut milk, chicken broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
  7. Add eggplant, baby corn, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
  8. Return chicken to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
  9. Cover and cook 20 to 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Serve over jasmine rice or with naan.
  • This curry thickens as it sits and tastes even better the next day.
  • Add a squeeze of lime or fresh basil if you want to brighten it up.

Asian Beef Bowls

This is one of those easy, throw-it-together meals that still feels filling and flavorful. It is great for busy nights and works just as well for meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Optional toppings: green onion, sesame seeds, avocado, cucumber

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Add onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened.
  4. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
  5. Pour in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
  6. Stir well and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve over rice and add toppings as desired.

Notes

  • The bell peppers add sweetness and texture, so do not skip them.
  • Great for meal prep and reheats well.
  • You can easily add broccoli or snap peas if you want even more veggies.

Creamy Jalapeno Dip (Chuys Copycat)

My family and my fiancé’s family love Chuys, especially the creamy jalapeno dip that comes out with the salsa and chips. We do not always want to go to the restaurant, so I started making it at home. It makes a good amount, and we put it on tacos, nachos, and, honestly anything Tex-Mex. This one is always a hit at gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 jalapenos, diced
  • 3 tomatillos
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro, stems removed
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 16 oz sour cream
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning
  • 1 to 2 cloves of garlic
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil tomatillos until they soften and change color, then remove from water.
  2. Dice jalapenos and garlic.
  3. Remove stems from cilantro.
  4. Blend jalapenos, garlic, cilantro, and tomatillos until smooth.
  5. Add sour cream, ranch seasoning, milk, lime juice, and additional seasonings.
  6. Blend until everything is smooth and the same consistency.
  7. Serve immediately or refrigerate to chill.

Notes

  • This makes a generous amount, perfect for parties.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge. They will not last long.
  • Great on tacos, nachos, burritos, and sandwiches.

Jalapeno Poppers (Keay’s Way)

A Texas staple for sure. I have had jalapeno poppers so many different ways, and pulled from a few favorites to make my own version. These always go fast, especially during football nights or group hangouts.

Ingredients

  • 10 jalapenos
  • 1 to 2 packs low-sodium bacon
  • 1 to 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • Cajun seasoning to taste

Instructions

  1. Clean jalapenos and slice them vertically.
  2. Scoop out seeds and membranes.
  3. Place cream cheese in a bowl and microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to soften.
  4. Mix cream cheese, shredded Mexican cheese, and Cajun seasoning until combined.
  5. Spoon the mixture into each jalapeno half.
  6. Wrap each filled jalapeno with a slice of bacon.
  7. Arrange on a baking sheet.
  8. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.
  9. Check for crispiness and bake an additional 15 minutes if needed.

Notes

  • I sometimes broil them on high for the last few minutes to get the bacon extra crispy.
  • I like to grab an extra block of cream cheese just in case. Jalapenos vary in size, especially with curbside orders.
  • All ingredients are from HEB, and their Cajun seasoning always hits.

Banana Pudding

This is a recipe that means a lot to me. My late grandmother made this banana pudding with so much love, and it was my favorite dessert growing up. It is something I now enjoy making with my mom on occasion and also at home for my own household.

Ingredients

  • 1 box vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 oz whipped topping
  • 1 box vanilla wafers
  • 4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk until thickened.
  2. Stir in sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
  3. Fold in whipped topping until smooth.
  4. In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers on the bottom.
  5. Add a layer of sliced bananas.
  6. Spread a layer of pudding mixture over the bananas.
  7. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
  8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • I like to have an extra box of wafers on hand just in case.
  • The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
  • You can crush a few wafers on top for texture.
  • This travels well and is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.