Good things come to those who wait, and these recipes prove it! These stews, pastas, casseroles and more, are great freshly made, but taste even more amazing the next day.
43 Recipes That are Even BETTER the Next Day
Updated on Sep. 19, 2024
1/43
Lasagna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I always wanted this meal on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but now I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice. —Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 667 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1209mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 44g protein.
2/43
Turkey White Chili
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up in a Pennsylvania Dutch area, I was surrounded by excellent cooks and wonderful foods. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes like this change-of-pace chili. —Kaye Whiteman, Charleston, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 288 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
3/43
Barley Risotto and Beef Stroganoff
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
I was missing my Russian grandma's barley porridge and beef stroganoff, so I combined the two dishes. Cook the barley using the risotto method to keep the grains whole and irresistibly chewy. —Tatiana Kireeva, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked steak with 1 cup barley: 463 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 859mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 33g protein.
4/43
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 382 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
5/43
Mexican-Style Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We've always liked stuffed peppers, but everyone is pleasantly surprised at this mildly spicy version. For convenience, you can assemble these pretty peppers ahead of time and bake them later.
—LaDonna Reed of Ponca City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 322 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
6/43
Coconut Curry Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Similar to a Vietnamese pho rice noodle soup, this red coconut curry chicken soup packs big flavor and a bit of heat. The crisp raw vegetables help cool things down. —Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 601 calories, 34g fat (26g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 1722mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
7/43
Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 526 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 1674mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
8/43
Bean & Beef Slow-Cooked Chili
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This chili may be already chock-full, but we love to build it up even more with toppings like pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and cheese. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 427 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1103mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 15g fiber), 30g protein.
9/43
Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 541 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1335mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
10/43
Mushroom Stuffing
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
13 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I first tried this stuffing a few years ago, and it quickly became our family's favorite. Just flavor a hearty cornbread mix with mushrooms and bacon and taste the spectacular results. —Kathy Traetow, Waverly, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 235 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
11/43
Turkey Stew with Dumplings
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love dumplings, and this mild-tasting, homey dish has flavorful ones floating on a tasty turkey and vegetable stew. It hits the spot on chilly fall and winter days. —Rita Taylor, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 255 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
12/43
Reuben Bread Pudding
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our Aunt Renee always brought this casserole to family picnics in Chicago.
It became so popular that she started bringing two or three. I have also made
it using dark rye bread or marbled rye, and ham instead of corned beef—all the variations are delicious! —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 390 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 1295mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
13/43
Red Clam Sauce
Total Time
3 hours 25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe tastes like an Italian restaurant specialty and cooks while you take care of other things. What a marvelous way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sauce with 3/4 cup cooked linguine: 305 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
14/43
Spicy Beef Stir Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 312 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
15/43
Thai Red Curry Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I recreated a favorite red curry chicken dish from a restaurant, and now I cook it almost weekly for my family. On a busy night, frozen stir-fry veggies really speed things up. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
16/43
Cioppino
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
17/43
Pasta Fagioli al Forno
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The name of this Italian-inspired dish means "baked pasta with beans." But my busy family translates it as "super satisfying dinner." —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 440 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1029mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein.
18/43
Jamaican Beef Stew
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
5 servings (1-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious stew makes a hearty supper with a lighter touch. The leaner cut of meat, herbs and seasonings and fresh vegetables make it so flavorful, you'll want another bowl! —James Hayes, Ridgecrest, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 285 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
19/43
German Meatballs
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of our favorite main dishes. Because we raise our own pork and beef, the meat we use is always freshly ground. For variety, these meatballs can be cooked with a sweet cream gravy or steamed with tomatoes. But we prefer them with homemade sauerkraut. —Iona Redemer, Calumet, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3 each: 376 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 1636mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
20/43
Make-Ahead Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an old standby when time's limited and guests are expected for dinner. It's a combination of several easy lasagna recipes I have tried over the years. —Mary Grimm, Williamsburg, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 462 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 931mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
21/43
Beef and Sausage Chili
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. I keep serving-size containers of it in my freezer at all times so I can quickly warm up bowls on busy days. —Margie Shaw, Greenbrier, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 329 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 1158mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
22/43
Quinoa and Black Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 375 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
23/43
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I was talking about stuffed peppers with the other cooks at the restaurant where I work. We decided to mix similar ingredients for a soup. Customer response was overwhelming! —Krista Muddiman, Meadville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 337 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1466mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
24/43
Flavorful White Chili
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a tasty twist on conventional chili, try this low-fat version. It's packed with plenty of beans, tender grilled chicken and a zippy blend of spices.
—Wilda Bensenhaver of Deland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 384 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1224mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 16g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 3 starch.
25/43
Casablanca Chutney Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you enjoy Indian food, you'll love this dish. An array of spices and dried fruit slow cook with boneless chicken thighs for an aromatic and satisfying meal. To make it complete, serve over Jasmine or Basmati rice. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 389 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 6g fiber), 26g protein.
26/43
Hungarian Goulash
Total Time
7 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Talk about your heirloom recipes! My grandmother made this Hungarian goulash recipe for my mother when she was a child, and then Mom made it for us to enjoy. Paprika and caraway add wonderful flavor, and sour cream gives it a creamy richness. It’s simply scrumptious! —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup goulash with 1 cup noodles: 388 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
27/43
Caribbean Curried Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 6 tablespoons sauce: 249 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
28/43
Cashew-Curry Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I fell hard for the curried chicken salad from our grocery store deli, and I knew I could find a way to make something similar. This greek yogurt chicken salad has become one of our favorites to take on trips to the beach. —Janine Cooper-Moren, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 287 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
29/43
Taco Chili
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks will come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 342 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
30/43
Swedish Meatballs Alfredo
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a big fan of this potluck-perfect dish. It takes much less time than many other slow-cooker recipes. Plus, it's easy. I'm all for the easy! —Carole Bess White, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without noodles): 766 calories, 67g fat (38g saturated fat), 238mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
31/43
Mushroom Bolognese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A traditional Bolognese sauce is meat-based with everything from pork to pancetta. Skipping the meat, I loaded this pasta dish with baby portobellos and veggies. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups sauce with 1 cup pasta: 369 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 12g fiber), 17g protein.
32/43
Meatball Chili with Dumplings
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family enjoys this delicious recipe—it's like a spicy meatball stew with dumplings!—Sarah Yoder, Middlebury, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 475 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1523mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 26g protein.
33/43
Spicy White Chili
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I thought the original version of this dish was fine. But my son can't get enough spice, so I added green chiles and other seasonings until I'd created a quick and easy chili he's wild about. —Carlene Bailey, Bradenton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 324 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
34/43
Spaghetti Sauce Without Meat
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
When my tomatoes ripen, the first things I make are BLTs and this homemade spaghetti sauce. —Sondra Bergy, Lowell, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 133 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
35/43
Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It's a sweet contrast with the chili sauce. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 106 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
36/43
Raspberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I gave this sweet-savory chicken salad a little zip with Chinese five-spice powder, which tastes a bit like pumpkin pie spice. Sprinkle some on roasted carrots for an awesome meal. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 463 calories, 24g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein.
37/43
African Peanut Stew
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. —Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 349 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 624mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 11g fiber), 10g protein.
38/43
Shortcut Sausage Jambalaya
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Secret ingredient alert: A pinch of coffee crystals gives my jambalaya its roasty, toasty flavor. This quick and easy dinner is one of my husband’s top picks. —Betty Henagin, Medford, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 297 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1398mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
39/43
40/43
Sweet Potato Bisque
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this bright orange, sweet potato bisque for special occasions in fall and winter. The recipe includes a minted chili oil to drizzle on top. It's well worth the few extra minutes it takes to make! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 1-1/2 teaspoons minted chili oil: 413 calories, 32g fat (16g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 512mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
41/43
Blackberry Sriracha Chicken Sliders
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Dump everything in a slow cooker and then watch these spicy-sweet sliders become an instant party-time classic. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 352 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
42/43
Turkey and Black Bean Chili
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This busy-day chili is packed with flavor. We make it ahead and freeze some to eat later. —Marisela Segovia, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 247 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
43/43
Hearty Beef & Sweet Potato Stew
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I have fond memories of growing up in an Irish-Italian family and learning to cook from my grandparents. Beefy stew reminds me of their precious contributions. —Renee Murphy, Smithtown, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 352 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 581mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
