
Cajun Pork and Rice
I created this recipe upon returning home from traveling. With little food in the house, I used what was there. My husband loves this dish because it’s tasty, and I love it because it’s easy. —Allison Gapinski, Cary, North Carolina

Rice-Stuffed Peppers
Mother used to fix this wonderful, easy dish when we had company. She was from a family of fantastic Cajun cooks, so our food was always well-seasoned. In Louisiana, rice is part of many meals. The cheese sauce sets these stuffed peppers apart from any others I’ve tried. —Lisa Easley, Longview, Texas

Mom’s Paella
I enjoy cooking ethnic foods, especially those that call for lots of rice. Like my mom, I often prepare this dish for special Sunday get-togethers. Traditional paella uses saffron, but turmeric is a budget-friendly alternative. —Ena Quiggle, Goodhue, Minnesota

Lemony Chickpeas
These saucy chickpeas add just a little heat to meatless Mondays. They’re especially good over hot, fluffy brown rice. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey

Sassy Salsa Meat Loaves
We still can’t settle on our favorite salsa, but, honestly, why bother? There are so many fantastic options! We love trying them all in this twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they’ll last for a few days—perfect for meat loaf sandwiches topped with a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, Maryland

Quick Shrimp Creole
My mother made shrimp Creole when I was growing up, so I’ve carried on the family tradition. For extra kick, pass the Louisiana hot sauce. —Gina Norton, Wonder Lake, IL

Turkey Sausage Cabbage Rolls
I practically grew up in my Polish grandmother’s kitchen, watching Babci cook and listening to her stories. I made her cabbage roll recipe healthier with whole grains and turkey, but kept the same rich flavors I remember. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

Chicken Brunch Bake
Chunks of tender chicken add heartiness to this appealing brunch casserole. This was my son’s favorite hot lunch meal from high school. —DeLee Jochum, Dubuque, Iowa

Lemon Chicken and Rice
On our busy ranch, we often need meals we can put on the table in a hurry. This all-in-one chicken dish – with its delicate lemon flavor – fits the bill and it’s inexpensive to boot. —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon

Salsa Rice
It’s a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It’s a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina

Sausage Rice Skillet
Flavorful pork sausage, fresh zucchini and instant rice make this stovetop sensation a favorite. Everyone I have shared this recipe with tells me how delicious it is. —Connie Putnam, Clayton, North Carolina

Spinach Rice
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. —Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine

Peachy Pork with Rice
Peach preserves sweeten the spicy salsa in this delicious dish that’s nice enough for company. Adjust the heat level to taste by using mild or spicy salsa and seasoning. —Melissa Molaison, Hawkinsville, Georgia

Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice
As the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

Skillet Nachos
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas

Southern Pork & Rice
At our house, we’re big on healthy eating. These ultra tender chops with colorful rice and black-eyed peas are a meal fancy enough for a dinner party. —Annie Holmes, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

One-Pan Chicken Rice Curry
I’ve been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It’s a one-pan meal that’s become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona

Green Curry Salmon with Green Beans
Like a lot of people here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, my boyfriend, Michael, loves to fish. When we have an abundance of fresh salmon on hand, this is one way we cook it. —Amy Paul Maynard, Albany, Oregon

Brown Rice Turkey Soup
I don’t recall where I got this recipe, but it’s my all-time favorite turkey soup. Everyone who has tried it agrees. The sweet red pepper is what gives the soup its distinctive flavor. —Bobby Langley, Rocky Mount, North Carolina