DIY Classic TV Dinners

September 23, 2016
Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey
TV dinners used to be quick ready-made meals that were popped in the microwave or the oven before everyone gathered around the tube to watch some prime-time television. These meals were classic meat and two's or comforting casserole dishes like baked macaroni and cheese. Because the nostalgia is too delicious to pass up, these DIY meals are the perfect solution for that TV dinner craving without the pre-made packaging or iffy ingredients. 
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Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

At less than 200 calories per serving, you can feel good about serving this comforting salisbury steak meal to your family.

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Master Turkey Meatloaf

Photo: Daniel Agee, Styling: Rishon Hanners and Audrey Davis
Master Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

This is the ultimate, foolproof, turkey meatloaf that is every kind of comforting that you would want a meatloaf to be. This just may be the only meatloaf recipe you'll ever need. Not only is this dish absolutely delicious, but it's also gluten-free. This flavorful meatloaf features bacon for added flavor and richness, and includes a special factor with a trio of tomato sauces and condiments to create an updated version of the traditional meatloaf topper. To make this meal even better, try enjoying it on a sandwich the next day. 

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Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

Photo: Kelsey Grace Harrison
Chicken with Mushroom Sauce Recipe

Try our top-rated, easy chicken dish topped with a savory mushroom sauce for a tasty meal that's ready in just 30 minutes.

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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Once you've made your own veggie-packed pot of chicken noodle soup, you won't go back to the canned, supersalty stuff again.

$10.79 for six servings

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King Ranch Chicken

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Kay Clark
King Ranch Chicken Recipe

Hailing from an era when casseroles were king, this Tex-Mex dish still reigns supreme at church suppers and neighborhood potlucks. Though not an invention of the famed King Ranch--it's more likely the creation of a ladies' Junior League--the spicy flavors of chili powder, roasted peppers, and toasted cumin never fail to please.

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Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Kids, adults, college students, neighbors, and even teenagers will love this must-try spaghetti recipe.
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Speedy Shepherd's Pie

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
Speedy Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Making the most of supermarket convenience items gets this family favorite on the table in a flash. Precut matchstick carrots are easier to chop into small pieces quickly, and using prepared mashed potatoes for the topping is a good trick for when you don't have leftover mashed potatoes on hand.

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Lean Lasagna

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Karin Olsen
Lean Lasagna Recipe

Our favorite recipe from the Cooking Light column, this lightened-up lasagna tastes every bit as flavorful as the traditional version.

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Seared Steaks with Red Wine, Mushrooms, and Onions

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Cindy Barr 
Seared Steaks with Red Wine, Mushrooms, and Onions Recipe
Serve with blue cheese mashed potatoes and broccoli.
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Classic Beef Pot Roast

Becky Luigart-Stayner
Classic Beef Pot Roast Recipe

If you're looking for a traditional pot roast recipe, try this 5-star, no-fail version. 

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Chicken and Vegetable Pot Pie

Photo: Maria Robledo; Styling: Anna Last
Chicken and Vegetable Pot Pie Recipe

Who needs butter? This pie gets its velvety richness from olive oil, wine, low-fat milk, and a double dose of vegetables.

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David's Chicken-Fried Steak with Redeye Gravy

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Annette Joseph
David's Chicken-Fried Steak with Redeye Gravy Recipe
Cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and buttermilk punch up the flavor to David's Chicken-Fried Steak with Redeye Gravy.
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Extra Cheesy Grilled Cheese

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey
Extra Cheesy Grilled Cheese Recipe

Love grilled cheese sandwiches? Then this recipe is for you. Spread a mixture of butter and grated Parmesan cheese on slices of Italian bread, then top with high-quality provolone and mozzarella.

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