It’s that time of year again! At the end of every year, I like to round up my favorite recipes that we published throughout the year to make sure you don’t miss out on the best of the best. So get your bookmark tool ready because you’re going to want to save ALL of these recipes for later! These are the top 25 recipes that made me drool, that I can’t stop thinking about, and that I want all of you to experience at least once. So, if you’re wondering what to make for dinner tonight, here are our 25 best recipes of 2023 (In order from oldest to newest)!
1. Paste e Fagioli
Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta e Fagioli is a super cozy soup filled to the brim with all the good stuff (read: pork, vegetables, pasta, AND beans). It’s a true meal in a bowl that is also super budget-friendly!
2. Chicken Nachos
Chicken Nachos
I can’t pass up a good plate of nachos, especially these light and fresh Chicken Nachos! They’re piled high with fresh greenery, seasoned bites of chicken breast, and cool sour cream for the perfect crunchy-creamy-spicy mix!
3. Easy Dumpling Soup
Easy Dumpling Soup
Keep a bag of frozen dumplings stashed in your freezer because this super fast and easy Dumpling Soup is a LIFE SAVER on busy nights. It’s like upgraded instant ramen, but BETTER.
4. Spinach Tortellini Skillet
Spinach Tortellini Skillet
Why are tortellini so fun to eat? I don’t know. There’s just something about those little cheese-filled pillows that makes them always delicious, and since they cook in a matter of minutes this Spinach Tortellini Skillet is a winner for quick weeknight meals!
5. Peanut Noodles with Chicken
Peanut Noodles with Chicken
Peanut sauce makes everything delicious, IMHO. So these Peanut Noodles with Chicken were an instant winner in my book. Creamy, rich peanut sauce, wide noodles, juicy pieces of chicken, and a little lime and red pepper for a kick!
6. Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Creamy Chicken And Orzo Skillet
O.M.G. This one is just 🤤 You can’t beat a one-pot meal, especially when it includes a super creamy sauce, tender orzo pasta, and juicy chicken thighs. Put this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Skillet on your list ASAP!
7. Tortellini Salad
Tortellini Salad
I’m a sucker for a good “refrigerator salad,” the type of salads that hold up to refrigeration and you can eat off of for days, and this Tortellini Salad is one of the best!
8. Ramen Noodle Salad
Ramen Noodle Salad
Ramen Noodle Salad is a CLASSIC for potlucks and summer get-togethers, but I love making it as a light and fresh meal prep to chomp on all week long! So delish!
9. Texas Sheet Cake
Texas Sheet Cake
We made this Texas Sheet Cake back in May, but I’m not lying when I tell you that I was digging around in our freezer just last week hoping to find some stashed in the back. It’s so good that I’m still craving it seven months later!
10. Potato and Green Bean Skillet
Potato and Green Bean Skillet
Six ingredients are all you’re going to need to make this simple stunner! This Potato and Green Bean Skillet is great as a side dish or in a larger portion as a quick meal. It’s got all the goodies: bacon, caramelized onions, potatoes, and plenty of seasoning!
11. Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera
As soon as the Spring veggies start flooding the market, you’ve GOT to try this Pasta Primavera. It’s simple, elegant, fresh, and oh-so delicious!
12. Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
It had me at “creamy chicken.” But no, seriously, if you’re looking for an easy, indulgent, and comforting meal to make for dinner, this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is it!
13. Zucchini Muffins
Zucchini Muffins
These Zucchini Muffins alone are reason enough to look forward to summer! They’re sweet, moist, and the perfect compliment to your morning coffee. Make sure to bookmark this one for when your zucchini plant starts producing!
14. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed Bell Peppers
A comfort food classic and perfectly portioned for meal prep, you can’t miss with these delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers!
15. Lemon Pound Cake
Lemon Pound Cake
PROMISE me you’ll never pay $3 for a slice of pound cake at the coffee shop ever again because you can make this Lemon Pound Cake at home for about $0.50 per slice and keep it stashed in the freezer for whenever the craving hits!
16. Pickled Jalapeños
Easy Pickled Jalapeños
I want to eat these Pickled Jalapeños on EVERYTHING. They’re so good and only take six ingredients to make, so I will never not have them in my fridge from now on!
17. Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin Muffins
I know everyone goes crazy for pumpkin in October, but these Pumpkin Muffins are too good to not make the rest of the year. They’re super soft and moist and have the most delicious little cache of cream cheese in the center.
18. Pumpkin Pie Bars
Pumpkin Pie Bars
These Pumpkin Pie Bars were a runaway hit with our readers and I have to agree. The simple shortbread crust is SO much easier than a traditional pie crust and you can cut them into perfect little single-serving-sized squares for parties or Thanksgiving day.
19. Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings
I would eat these Chicken and Dumplings every day of my life if I could. ‘Nuff said.
20. Navy Bean Soup
Navy Bean Soup
Beans are the quintessential budget ingredient, but when they’re prepared like this they feel absolutely gourmet. This Navy Bean Soup is rich, hearty, and everything your cozy dreams are made of.
21. Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet Potato Pie
Okay, this Sweet Potato Pie is going to be a new tradition in my house because I couldn’t get enough of it this past Thanksgiving! It’s rich and sweet, but not too heavy. Absolute perfection!
22. Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
If you love chicken pot pie but hate fussing with a crust, you’ve got to try this Chicken Pot Pie Soup! It’s so easy but every bit as delicious and comforting.
23. Cinnamon Rolls
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Words can not describe how in love I am with these Cinnamon Rolls. I ate them for a week straight during the recipe testing phase and still want more. I’ll definitely be making these on Christmas morning for years to come. …Or just whenever I need some sweet, cinnamon goodness. ;)
24. Orange Cranberry Bread
Cranberry Orange Bread
Hello Gorgeous! I’m a sucker for anything orange-cranberry flavor and this Orange Cranberry Bread is my favorite treat so far. The combination of tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and sweet glaze is just heavenly.
25. Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Spaghetti
YES PLEASE. This Chicken Spaghetti is warm, creamy, and cozy with juicy chunks of chicken and just a little bit of a kick to cut through all that creaminess. Totally crave-worthy!
What were your favorite recipes from 2023? Share yours with us in the comments below!
Oooh, I missed the chicken and gnocchi the first time around – I’m adding it to my “to try” list now!
This year, I LOVED Beth’s fudge (it’s the fudge I’ve been dreaming of making for years, but didn’t want to mess around with a candy thermometer) and coconut curry chickpeas (great for lunch prep), but probably my all-time 2023 favorite was your lentil bolognese – it is OUT OF THIS WORLD good in both flavor and texture, and I’ve made it at least once a month.
Thank you, thank you for another wonderful year of recipes! I cook Budget Bytes recipes more than any other source, and I know I can always count on y’all for healthy, easy, exciting meals that don’t make me feel bad for having a tight budget. Here’s to another great year!
Thanks!