Cheeseburger Bowls

Burgers are one of our absolute favorite things to throw on the grill in the summer – but let’s be honest, sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate. On those cold or rainy days when grilling is off the table, I still want all that classic burger goodness, and that’s exactly how this recipe was born.

What you’ll need to make Deconstructed Burgers:

The following ingredients are everything you need to make a deconstructed burger with classic burger toppings. 

• The Beef Mixture – A quick combo of lean ground beef, onions, Worcestershire Sauce, and seasonings. This is a super flavorful ground beef mixture.
• Special Sauce – This sauce combines mayo, ketchup, mustard, dill pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings – and is quick to make.
• Yellow Potatoes – Our go-to oven roasted potatoes – just a simple combo of potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Cheese – Any cheese will work here. Use your favorite!
• Veggies – We added lettuce and tomatoes to these bowls.
• Pickled Red Onions – Keep a jar of pickled onions on hand in your refrigerator or use regular red onion – or dill pickles.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations:

• Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey, ground chicken, or any kind of sausage.
• Use another dressing. Try our Chipotle Ranch Dressing or Dill Pickle Ranch Dressing.
• If you don’t want to make pickled onions, you can use any type of onions.
• Instead of adding roasted potatoes, you could prepare frozen french fries from the store for a short-cut.
• Use other veggies as desired.

How to make Cheeseburger Bowls:

Step 1
Make burger sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, dell pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Whisk well to combine and then store in the refrigerator for later.

Step 2
Make the beef mixture. Heat up a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onions, Worcestershire Sauce, and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper).

Stir the beef frequently until cooked completely through. 

Other Delicious Bowl Recipes:

All of these lighter recipes are great options for meal prep. 

• Chicken Hummus Bowls
• Mexican Chicken Rice Bowls
• Salmon Buddha Bowls with Asian Sauce
• Carne Asada Burrito Bowls

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• 12-Inch Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
• Glass Mixing Bowl
• 9-Inch Whisk

Special Sauce

You know how certain jingles just stick with you forever? Like the McDonald’s Big Mac jingle – ‘Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun.’ I can still recite it without even thinking! I grew up indulging in Big Macs as a kid, and honestly that special sauce is what I remember most. Consider this my homemade love letter to that iconic flavor!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple to make – just a handful of pantry staples whisked together in minutes – no cooking required!
• Better than anything store-bought – creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor that no bottled sauce can compete with
• Incredibly versatile – perfect on burgers, deconstructed burger bowls, fries, sandwiches, wraps, and so much more
• Make ahead friendly – it actually gets better as it sits in the refrigerator, making it the perfect sauce to prep ahead of time

What You’ll Need:

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Dill Pickle Relish
• Seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper

Recipe Substitutions:

• Instead of mayo, you can try any combo of mayo, sour cream, and/or Greek yogurt.
• Try BBQ sauce or spicy sriracha instead of ketchup.
• Dijon mustard works instead of yellow mustard – for a more sophisticated flavor.
• Soy sauce could be subbed for Worcestershire and gives a similar umami flavor.
• Instead of dill pickle relish, chop up some dill pickles or try a sweet relish.
• The sky is the limit for seasonings. Make it your own!

How to make Special Burger Sauce:

Step 1
Combine ingredients. Combine all the burger sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl – the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, dill pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.

How to use this special sauce:

• Add it to our Deconstructed Burgers with Special Sauce.
• Top any burger like Goat Cheese Burgers, Mushroom Beef Burgers, or Mushroom Swiss Burgers with Caramelized Onions.
• Dip fries! Try our Baked Garlic Home Fries or Spicy Baked Sweet Potato Fries!

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Sauce Recipes:

You’ll almost always find a jar of sauce in our refrigerator at one time or another.

• Lemon Dill Sauce
• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
• Healthy Tzatziki Sauce
• Thai Peanut Sauce

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• OXO mini whisk
• 8 oz. mason jars

Smoked Ribs Recipe

Summertime and smoked ribs just go hand in hand – and this recipe is proof that you don’t have to be a pitmaster to make them incredible! I have been craving something smoky and deeply satisfying, and these baby back ribs delivered in every way. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just getting started with your smoker, this recipe is simple, straightforward, and absolutely foolproof!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple ingredients – a handful of pantry spices create an incredible homemade BBQ rub, and your favorite store-bought sauce does the rest. No complicated techniques or hard to find ingredients required!
• Mostly hands-off – once the ribs are on the smoker, the hard work is done! Just let the low and slow magic happen while you relax and enjoy the backyard.
• Great for summer entertaining – there is nothing that brings people together quite like a rack of perfectly smoked ribs. Guaranteed to make you the star of every summer gathering!
• Full of smoky flavor – the combination of the homemade dry rub and hours on the smoker creates a depth of flavor that is absolutely unmatched. Rich, smoky, and completely irresistible!

What You’ll Need:

• baby back ribs – we used pork ribs for this recipe but beef ribs would be excellent too
• mustard – you can use either whole grain mustard or yellow mustard to coat the ribs
• bbq dry rub – a combo of brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper
• your favorite bbq sauce – choose your favorite sauce or try our homemade barbecue sauce recipe

How to make Smoked Baby Back Ribs:

Step 1
Remove membrane (the thin layer of skin or connective tissue on the bone side of the ribs) from the ribs. To remove the membrane, slide a butter knife under it, grab it with a paper towel for grip, and peel it off in one clean pull. Use paper towel to pat dry.

Step 4
Add the rub to the ribs. Then spread the spice rub over all parts of the ribs, massaging it in all parts of the ribs with your hands.

NOTE: I like to season the ribs ahead of time, cover with foil, and stick in the refrigerator until ready to cook. If you do this, make sure you set the ribs out for about 45 minutes so the meat isn’t super cold when it hits the grill!

Step 5
Prepare smoker. Light an outdoor grill or smoker to between 225-250 degrees F. Add your favorite wood chips to the grill.

• If using a pellet grill, fill with your preferred wood pellets — the grill will already be set up for indirect heat.
• If using a charcoal grill like a Big Green Egg (our preferred method), fill with lump charcoal and add a few wood chunks directly to the coals for smoke flavor. Install the convEGGtor/plate setter legs up, then place the cooking grate on top. Let the temperature stabilize at 225-250°F for 15-20 minutes before adding the ribs.
• If using a standard charcoal grill, arrange the hot coals on one side and place the ribs on the opposite side away from direct heat. Add a handful of soaked wood chips on top of the coals for smoke flavor. Cover and cook with the lid closed to maintain indirect heat.

Step 6
Place the ribs on the preheated grill or smoker, close the lid, and let the low and slow magic happen! Cook until the meat is tender and has pulled back from the ends of the bones – most baby back ribs reach perfect tenderness at an internal temperature of 195-205°F.

NOTE: Our smoked ribs cook low and slow on the Big Green Egg at 225°F for about 3-4 hours – though keep in mind that cook times can vary depending on the size of your rack and your specific grill. Patience is everything with ribs, and trust us, the wait is absolutely worth it!

Sides to serve with smoked baby back ribs:

The following sides go perfectly with summertime grilling!

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicous Smoked Meats:

Looking for more meats to add to the smoker? Try one of these next!

• Smoked Beef Brisket
• Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
• Smoked Pork Butt Recipe
• Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• USA Pan Sheet Pan
• Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer
• BBQ Grill Spatula

Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme

We are absolutely obsessed with these Taco Crunch Wraps – and honestly, where were these when my kids were little?! Getting small children to eat a taco without it ending in complete chaos is basically an Olympic sport.

Other Tex-Mex Recipes:

We’re always in the mood for Tex-Mex. Here are a few other ideas for you to try next!

• Fajita Taco Salad
• Turkey Taco Soup
• Wonton Taco Cups
• Corn Dip with Cream Cheese
• Skillet Beef Enchiladas

What to serve with Taco Crunch Wraps:

Need a side or two to go with our crunch wraps? Try one of the following!

• Green Chile Rice
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Restaurant Style Refried Beans

Crispy Chicken Cutlets

Chicken is an absolute staple in our house and I always keep both breasts and thighs stocked in the freezer – because you just never know when you need a quick, delicious meal! I am always on the lookout for simple, healthier weeknight recipes like this one that come together fast without sacrificing any flavor.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Panko and parmesan coating – the combination of crispy Panko breadcrumbs and freshly shredded parmesan creates an golden, flavorful crust in every bite
• Perfectly seasoned – garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add bold, delicious flavor from the inside out
• Avocado oil – a healthier, high smoke point oil that delivers a beautiful golden sear without the heaviness
• Complete and balanced meal – the peppery freshness of a simple arugula salad is the perfect complement to the crispy cutlets

What You’ll Need:

• chicken breasts
• large eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• parmesan cheese
• seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
• avocado oil

How to make Panko Crusted Chicken Cutlets:

Step 1
Prep chicken. Use a sharp knife to butterfly the chicken breasts and slice each breast in two pieces.

Step 4
Lightly fry the cutlets. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add 2-3 tablespoons of avocado oil and 2-3 cutlets (depending on the size). Do not crowd the skillet.

Cook cutlets for about three minutes on one side, then flip and continue cooking until done, about 2-3 more minutes. Chicken should register 160 degrees F on a digital thermometer, allowing for a few degrees of carry-over cooking.

Continue cooking in batches until all cutlets are done.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Simple Chicken Recipes:

Chicken is our go-to protein. Try these recipes next!

• Chicken Pesto Gnocchi
• Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich
• Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie
• Chicken Curry Salad with Grapes

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• OXO Meat Tenderizer
• 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

Best Blueberry Ice Cream

Mike and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in Maine two years ago – home of the blueberry! We fell in love with all things blueberry, from the best blueberry beer and refreshing blueberry mules to creamy blueberry ice cream. We discovered an amazing soft-serve shop just a few blocks from where we were staying in Bar Harbor, and after my first bite, I knew I had to recreate it for the blog.

Other Delicious Blueberry Recipes:

You’ll love these blueberry recipes too!

• Blueberry Mojitos
• Blueberry Bagels
• Blueberry Smoothie Bowls
• Blueberry French Toast Casserole!

How to make blueberry ice cream:

Step 1
Prep. If using a KitchenAid attachment, place the bowl into the freezer a full day in advance (or at least 15 hours) before churning.

Other Ice Cream Flavors:

So tell me, which kind of ice cream do you want to make next?

• Something fruity?  Peach | Blueberry | Very Berry | Strawberry
• Chocolatey?  Double Chocolate | Chocolate Peanut Butter
• Classic?  Vanilla Bean | Butter Pecan | Cookies and Cream | Mint Chip | Oreo
• Something different?  Peppermint Stick | Pumpkin | Coffee Toffee | Reese’s PB

Strawberry Salad with Feta

Summer in the kitchen is truly my favorite time of year – the fresh fruit, the vibrant berries, the crisp greens. It just doesn’t get any better! While I can’t claim a garden of my own just yet (someday!), I absolutely love cooking with the best seasonal ingredients I can find. And this strawberry feta salad is the perfect celebration of everything summer has to offer!

Why we love this salad:

• Sweet and savory perfection – fresh juicy strawberries and tangy feta cheese are the perfect flavor combination that work together in every single bite
• That homemade balsamic dressing – honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic create a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that ties every ingredient together beautifully
• Toasted pecans add the perfect crunch – warm, nutty, and absolutely delicious against the fresh ingredients in the salad
• Light yet satisfying – fresh greens, crisp cucumber, and vibrant strawberries make this a salad that feels indulgent without being heavy – perfect for warm weather entertaining!

What You’ll Need:

• butter lettuce (or any greens you prefer)
• fresh strawberries
• feta cheese
• cucumbers
• red onion (or pickled red onion)
• pecans
• balsamic dressing – including olive oil, balsamic dressing, dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper

How to make Strawberry Feta Salad:

Step 1
Make dressing. Add all ingredients to a mason jar – the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Salad Recipes:

We’ve got so many delicious salads to choose from. Here are some other options for you!

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Oval Platter
• Global 7-Inch Knife

Carne Asada Bowls

Carne asada is a Mexican dish of thinly sliced beef—most often skirt or flank steak—marinated in a mixture of citrus, garlic, and seasonings, then grilled over high heat. It’s typically chopped or sliced after cooking and served in tacos, burritos, or alongside sides like rice, beans, and grilled vegetables.

Why We Love This Recipe:

• Big, bold flavor – Marinated, grilled steak brings smoky, citrusy, savory goodness to every bite.
• Totally customizable – Load them up with rice, beans, veggies, salsas, or keep them lower-carb. Your call.
• Great for meal prep – Components store well, making easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Balanced and satisfying – You get protein, fresh produce, and hearty grains all in one bowl.

Ingredients Used:

• Flank Steak – or use skirt steak
• Marinade – a simple mixture of citrus juice, olive oil, soy sauce, chopped cilantro (optional), and seasonings
• Mexican Street Corn Salad – this is one of our favorite ways to enjoy bowl recipes
• White Rice – or use our Green Chile Rice, Stovetop Cilantro Lime Rice, or Mexican Rice and Beans
• Fresh Veggies – tomatoes, salad greens, and sliced avocado (or add any of your favorites)
• Dressing – use a simple combo of sour cream and salsa or make one of our dressings (like Chipotle Ranch Dressing or Cilantro Lime Crema)

How to make Carne Asada Bowls:

Step 1
Make marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients – the olive oil, soy sauce, freshly squeezed orange juice and lime juice, chopped cilantro (optional but tasty), ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk well.

Step 4
Grill carne asada. Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat (about 450 degrees) so it’s nice and hot before the steak goes on. Grill the marinated carne asada for about 5-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it’s nicely charred on the outside and cooked to your desired doneness.

We use a digital thermometer to test for doneness. Medium for flank steak is generally our preference.

• 130–135°F = medium-rare (most traditional and tender for carne asada)
• 140–145°F = medium
• 150°F+ = more well done (can start to get tougher)

Toppings for Burrito Bowls:

While not required, we like to add some sort of dressing or sauce to these bowls when serving.

• Cilantro Lime Crema
• Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe
• Chipotle Ranch Dressing
• Avocado Crema

Other Delicious Tex-Mex Recipes:

Tex-Mex is on constant rotation here, including some of the following.

• Mexican Chicken Rice Bowls
• Walking Taco Casserole
• Skillet Beef Enchiladas
• Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tender Carne Asada

Steak has always felt like a bit of a luxury in our home, since we didn’t have it often growing up. We were more of a pork-and-chicken family – and plenty of casseroles. Lots and lots of casseroles.

Over time, I’ve shared more beef recipes here with you using a variety of cuts – mostly flank steak, filet mignon, chuck roast, and ground beef – and honestly, I truly love them all!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Flavor-packed marinade – Citrus, garlic, and spices tenderize the meat while infusing it with bold, balanced flavor.
• High-heat grilling – A hot grill creates that signature char and locks in juices for a perfectly cooked steak.
• Quick cooking time – Thin cuts like flank or skirt steak cook fast, making this recipe both efficient and reliable.
• Sliced against the grain – Cutting the steak properly ensures every bite is tender and easy to chew.

What You’ll Need:

• flank steak (or skirt steak works too)
• chopped cilantro
• olive oil
• soy sauce
• citrus juice – from oranges and limes
• ground cumin
• chili powder
• garlic powder
• red pepper flakes
• kosher salt
• black pepper

How to make Grilled Carne Asada:

Step 1
Make marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients—olive oil, soy sauce, fresh orange juice, lime juice, and optional chopped cilantro—along with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended and fragrant.

Step 4
Grill steak. Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat (around 450°F) so it’s fully hot before the steak goes on. Grill the marinated carne asada for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it’s beautifully charred on the outside and cooked to your preferred doneness.

We use a digital thermometer to test for doneness. Medium for flank steak is generally our preference.

• 130–135°F = medium-rare (most traditional and tender for carne asada)
• 140–145°F = medium
• 150°F+ = more well done (can start to get tougher)

Step 6
Add sauce if desired. Carne asada pairs really well with sauces that are bright, creamy, or a little spicy to balance the smoky grilled flavor. Here are some great options:

• Cilantro lime crema – Creamy, tangy, and fresh; one of the most popular pairings.
• Pico de gallo or fresh salsa – Adds acidity, crunch, and brightness.
• Salsa verde – A zesty tomatillo-based sauce with a little heat and lots of flavor.
• Avocado crema – This fresh crema is one of our favorites and goes well with any protein.
• Guacamole – Rich and creamy, it balances the char from the grilled steak.
• Chimichurri – A recipe shared by one of my fellow food blogger friends!

Step 7
Add to bowls, tacos, quesadillas, or salads. We love adding carne asada to so many of our recipes including the following.

• Carne Asada Quesadillas
• Carne Asada Bowls
• Fajita Taco Salad
• Crispy Black Bean Tacos

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Beef Recipes:

Looking for more beef recipes? I’ve gotcha covered.

• Grilled Filet Mignon
• SueBee’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe
• Beef Kabobs on the Grill
• Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Global 7-inch Knife – Favorite kitchen knife.
• Stainless-Steel Grill Tongs 17-inch – Our go-to tongs for grilling all the things.

Cilantro Lime Crema

It’s always a plus when a dressing doubles as a sauce, right? So while this zesty dressing can be drizzled on taco salads and burrito bowls, it also makes a great dipping sauce for chips, chicken strips, and tacos (or really anything).

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE – This easy cilantro lime dressing incorporates basic ingredients and is the real thing.
• ZESTY FLAVOR – The lime creates a refreshing and tangy flavor to any dish. 
• CUSTOMIZABLE – Cilantro dressing is a great base for customization. You can try various substitution options to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you prefer a creamier texture, you can add some extra yogurt or avocado. If you like it spicier, you can incorporate jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Other Tex-Mex Dressings:

In addition to this one, we love a variety of other homemade dressings for our taco obsession. Making your own dressings instead of using store-bought dressing will change your life.

• Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
• Chipotle Ranch Dressing
• Avocado Crema

How to use Cilantro Lime Dressing:

This creamy cilantro lime dressing recipe is good for Mexican food of all kinds.

• Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad
• Taco Crunch Wraps
• Fajita Taco Salad
• Healthy Taco Salad
• Carne Asada Bowls

Recipe FAQs:

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

Mini Food Processor

Easy Peach Tartlets

Peach season is officially here and that means it’s time to make all the peach desserts – and I am not holding back! We absolutely adore fresh produce, and there is nothing quite like enjoying it at peak season when the flavor is absolutely out of this world.

Honestly, a perfectly ripe peach sliced straight from the fruit bowl might just be one of life’s greatest simple pleasures. You know the kind, where the juice runs right down your chin and you don’t even care. Pure summer heaven!

Why we love these peach tartets:

• Flaky puff pastry base – store-bought puff pastry does all the heavy lifting, creating a perfectly golden, buttery, and impossibly flaky crust with zero effort
• Cream cheese and preserves filling – a luscious, creamy layer tucked beneath the peaches that adds richness and a beautiful burst of fruity flavor in every bite
• Fresh summer peaches – tossed with cinnamon, sugar, and a squeeze of lemon, the peaches caramelize beautifully on top and taste absolutely incredible
• Elegant and effortless – these tartlets look like they came straight from a fancy French bakery but come together in minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients

Ingredients needed for Puff Pastry Peach Tartlets:

This is a very simple recipe. You’ll be impressed, and your family will be too!

• puff pastry
• filling – cream cheese and preserves
• peaches – plus sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice
• icing – powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract
• plus an egg wash

How to make Puff Pastry Peach Tartlets:

Step 1
Prep. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6
Fold edges. Carefully fold the edges of puff pastry around the peaches and filling. There won’t be a lot of pastry to fold, but you’re just trying to keep most of the filling inside each tartlet. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Peach Recipes:

Make one of these peach recipes next!

• Homemade Peach Ice Cream
• Easy Peach Galette
• Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler
• Peach Smoothie Bowls
• Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

Why This Recipe Works:

• Bold and smoky base – fire-roasted crushed tomatoes add a deep, rich flavor that a regular tomato sauce just can’t compete with
• The vodka makes all the difference – it enhances the tomato flavor and helps the cream and sauce come together in the most incredible way
• Perfectly spicy – red pepper flakes give this sauce just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors
• Rich and creamy – heavy cream and freshly shredded parmesan create a luscious, velvety sauce that takes pizza night to a whole new level

What You’ll Need:

• olive oil
• onion & garlic
• seasonings – red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper
• fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• vodka
• heavy cream
• parmesan cheese
• fresh basil (or use dried)

How to make Vodka Pizza Sauce:

Step 1
Sauté veggies. Heat a saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add olive oil and onions. Stir until onions are softened, about 2-3 minutes. Then add garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add seasonings and stir well.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Sauce Recipes:

Making your own sauces is key to delicious cooking, in my opinion. Enjoy one of these recipes next.

• Homemade Marinara Sauce
• Pizza Sauce From Scratch
• Homemade Basil Pesto Sauce
• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Global 7-inch Knife
• Dutch Oven
• Silicone Spoon Spatula