3 Fuss-Free Slow Cooker Desserts That You Can't Afford To Miss

Many people say that cooking food using a slow cooker is the easiest way to do it. You can absolutely cook anything using your crock pot, including scrumptious sweet treats. Like any other dish that is slow cooked, a crock pot will bring out the flavors of your ingredients and blend it perfectly!

Try these fuss-free slow cooker dessert recipes now:

Crockpot Caramel Cake

What you need:

3 eggs
2 cups yellow cake mix
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup International Delight Creamer (Caramel Macchiato)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
Cooking spray
Caramel Sauce
Ice cream of your choice
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cakemix, creamer and oil until smooth. Spray a slow cooker with cooking spray then pour batter in. Place water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave until boiling. Mix brown sugar and butter with the boiling water then pour mixture over batter. Place a paper towel before covering the pot (it will absorb moisture so that the cake won't get soggy). Cook for 1 to 2 hours on high. Transfer to a serving plate, top with ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Easy Slow Cooked Dulce de Leche

What you need:

2 cans sweetened condensed milk
4 6-oz glass jar with lids
Water
Divide the condensed milk among the glass jars. Seal tightly with lids and place jars in a cooker, not touching each other. Pour water in the cooker, about 2 inches above the lids. Cover and cook for 10 hours on low. When ready, use tongs to remove jars from the cooker and allow to cool in room temperature.
Crock Pot Yummy Choco Milk Pudding

What you need:

1 egg
1 box brownie mix
1 pack chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk
Ice cream
Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions including the egg. Pour mixture in a crockpot sprayed with cooking spray. In a bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth then slowly pour mixture over brownie batter. Cover with a paper towel before the lid and cook for 2 to 3 hours on high. When ready, transfer to a serving platter then top with ice cream. Serve warm.
Prepare restaurant quality sweet treats with your crock pot - they're easy to prepare and just as good as store-bought ones! Try these fuss-free slow cooker dessert recipes now!

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Quick and Easy Soup Recipes For Your Crockpot Cooking

Soup can be can serve as a delicious appetizer to any kind of meal. Depending on the ingredients used, it can also be a quick, go-to meal on its own. While there are plenty of instant soups that you can make within a few minutes, nothing beats the homemade variety - especially when cooked using a crockpot. So whether you like your soup light or thick and creamy, here are easy soup recipes you can make for your crockpot cooking:

Crockpot Healthy Taco Soup

What you need:

1 kilogram ground beef
4 bell peppers, diced
1 large onion, diced
3 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
3 cups bone broth
1 cup diced green chiles
3/4 cup culinary coconut milk
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Jalapeno slices, for topping
Green onion slices, for topping
Lime wedges, for topping
Avocado slice, for topping
Cilantro, for topping
In a pan over medium heat, melt the coconut oil then cook bell peppers and onion for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. Add the ground beef to the pan and stir until cooked through. Drain and transfer mixture to a slow cooker. Season with chili powder, cumin, sea salt, pepper, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and onion powder and stir to combine ingredients well. Add diced tomatoes, bone broth, green chiles and coconut milk. Cover and cook for 8 hours on low. Add desired toppings before serving.

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Things You Should Never Do At A Movie Grill

Even though we're civilized people who understand that a society needs rules, the last thing we might associate with a place with rules is a movie grill. If you think about it, a movie grill is supposed to be the leading model of how a movie theater should run. It keeps the customer as its top priority, so the notion that there would be anything the customer couldn't do seems a little contradictory.

Then again, it is important for folks to remember that a movie grill is also a business that caters to a large number of people. If they, or any other business, allowed their customers to go "willy-nilly" and do whatever they wanted, you'd have chaos. Movie grills are about making the moviegoing public feel at home while providing a top-of-the-line movie experience. This means that for all of the fun and innovation, there are some things you probably shouldn't be doing.

Here are a few things you probably shouldn't do at a movie grill:

Don't Arrive Late - Obviously, life can get in the way, but try to arrive a bit early for your movie. There is usually have a limit as to how late they will see someone, so be sure to check with your local theater about their policy.

Don't Forget about Age Limits & Requirements - Though the MPAA ratings system is a guide for moviegoers, your theater may also have limits in terms of the ages of prospective young viewers. Moreover, if you have very young kids, there might be policy info that pertains to best times for certain ages.

Don't Forget about Cut-off Times for Food and Drink - Alcohol consumption has cut-offs based on local laws, and when it comes to food, movie grills want to have customers close out checks prior to the end of the movie. As such, food service usually ends about 30-40 minutes prior to the end of a movie to help in this pursuit.

Don't Fret About Having A Printed Ticket - If you purchased tickets at home but couldn't print them out, you can either use a lobby kiosk to print out your tickets, or you could go to the box office for help. If you're big with technology, you can also use a QR code for paperless ticketing.

Don't Be Disruptive - As in any movie theater, don't be disruptive during the movie. This includes phone use, talking, and constantly moving around. This is big as well for families who are used to having their kids using mobile devices or who have a hard time being still.

Movie grill or not, these "should nots" are common sense in nearly all applications. Part of what is being asked of you as a customer, a consumer, and as a fellow person is to be considerate of those around you and of those who are there to serve you. That said, movie grills have taken the industry by storm for the last two decades, so you owe it to yourself to check one out. You just might find it to be the place to go for a night out on the town.

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Guide to Tea Tree Oil for Your Hair

Everybody is talking about Tea tree oil and how it treats all sorts of hair issues these days. It is said to cure dandruff, lice, dryness, and even baldness and a lot more. However, lots of these claims may not be scientifically proven, so I am going to give a balanced opinion about its effectiveness so that you can properly decide if all the claims are true or not.

What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil also known as melaleuca oil is an essential oil taken from the leaves of the Tea tree which is native to Australia.

It has a fresh camphor smell and its colour ranges from pale yellow to nearly colourless and clear. It is a versatile oil commonly used for a variety of medicinal purposes, such as acne, fungal infections, athlete's foot, and many other uses including hair due to its antiseptic properties, in that it essentially, kills bacteria and fungi (this is its most basic function).

Despite its many uses it is very toxic if taken internally so it's important to be careful when using it. It can also cause allergic reactions with some people. So if you have any problems with it, then stop using it.

How does Tea tree oil help your hair?
There are really a few ways in which it can help your hair.

It helps moisturize your scalp which is great for your hair.
It helps clean the follicles because of its antiseptic properties.
Ways of using it on hair
There are three main ways you can use it on hair

Put it directly on your scalp (with another oil, preferably a carrier oil): Don't put it directly on your scalp without another oil because it will dry out your hair. Dilute it with another oil making sure that it is actually only a small part of the larger mixture, usually a few drops of it with an entire table spoon of another oil.
Get a shampoo that has it: The shampoos usually have about a 5% dose as you do not need much of it to get the benefits. This is because too much of it can be a problem.
You can also fortify your shampoo/conditioner by adding few drops of pure tea tree oil to it.
Combating Dandruff and Lice:
The antifungal and antibacterial properties of Tea tree oil makes it useful in cleansing and maintaining the health of hair follicles. Researches have shown that applying a 5% Tea tree oil shampoo three minutes daily for four weeks reduces scalp lesions, scalp itchiness, and greasiness in people with dandruff. So if you have dandruff problems, a 5% tea tree oil shampoo is definitely an effective way to make your scalp more healthy. You can fortify your shampoo with a few drops of this essential oil. Applying a combination of lavender and Tea tree oil kills lice eggs and reduces the number of live lice.

Tea Tree Oil for Hair Growth:
Does it stimulate hair growth? I can't decisively say that it does because the evidence for that is insufficient. However, it creates the optimal conditions for hair growth. That therefore, means that it may not help everyone. If you're experience hair problems relating to unhealthy hair follicles, then it would be promising since it cleanses out hair follicles and support the hair. But if there is another reason for the hair loss (like some medical conditions), I can't conclusively say that it would reverse hair loss. But for some people in that situation, it could still help with the health of your existing hairs. Take few drops of it, mix it with any carrier oil and simply massage it onto your scalp.

Moisturizing your Scalp:
It moisturizes by nourishing your scalp and your hair eliminating dryness and itching really well. Mix it with any carrier oil like jojoba oil and massage gently onto your scalp for 10-15 minutes. Leave it on for some time and wash thoroughly. Tea tree oil shampoo can also be effective for moisturizing your scalp. It is definitely worth trying it if you find your scalp and hair to be dry and damaged.

Have you ever used this essential oil before? If you have, what was your experience like? Please share your questions and/or comments below.

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Trendy Breakfast Recipes to Instagram

Admit it. When scrolling through your Instagram feed, you've been mesmerized by images of ultra-trendy breakfast options shared by food bloggers and brunch connoisseurs. Whether they consume these delicious treats isn't the point — the question is how do they create them? Well, wonder no longer. Grow your own Instagram following and stay true to those healthy living goals, by whipping up one of these tasty breakfast recipes.

 1. Coconut Breakfast Cookies with Cacao Nibs

Don't be fooled by their appearance. These cookies aren't the sugar-laden variety Katie Couric ordered you to resist. With bananas, coconut and oatmeal, this recipe reads as an updated, on-the-go take on your favorite childhood breakfast.


2. Overnight Oatmeal

Speaking of childhood memories, how about taking your bowl of oatmeal to the next level? If you haven't heard of overnight oatmeal, you need to try it now. How could you ever be late for work again when your breakfast is "cooking" itself as you sleep?


3. Gluten-Free Waffles with Berry Compote

Slightly more complicated than an overnight breakfast option, these gluten-free waffles are a delicious, yet decadent recipe perfect for serving up on those stay-at-home weekend mornings. Basically, when time isn't an issue.

 4. Overnight Oat and Chia Pudding

Looking for another breakfast-while-you-sleep recipe? Try this chia seed pudding. One recipe garners four servings — a perfect meal to make Monday night and enjoy the remainder of the week. Meal planning at its easiest.


5. Quinoa Flakes

If you love quinoa, but haven't tried it for breakfast, you're missing out. It's surprisingly easy to cook the quinoa, and since it's a simple grain with a nutty flavor, it pairs well with a variety of sweet yet typical breakfast toppings, like brown sugar, honey or cinnamon.

6. Acai Bowls

You probably "liked" pictures of this pretty breakfast before you even knew what it was called, but acai bowls are a delicious invention with a superfood component: the acai berry. All you have to do is blend a few packets of acai berries with some frozen fruits, nut milk, granola and bananas to make a yummy and picturesque meal.

 7. Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats

Want an oatmeal breakfast packed with a bit more protein? Try chocolate protein overnight oats made with cacao powder, oats and protein powder, for extra hunger-fighting power.


8. Overnight Pull-Apart Bread

Sadly, we can't argue for the healthiness of this super delicious overnight bread recipe. However, we can tell you that it's definitely worth any small effort to make this decadent breakfast — especially as an AM treat for your overnight or weekend guests. But be forewarned: Once they try this bread, they'll never want to leave.


9. Goji Berry and Cacao Nib Oat Bars

Goji berries are another small-but-powerful superfood which makes them the perfect ingredient to add to travel-size breakfast bars. And guess what? One batch makes eight bars, which is a lot faster, cheaper and healthier than many similar fast food breakfasts.

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Freeze Dutch Apple Pies

Dutch apple pie, often made with a lattice work crust or a streusel topping, is a delicious twist on traditional apple pie. If you've got a surplus of apples, make a few extra Dutch apple pies and put them in the freezer for later use. Whether you freeze the Dutch apple pie baked or unbaked, it will retain its fresh flavor for up to four months, as long as it's properly wrapped.

• Freezing a Baked Dutch Apple Pie

  1. Step 1

     Make the filling for a Dutch apple pie, using your favorite recipe. Dutch apple pies often have a lattice-work crust, and this will freeze well. If you use a streusel topping on your Dutch apple pie, wait and add the topping when you're ready to thaw and serve the pie.

  2. Step 2

     Bake the Dutch apple pie according to the recipe directions and allow it to cool completely. Put the cooled Dutch apple pie on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer until it's completely frozen.

  4. Step 3

     Remove the Dutch apple pie from the freezer and wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Make sure the pie is airtight and return it to the freezer.

  5. Step 4

     Remove the Dutch apple pie from the freezer about an hour before you're ready to serve it. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. and put the pie in the oven. If you're using a streusel topping, it should be added to the top of the pie before you put it in the oven. Heat the pie for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove the pie from the oven, let it cool slightly and serve.

• Freezing an Unbaked Dutch Apple Pie

  1. Step 1

     Assemble a Dutch apple pie according to your favorite recipe. If you're topping the pie with a lattice crust, apply it now. If you're using streusel as a topping, it will taste better if you wait to add it before you bake the pie.

  3. Step 2

     Put the Dutch apple pie on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer. When the pie is completely frozen, remove it from the freezer and wrap it securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. When you're sure the pie is airtight, put the pie back in the freezer and use it within four months.

  4. Step 3

     Remove the Dutch apple pie from the freezer when you're ready to bake it. Add the streusel topping, and wrap the outside edge of the pie crust with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.

  5. Step 4

     Bake the Dutch apple pie for 60 to 70 minutes, in an oven pre-heated to 425 degrees F. Remove the strips of aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking time so the crust will brown. Remove the Dutch apple pie from the oven and set it aside to cool.

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You Never Peel Orange Same Way

You'll never peel an orange the same way again.
Did you know you’ve been peeling an orange wrong?

Check this out:


You've Been Peeling an Orange Wrong

Mind. Blown.

This technique works best with mandarin oranges, but just for good measure I tried it out on a Valencia orange as well. Simply lop off the ends, make a small incision in the side and carefully open to reveal easy-to-eat orange segments. (Or as I prefer to call it, an orange caterpillar.)

You've Been Peeling an Orange Wrong

You’re welcome.

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Cheese Potato Slow Cooker Soup

Ingredients

1
carton (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth (4 cups)
1 1/2
cups chopped onions
5
cups diced peeled russet potatoes (about 5 medium)
3
tablespoons cornstarch
2
cups shredded American cheese (8 oz)
4
medium green onions, sliced (1/4 cup)

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Recipes for Easy Weeknight Meals

The 1970s was a hip decade for fads. Bell bottoms, disco fever and... slow cookers. Get your dinner groove on with these fun, creative ways to cook your favorite dishes. From the traditional to the exotic, you'll be surprised how fresh ingredients make slow cooker recipes hip again for the 21st century. Set it and forget it!

1. Beer Mac & Cheese

You know you've made it in life when you start preparing mac & cheese with real, freshly grated Cheddar. Whether it's for a holiday, or just a happy day, the slow cooker can help give a big kid twist to this classic dish.

The blue box has nothing on this creaminess. (Image: Jackie Dodd)

Beer Mac & Cheese

2. Chipotle Beer Chicken Sliders

Slow cookers are perfect for keeping shredded meats juicy. Juicy shredded meats are perfect for sliders-- it's a match made in appetizer-turned-meal heaven!

And then there's beer. Yes, please. (Image: Jackie Dodd)

Chipotle Beer Chicken Sliders

3. BBQ Meatballs

A good meatball is hard to come by. Help keep freshly-cooked meatballs warm or dress up frozen meatballs with the ease of the slow cooker. Homemade BBQ sauce adds another special touch to this perfect party appetizer.

I hear this also goes well with pasta. (Image: Sarah Vantassel/Demand Media)

BBQ Meatballs

4. Baked Potatoes

Sometimes you just don't want to turn on the oven. These quick and easy steps for baking potatoes in the crockpot will keep your kitchen cool and you tastebuds happy.

Don't forget your favorite toppings. (Image: Sarah Vantassel/Demand Media)

Baked Potatoes

5. Crockpot Stuffing

When the craving for comfort food comes to call, this trusty dish will smell heavenly after a long day at the office. Cooking time is short, so use a crockpot with a timer or set it while you prepare the rest of your dinner.

Celebrate Thanksgiving anytime. (Image: Katy Jane Conlin/Demand Media)

Crockpot Stuffing

6. White Bean Beer & Ham Soup

The beauty of this bean recipe is two-fold-- not only do the northern beans add a hearty texture lost to peas, but the hours spent in the slow cooker marries the flavors of the ham and beer to perfection. Use a store-bought spiral ham or prepare the ham yourself.

The arugula is a classy touch. (Image: Jackie Dodd)

White Bean Beer & Ham Soup

7. Jalapeno Beer Cheese Dip

A challenge to making a spicy dip is just that-- making the dip spicy. Let the slow cooker be your guru as it helps the jalapenos soften at their own speed, unleashing the flavors within!

And then there's beer! Again! (Image: Jackie Dodd)

Jalapeno Beer Cheese Dip

8. Beef Brisket

Few things are more unpleasant than dry brisket. Save yourself the heartache of wasting gobs and gobs of BBQ trying to save shoe leather-- use the slow cooker to achieve melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Slow and steady wins the race. (Image: Laura Beth Drilling/Demand Media )

Beef Brisket

9. Rump Roast

The same rules of brisket also apply to rump roast. Slow = tender. The best part of this method is that you can toss in whatever veggies you like and enjoy a full meal in one!

"Home is where your rump rests." Pumbaa, The Lion King (Image: Barbara Smith/Demand Media)

Rump Roast

10. BBQ Pulled Pork

As part of a clever 1987 advertising campaign, the National Pork Board declared pork to be "The other white meat." So it must be true, right? For that fall-off-the-bone kind of juiciness and flavor, stew your pork in a slow cooker.

Carnitas, anyone?! (Image: KatyJane Conlin/Demand Media)

BBQ Pulled Pork

11. Corned Beef & Cabbage

Let the luck of the Irish be with you year-round. With the slow cooker doing the hard work for you, you can sit back, relax and sip on some sweet Irish cream.

Did you know this dish was historically made with bacon!? (Image: Kyria Abrahams/Demand Media)

Corned Beef & Cabbage

12. Irish Stew

Properly cooked lamb is ubiquitous with flavor and comfort. Stay warm with both on a cold winter's day. Pairs well withIrish Soda Bread.

"That's okay, I make lamb." Aunt Voula, My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Image: Julia Mueller)

Crockpot Irish Stew

13. Crockpot Oxtails

Oxtails are an underrated piece of meat with a lot of flavor potential. The convenience of the slow cooker can turn even the greenest chef into a Caribbean cuisine guru. Don't forget the butter beans and rice!

Jamaican me hungry! (Image: Kris Robertson/Demand Media)

Crockpot Oxtails

14. Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche is a creamy caramel that's great over ice cream, pastries or even on its own. Traditionally stirred over stove top, make your own Latin American treat with half the effort by using this smart slow cooker shortcut.

Caramelized anything is delicious. (Image: Kyle OConnor/Demand Media)

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How to Make Chicken Casseroles

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COURTESY BEV COOKS

A good ol' chicken casserole recipe comes in handy for those days when you simply can't muster the motivation to cook. They're only slightly more work than opening a can of SpaghettiOs and going at it with a plastic spoon. And only require, like, four more ingredients than that can. You'll still get an easy, cheap meal with these 13 casseroles, but you'll also feel like you finally graduated from dorm food.

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Chicken and pasta casserole

Cheap? Yes. Easy? Yes. Delicious? Yes. This dish meets all the requirements for dinner. The four-ingredient recipe is here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Marinara sauce
• Pasta noodles
• Mozzarella cheese

 

Grandma’s chicken casserole

Using just a handful of simple ingredients, this classic casserole has the taste of a beloved family recipe. Get the steps here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cheddar cheese
• Panko bread crumbs
• Butter

CONTINUE READING

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Ritz Cracker casserole

This is good ol' American comfort food at it's finest. Recipe here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Ritz Crackers
• Butter

 

Broccoli chicken casserole

This delicious twist on chicken Divan is as quick as it is satisfying. Make your own here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken stuffing mix
• Chicken
• Broccoli
• Broccoli cheese soup
• Cheddar cheese

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Chicken tortilla casserole

Taco. Pie. More information here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Green salsa
• Sour cream
• Flour tortillas
• Mexican-style cheese

 

Crescent chicken casserole

Crescent rolls in place of noodles? Genius. Get this next-level recipe here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Pillsbury crescent rolls
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• American cheese

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12 Super-Simple Breakfast Casseroles That Don't Suck

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Chicken and rice casserole

Like a Thanksgiving green bean casserole, but with chicken and rice. Find this comforting recipe here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Green beans
• Rice
• Cheddar cheese
• Fried onions (optional)

 

Pretzel casserole

You’ve seen it with crackers on top, but what about with Rold Gold pretzels? The chicken casserole just got a facelift, and it’s looking mmm mmm good. Check it out here.  

Ingredients:

• Pretzels
• Butter
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cheddar cheese
• Onion

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Verde chicken enchilada casserole

2.5 seconds is all it takes to put together this Mexican mash-up. You’ve got the time. And now you can snag the instructions here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Salsa verde
• Greek yogurt
• Mozzarella cheese
• Corn tortillas

 

Chicken alfredo casserole

Creamy, crunchy, and even a little healthy. This casserole has it all. Get the recipe here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Tortellini noodles
• Broccoli
• Alfredo sauce
• Bread crumbs

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Cancan chicken casserole

Back in the day, casseroles were called “cancan” meals, which were simple baked dishes with a protein and cans of random foods and soups mixed in. History, man. Grab this old recipe here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Eggs
• Evaporated milk
• Creamed corn
• Onion
• Green bell pepper (yeah, OK, there are six ingredients in this one, but you can leave the peppers out)

 

Rojo chicken enchilada casserole

Four ingredients is all it takes to make this cheesy, spicy Mexican dish. Steps are here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Enchilada sauce
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Corn tortillas

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14 Comfort Food Recipes That Prove Eating Is a Totally Legitimate Hobby

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Chicken meatball casserole

Chicken Parmesan without the mess of frying chicken. Everyone wins. Recipe is here.

Ingredients:

• Chicken meatballs
• Pasta noodles
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Italian seasoning

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