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    Home » Trending

    23 Surprisingly Simple Mains That Taste Like Gourmet

    Published: Feb 4, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Who says gourmet meals need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen? With 23 surprisingly simple mains, anyone can whip up something truly special. Just grab a few everyday items, toss them together with a twist, and bam—dinner is served like a pro.

    10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

    10-Minute Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    In just ten minutes, you can whip up some spicy noodles that are unexpectedly gourmet. 10-Minute Gochujang Noodles are perfect when you need a quick and flavorful meal. They bring a rich, satisfying kick without complicated steps.
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

    Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

    Baked palmini with feta in a light blue casserole.
    Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Reimagining comfort food can be both healthy and delicious. Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta transforms simple ingredients into a standout meal. It's quick, easy, and mouthwatering.
    Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Fetta Pasta

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    Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice.
    Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Bold flavors meet fresh crunch in a classic dish that's all comfort. Korean Beef and Broccoli is your shortcut to a dinner that's as easy as it is delicious. It’s gourmet without the grind.
    Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Creamy Aubergine Curry

    Creamy Aubergine Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Bringing exotic flavors into your kitchen has never been easier. Simmered to perfection, Creamy Aubergine Curry offers a velvety texture everyone will love. It's a fuss-free dish that's big on taste.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Aubergine Curry

    Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

    Low angle shot of stuffed pepper soup in a white bowl.
    Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Cozy up with a bowl of rich, hearty soup that cooks all by itself. Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup mixes the simplicity of peppers and ground meat in a flavorful broth. Just set it and forget it.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

    Mexican Steak Pizza

    Mexican steak pizza on a round dark wooden board.
    Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Why choose between Mexican flavors and a crispy pizza? Mexican Steak Pizza combines the best of both worlds. Enjoy a fusion dish that’s straightforward to prepare and packed with flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

    Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef

    Eating a casserole on a plate with fork.
    Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Embrace the tang and depth of sauerkraut in a hearty baked dish. Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef is both simple to make and deeply satisfying. Nothing beats its home-cooked taste.
    Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef

    Rasta Pasta

    Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    If you're in the mood for something uniquely comforting, give it a try. Rasta Pasta blends rich flavors in a lively, easy-to-make meal. It's sure to brighten your dining table.
    Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta

    Slow Cooker Barbacoa

    Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
    Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

    Set yourself up for a feast with minimal effort using your slow cooker. Slow Cooker Barbacoa makes it possible to enjoy complex flavors from tender meat. Effortless and exceptional every time.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

    Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

    Cabbage beef casserole inside cast iron.
    Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Combine the comforting textures of cabbage and beef under a blanket of cheese. Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole offers an easy route to a warm, mouth-filling dinner. It's simple but will surprise you with its richness.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

    Curry Chicken with Onion

    Curry Chicken with Onion inside golden pan.
    Curry Chicken with Onion. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

    Getting your curry fix just became easier and faster with minimal effort. Curry Chicken with Onion blends aromatic spices for a truly easy gourmet meal. It's straightforward and absolutely delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion

    Vegan White Chickpea Chili

    Vegan White Chickpea Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    You won't believe it's not meat with its robust flavors and hearty texture. Vegan White Chickpea Chili keeps things simple yet sophisticated. It's a crowd-pleaser that cooks up without a fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan White Chickpea Chili

    Char Siu

    Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
    Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Capturing gourmet flavors from your own kitchen just got easier. Char Siu is your ticket to a sweet and savory masterpiece. Just imagine biting into those tender slices of pork without the hours of prep.
    Get the Recipe: Char Siu

    Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

    Goulash inside white casserole.
    Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Who knew stew could be so easy and momentous at the same time? Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot lets you serve up hearty flavors in a rush. Just pop everything in and it does the work.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

    Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans.
    Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Juicy pork chops filled with a delightful surprise make for an easy yet impressive dinner. Baked Stuffed Pork Chops ask for little yet give so much. They're perfect for a no-stress gourmet dinner at home.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal

    Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Experience the magic of simple ingredients coming together in a bold way. Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal is a straightforward dish with a punch. Perfect for a fuss-free yet special meal.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal

    Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

    A plate with steak, tomatoes and cucumbers on it.
    Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Let the earthy richness of mushrooms meet the decadence of steak. Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce is a gourmet-style meal without all the fuss. It’s sure to impress with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

    Air Fryer Carnitas

    Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
    Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Crispy, tender pieces of pork come together with incredibly little effort. Air Fryer Carnitas offer up big flavor that makes for a relaxing yet impressive dinner. Who knew gourmet could be this straightforward?
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

    Chicken Biryani

    Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
    Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Bringing a world of spice and flavor home can be surprisingly straightforward. Chicken Biryani mingles rice and chicken in a feast of tastes. It's a one-pot wonder.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

    Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

    Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Set it and forget it, and come back to a dish full of rich flavors. Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili works its magic slowly to produce a deeply flavorful meal. It's a comforting dish that asks little of you.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

    Instant Pot Spare Ribs

    Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
    Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Transform your mealtime with fall-off-the-bone ribs that cook up in no time. With Instant Pot Spare Ribs, you get deep, concentrated flavors super fast. It's comfort food without the long wait.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

    Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

    A skillet with vegetables and chicken in it.
    Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

    Whip up a colorful, vibrant stir fry that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe makes leading a healthy lifestyle feel like a gourmet treat. Quicker than takeout!
    Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

    Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    You'll be amazed at how delicious simple ingredients can be. Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks bring out sweet, charred flavors that are mouthwateringly good. Dinner just got an upgrade without any hassle.
    Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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