Family Recipes That Begin with a Can of Tomatoes

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Grab a can of tomatoes and get ready to make magic. These recipes that begin with a can of tomatoes are big on flavor and easy enough for busy nights—think Homemade Beefaroni, Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, Lamb Ragu, and Homemade Lentil Chili Recipe. Whether you’re going for cozy, spicy, or straight-up comforting, that humble can is your secret weapon!

Homemade Salsa (Quick & Easy!)

overhead of my salsa recipe in a mason jar
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

This quick and easy homemade salsa recipe comes together in just 5 minutes! Use canned or fresh garden tomatoes to whip up this simple dip. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips for an irresistible snack!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Salsa (Quick & Easy!)

Homemade Beefaroni

close up of Homemade Beefaroni
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Homemade Beefaroni recipe is a hearty and cheesy twist on a childhood favorite! It combines seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and a creamy tomato sauce, all topped with plenty of cheddar cheese. This is the perfect comforting and family-friendly meal!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Beefaroni

Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

a plate of Taco Stuffed Shells
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

These Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells are a fun twist on taco night! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy, seasoned taco beef and vegetable mixture, then topped with cheese and baked to perfection. Serve with your favorite taco toppings like salsa and sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

Unstuffed Peppers

unstuffed peppers on a white plate topped with melted cheese and parsley
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Unstuffed Peppers recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s easier to make than traditional stuffed peppers. Italian sausage, rice, peppers, and tomatoes are seasoned to perfection, cooked until tender, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting meal. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic flavors without all the fuss!
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Peppers

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken in a slow cooker
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is an easy way to enjoy a flavorful, Indian-inspired meal. Chicken thighs are simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with spices until tender, making it perfect for a comforting dinner. Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro for a complete and delicious dish!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Chicken Parmigiana

baked chicken parmigiana.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This Chicken Parmigiana recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. Featuring golden chicken cutlets, homemade marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it can easily be made gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmigiana

Chana Masala

chickpea curry.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This one-pot chana masala recipe features chickpeas simmered in a flavorful, curry-spiced tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick and easy vegan and gluten-free meal that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala

Homemade Lentil Chili Recipe

Lentil Chili ready to serve
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Lentil Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic! Lentils, canned tomatoes, and beans simmer with spices until tender. A meatless main dish that’s perfect for a lighter meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lentil Chili Recipe

Lamb Ragu

Wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta topped with shredded beef ragu and garnished with chopped herbs on a plate, accompanied by a cloth napkin and sprigs of fresh parsley.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This Lamb Ragu recipe by The Big Man’s World is the perfect quick and easy Italian-inspired dish! Using an Instant Pot, you can have a rich and tender lamb sauce ready in under 30 minutes. Serve over your favorite pasta for a comforting and delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Ragu

Pomodoro Sauce Recipe

penne pomodoro recipe.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This Pomodoro Sauce Recipe is an authentic Italian staple that’s incredibly versatile. Use it as a base for pasta, lasagna, or any tomato-based dish! Best of all, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleasing choice.
Get the Recipe: Pomodoro Sauce Recipe

Chicken Curry With Coconut Milk

coconut milk chicken curry.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This easy chicken curry with coconut milk is a flavorful and quick dinner option. Ready in one pot, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve over rice or with naan for a complete and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry With Coconut Milk

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Italian stuffed peppers.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

These Italian stuffed peppers are a quick and easy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes! They feature a cheesy bulgur and ground pork filling. It’s a delicious and healthy dinner option that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Italian Stuffed Peppers

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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