Italian Mushrooms
For big family gatherings, I love to make these mushrooms—everyone always wants to know what the secret ingredient is! They’re a star as a side dish, and leftovers go well with steaks or a roast. —Becky Schmitz, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
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Garlic Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta
This dish is light and garlicky, so it pairs beautifully with a crisp arugula salad, garlic bread or a simple roasted veggie like asparagus or zucchini. Want to go all authentic Italian trattoria? Start the meal with a small antipasto plate or finish it with a lemony dessert like a sorbet or panna cotta. And don’t forget the wine—a crisp white like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc will always do the trick.
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Nebraska Runzas
At Runza restaurants, you can order a side of fries or onion rings to go with your fresh runza. On the lighter side, prepare a fresh green salad or fruit salad. Other tasty side dishes that work well with this runzas recipe include flavorful bean salad, German potato salad or cucumber salad with sour cream.
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Beef Tostadas
I dedicate these slow-simmered tostadas to my husband, the only Italian man I know who can’t get enough of Mexican flavors. Pile on your best toppings. —Teresa DeVono, Red Lion, Pennsylvania
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Poor Man’s Casserole
You can keep the sides simple since poor man’s casserole is so rich and filling. Garlic knots or slices of buttered, homemade bread are delicious. For vegetables, serve the casserole with an Italian chopped salad, slow-cooker spaghetti squash or green beans with garlic.
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Kansas City Steak Soup
While we love a Kansas City (NY) strip steak or ribeye, those are the best cuts of steak for grilling. Top sirloin or round steak are ideal for this Kansas City steak soup recipe.
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Marry Me Roast
When served over cooked noodles, Marry Me pot roast in the slow cooker is a hearty and filling meal. The sides can stay simple: Try quick-cooking asparagus or sesame-steamed zucchini. This pot roast has plenty of sauce, so everyone will appreciate having some bread to mop it up. Offer buttered slices of no-knead bread or classic Italian bread. Or, try one of our homemade roll recipes, like crescent rolls or butternut squash rolls.
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Luau Chicken
As long as you’re cooking bacon for breakfast, save some for the slow cooker. In four hours, you’ll be saying aloha to lunch! —Cindy Lund, Valley Center, California
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Cauliflower Tacos
On taco night, you can’t beat a side of beans or rice (or both!). Build a Tex-Mex feast with savory Instant Pot black beans, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, a creamy cheesy street corn bake or another of our favorite Mexican side dishes.
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