Recipe Reviews

An Easy Ground Beef Dinner for Low Energy Nights

One of my favorite kinds of recipes to review is the kind that makes me wonder, “Why haven’t I been making this all along?” That’s exactly how I felt about these Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls from The Recipe Critic. Sometimes, after a long day, I don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen. […]

Easy Pasta Salad for Cookouts and Potlucks

Most of the recipes I review are main dishes, but every now and then it’s nice to remember that the sides can steal the show too. With summer officially here, I wanted to try a recipe that would be perfect for backyard cookouts, family gatherings, or those last minute invitations where you’re asked to “just […]

Choosing Family Recipes That Actually Get Made Again

When I first started The Recipe Reality Check, I thought I’d mostly be answering one simple question: “Was the recipe good?” After reviewing dozens of recipes, I’ve realized that’s only a small part of the story. Because here’s the truth: I’ve made plenty of recipes that tasted good and that looked beautiful. I’ve even made […]

Breaking In the New Grill with Ribeyes and Potatoes

Every month, Paul gets to choose a recipe for me to review. Usually that means he picks a specific meal, challenges me to make something new, and then enjoys giving his official opinion afterward. This month, however, he had a different idea. Instead of choosing a recipe, Paul chose a cooking method. Specifically, he chose […]

Pesto Rigatoni: A Fresh and Easy Summer Dinner

Most of my recipe reviews come from websites, but this time I decided to pull a recipe from a cookbook. The cookbook was The “I Don’t Know How to Cook” Book by Mary-Lane Kamberg, and the recipe that caught my eye was Pesto Rigatoni. I chose it for a pretty simple reason: it looked easy, […]

Easy Slow Cooker Cajun Alfredo Pasta Recipe

I’ve been wanting to try more slow cooker recipes lately, especially ones that feel a little lighter moving from spring into summer. So when I found this slow cooker Cajun Alfredo pasta recipe, it felt like a fun middle ground: comfort food, but with a little extra flavor. And overall? I think this one had […]

Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for Busy Weeknights

Chicken bacon ranch is one of those combinations that just feels like comfort food every single time. So when I saw this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe, I immediately thought it would be a fun new take on a classic comfort meal. And honestly? It ended up being a really solid weeknight dinner option. Why […]

Easy Double Strawberry Cupcakes for Spring

I don’t make desserts very often. Now, eating desserts? Absolutely. I definitely have a sweet tooth. But when it comes to actually baking them, I usually lean toward simpler recipes or just let someone else make them entirely. 😅 Still, I wanted to try something that really felt like spring, and these double strawberry cupcakes […]

Homemade Chicken Chow Mein Recipe (Easy Takeout Inspired Dinner)

It’s time for another Paul’s Pick and this month he chose a homemade chicken chow mein recipe from one of his favorite online chefs, Justin Holmes. And honestly? This ended up being a really solid quick dinner option. Why Paul Chose This Recipe Paul loves Asian takeout flavors, so this recipe immediately caught his attention. […]

Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper (One Pot Family Meal)

This One Pot Hamburger Helper recipe ended up being such a good addition to our dinner rotation and honestly, it checked a lot of boxes for me right now. It is quick, easy and all in one pot. Which, in this season of life, is exactly what I’m looking for. Why I Chose This Recipe […]