Grandma's Chicken 'n' Dumpling Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Grandma’s Chicken ‘n’ Dumpling Soup
I've enjoyed making this rich homemade dumpling recipe for over 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois
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Grandma Edna's Cajun PorkMy grandma used to make this for our family on special occasions. We love to carry on the delicious tradition. —Tonya Cline, Greenville, Ohio
Turkey Biscuit SkilletMy mother always made this skillet while we were growing up. Now I make it for my husband and kids. I use the small-size biscuits because the larger ones don't seem to brown up as nicely on the top. —Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
New Zealand Rosemary Lamb ShanksWhen I was young, my family lived in New Zealand for two years after World War II. Some things were in short supply, but one item that was always available was lamb shanks. Mother cooked them all the time with root vegetables, and to this day I love lamb! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Cornish PastiesMy great-aunt Gladys was from a small mining town in England where pasties were popular. I loved to watch her craft each Cornish pasty, as she made them in different sizes depending on who was eating. —Verna Hainer, Pueblo, Colorado
Sausage and Spinach Tortellini SoupThis recipe for sausage tortellini soup is delicious, filling and easy to execute.
Ground Beef Spaghetti SkilletI remember my grandma making this stovetop supper many times—we always loved Granny’s spaghetti! My husband and I now enjoy making this for our dinner. You can easily use ground turkey instead of ground beef if that’s what you happen to have on hand. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Rack of Lamb with FigsI've been making rack of lamb for years. My grandma gave me this recipe because she knew how much I love figs. And the toasted walnuts sprinkled on top give it just the right finishing touch. —Sylvia Castanon, Long Beach, California
Lemony Turkey Rice SoupWhile growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup.
—Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana
Chicken and Green BeansMy Greek grandmother made the most delicious Greek chicken and green beans with a lemon-tomato flavor. Whenever I make this slow-cooker recipe, I think of her. The juices from the chicken help flavor the green beans, but the beans can be prepared alone as a side dish without the chicken. —Elizabeth Lindemann, Driftwood, Texas
Best LasagnaWhat makes this classic lasagna recipe so spectacular? Homemade meat sauce and plenty of cheese. Best of all, it's easy to make lasagna ahead of time so dinner can be ready in a flash.
Breaded Pork ChopsThese traditional pork chops have a wonderful home-cooked flavor like the ones Mom used to make. The breading makes them crispy outside and tender and juicy inside. Why not treat your family to some breaded pork chops tonight? —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
French Meat and Vegetable PieSome time ago, a co-worker brought a meat pie to lunch. The aroma was familiar—and after one taste, I was amazed to discover it was the same pie my grandmother used to serve when I was a youngster! My co-worker shared the recipe, and I have been enjoying it ever since. —Rita Winterberger, Huson, Montana
Grandma's Rice DishMy grandmother often made this casserole when I was young. I forgot about it until one day I found myself adding the same ingredients to leftover rice. The memories came flooding back. —Lorna Moore, Glendora, California
Deep-Dish Sausage PizzaMy grandma made the tastiest snacks for us when we stayed the night at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my husband, our family and me. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, Ohio
Comforting Tuna PattiesMy grandmother and mother made these tuna patties on Fridays during Lent. I'm not the biggest fan of tuna, but it's perfect in this dish. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington
Tara's Spanish ChickenThis recipe has simple flavors that take me back to Grandma's house. She knew a million ways to cook a chicken, but this was my favorite. —Tara Imig, Fort Worth, Texas
Vegetarian Cabbage RollsThis marvelous meatless entree comes from my 89-year-old grandmother, who cooks a lot with grains, particularly bulgur. The zucchini is a fun change of pace stuffed inside these vegetarian cabbage rolls. —Michelle Dougherty, Lewiston, Idaho
Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed PotatoesI was inspired to make this recipe after I couldn't stop thinking of a similar dish served in my elementary school cafeteria more than 50 years ago! I like that it's quick to make, and my husband and grandchildren love it. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Egg Drop SoupWith just four ingredients and three steps, this simple egg drop soup recipe will show you how to easily make this classic Chinese-American take-out staple at home.
Chicken PaprikashSome recipes for chicken paprikash include vegetables like bell peppers and celery, but not my Grandmother Alta’s. Hers was a simple combination of chicken, onions, garlic, paprika and sour cream. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Lemon Chicken PastaLemon chicken pasta is about to be your new favorite weeknight dinner. Made with a few staple ingredients, it's a flavor bomb without a lot of fuss.
Grandma's Tomato SoupThis recipe is my grandmother’s. Originally, she even made the tomato juice in it from scratch! Gram had this recipe cooking on the stove every time I visited her. She enjoyed making this tomato soup and other favorite dishes for family and friends, and she made everything with love. —Gerri Sysun, Narragansett, Rhode Island
Roast Pork with Apples & OnionsThe sweetness of the apples and onions nicely complements the roast pork. With its crisp, golden exterior and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this pork is my family's favorite weekend dinner. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
English Pub Split Pea SoupThis family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of the slow cooker, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for five hours, and come back to "soup's on." Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
One-Skillet Pork Chop SupperMy husband, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays after the grandkids have gone home and we're too tired to prepare a big meal. It's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orange, Florida
Chicken Escarole Soup with MeatballsThis is an old recipe from southern Italy. My mother gave it to me when I was first married. It started out as a holidays-only dish...but my children and grandchildren love it so much that we have it every chance we get!—Norma Manna, Hobe Sound, Florida
Mushroom Sour Cream GravyMy grandma made this gravy every Thanksgiving to drizzle over sliced turkey and stuffing. When I have leftover turkey and mushroom gravy, I chop the turkey into small pieces and add it to the gravy. I serve it over a piece of bread, open-face style. —Joy Mellwig, Naples, Florida
Ground Beef Spaghetti SkilletI remember my grandma making this stovetop supper many times—we always loved Granny’s spaghetti! My husband and I now enjoy making this for our dinner. You can easily use ground turkey instead of ground beef if that’s what you happen to have on hand. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Swedish MeatballsMom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
How to Cook a HamWhip up a gorgeous holiday centerpiece with this easy glazed ham recipe. Our Test Kitchen experts share their best tips and tricks for how to cook a ham for special occasions.
French Meat and Vegetable PieSome time ago, a co-worker brought a meat pie to lunch. The aroma was familiar—and after one taste, I was amazed to discover it was the same pie my grandmother used to serve when I was a youngster! My co-worker shared the recipe, and I have been enjoying it ever since. —Rita Winterberger, Huson, Montana
Favorite Baked SpaghettiThis is my grandchildren's most-loved dish. It feels like a special dinner and is so cozy for cooler months. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
Onion PieMy grandmother and mother always make onion pie during the holidays, but it's good any time. This is a savory side dish that you can serve with almost any meat or main course. It's especially good with roast beef. —Mary West, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts
Crunchy Spinach CasseroleOur holidays would not be the same without this family tradition. My mother made it every Thanksgiving when I was growing up; now I make it every Christmas as well, and my children and grandchildren absolutely love it! We triple the recipe because the kids can't get enough. —Sharon Scaletta, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Balsamic Roasted Chicken Thighs with Root VegetablesI will always remember the way my grandmother's house smelled when she made these balsamic chicken thighs every Sunday. Ever since she gave me the recipe, the heartwarming flavors always take me back to my childhood. — Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Pulled Brisket SandwichesDon't let the number of ingredients in this brisket sandwich recipe scare you; you probably have most of them in your pantry already. The sauce is what makes this dish so special. It's hard not to like ketchup, brown sugar and a little butter drizzled over tender beef brisket. —Jane Guilbeau, New Orleans, Louisiana
Grandma's Rice DishMy grandmother often made this casserole when I was young. I forgot about it until one day I found myself adding the same ingredients to leftover rice. The memories came flooding back. —Lorna Moore, Glendora, California
Special Slow-Cooked BeefThis hearty entree is easy to prepare for Sunday dinner. While the beef is slow cooking, the cook has lots of time to attend to the other details. With mashed potatoes on the side, it’s comfort food for the cool months ahead. —Juli George, Grandville, Michigan
Barley Risotto and Beef StroganoffI was missing my Russian grandma's barley porridge and beef stroganoff, so I combined the two dishes. Cook the barley using the risotto method to keep the grains whole and irresistibly chewy. —Tatiana Kireeva, New York, New York
Grandma Schwartz's RouladenThis was one of my Grandma Schwartz's recipes. Grandpa Schwartz was a German butcher and this was one of his (and our) favorite meals. It's an extra-special beef entree when served with mashed potatoes made with butter and sour cream. —Lynda Sharai, Summer Lake, Oregon
Guinness Corned Beef and CabbagePassed down through generations, this robust corned beef and cabbage recipe is requested often in our house. The Irish stout adds excellent richness to the corned beef. Just throw the ingredients together in the slow cooker and let them simmer until delicious! —Karin Brodbeck, Red Hook, New York
Six-Layer DinnerI originally came across a five-layer version of this dish at a Home Extension program. I increased the ground beef and added the celery myself, and my family prefers this version.—Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Grandma Edna's Cajun PorkMy grandma used to make this for our family on special occasions. We love to carry on the delicious tradition. —Tonya Cline, Greenville, Ohio
Curry Chicken StewMy Grandma Inky grew up in India and passed down this recipe to my mother, who then passed it down to me. The recipe brings back fond memories of the family gathered around the table, enjoying this delicious meal and catching up on one another's day. I tweaked the ingredients a bit to fit my toddler's taste buds, but it's just as scrumptious as Grandma's own. —Teresa Flowers, Sacramento, California
Turkey Sausage Bean SoupThis recipe is from my great-grandmother, though I've added a few ingredients to make it my own. Serve it with a side salad and some artisan bread for a wonderful, hearty family dinner. —Terrel Porter-Smith, Los Osos, California
Great-Grandma's Italian MeatballsMy great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey for these meatballs, and the flavor’s so good, you won’t miss the extra calories. —Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts
Chicken Zucchini CasseroleFast and delicious, chicken zucchini casserole is an effortless weeknight dish to use up your summer harvest of zucchini.
Cabbage Roll SkilletHave a happy helping of this quicker take on something our grandmothers would make. We serve it over brown rice. It also freezes well. —Susan Chickness, Pictou County, Nova Scotia
Slow-Cooker Potato SoupThis slow-cooker potato soup takes all the flavor of a loaded baked potato—butter, bacon and onion—and turns it into an easy Crockpot potato soup you can serve any day of the week.
Pizza Macaroni & CheeseMy grandma made this for us once when she came to visit and I never forgot just how good it was. Since my kids love anything with pepperoni and cheese, I thought they'd enjoy it just as much as I did. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Rivel SoupFor years, I'd been trying to figure out how my grandmother made her rivel soup. Then I discovered that it wasn't just something she came up with, but a prized heirloom recipe. Many families have their own special version. —Kathy Kegley, Rural Retreat, Virginia
Grandma’s Cajun Chicken & SpaghettiI’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Grandma's Seafood ChowderMy grandmother makes this every year for Christmas morning—the only time we ever had it. Why wait, when you can enjoy this satisfying chowder anytime? It's also delicious topped with biscuits! —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York
Greek-Style Lemon-Garlic ChickenI love celebrating my Greek heritage with this super simple and scrumptious
Sunday dinner idea. Prep time is a breeze and the ingredient list is relatively short for such a flavorful one-dish meal. Each time I make this I'm transported back to my ya-ya, who gave me the special honor of squeezing the lemons! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Lemony Mushroom Orzo SoupMy grandmother used to make a similar classic Greek soup, avgolemono, every Sunday after church. Here’s my version of her recipe. The kids and I came up with this variation while experimenting with different ingredients. I think my yia-yia would be proud. —Nick Haros, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Linguine with Ham & Swiss CheeseMy grandmother used to make this for parties and potlucks. It was loved by all back then, and it still is today. The classic combination of pasta, ham, cheese and a creamy sauce makes it irresistible. —Mary Savor, Woodburn, Indiana
Chicken Potpie SoupRich and creamy chicken potpie soup is a fun variation of the old-fashioned favorite, plus it cooks up in about half the time as the baked version.
Bacon PastaThis bacon pasta recipe is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight meals. Combining crispy bacon with a slow-simmered tomato sauce and al dente spaghetti, it’s a comfort food classic.
Hearty Quinoa & Corn ChowderMy grandmother lived in the Appalachian Mountains and always served straight-from-the-garden corn and beans. I updated her dish with quinoa and herbs. — Kari Napier, Louisville, Kentucky
Honey Hoisin Chicken & PotatoesWhen I was a little, Tutu (my grandma) cooked up this blend of Asian and American flavors. The potatoes are delicious drizzled with pan juices. —Janet Yee, Phoenix, Arizona
Fettuccine CarbonaraMake restaurant-caliber fettuccine carbonara with its simple, creamy sauce in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Hungarian GoulashThis Hungarian goulash recipe features tender chunks of beef and a rich sauce infused with paprika and caraway seeds. It's a warm and comforting slow-cooker meal that is best served over egg noodles.
Wine-Braised Chicken with Pearl OnionsThis is a family favorite handed down from my grandmother in London. She made it for every family gathering. It was always the first food to go on the table and the first one to disappear. —Wayne Barnes, Montgomery, Alabama
Deep-Dish Sausage PizzaMy grandma made the tastiest snacks for us when we stayed the night at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my husband, our family and me. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, Ohio
Lamb StewThis traditional Irish Guinness stew recipe is the perfect dish to serve for an authentic St. Patrick's Day meal.
Chicken-Fried SteakThis chicken-fried steak and gravy combination is absolute comfort food. Cube steak gets a lightly seasoned coating, making this dish perfect for those nights when you want something filling but don't have a lot of time to prep dinner. Â
Creamy Beef & PotatoesOne of my husband's favorite childhood memories was eating his Grandma Barney's Tater Tot Casserole. One day I prepared it using potatoes O'Brien instead. Now I always make it this way. — Heather Matthews, Keller, Texas
TourtieresSome time ago, a co-worker brought a meat pie to lunch. The aroma was familiar—after one taste, I was amazed to discover it was the same pie my grandmother used to serve when I was a youngster! She shared the recipe, and I have been enjoying it ever since. —Rita Winterberger, Huson, Montana
Turkey MeatballsWe make our turkey meatballs with spinach to ensure they turn out tender, juicy and moist. They freeze beautifully, so don’t be afraid to make a double (or triple) batch.
Bacon-Colby LasagnaMy grandmother added bacon to her cheesy lasagna—something she borrowed from carbonara-style pasta. I learned so much by her side. —Cathy McCartney, Davenport, Iowa
Mushroom Pork ChopsMushroom pork chops are a one-pan dinner that will delight mushroom lovers.