Known for her ability to whip up intense and delicious flavors in under 30 minutes, Rachael Ray is our go-to when we need weeknight meal ideas. She practically taught a whole generation how to cook, even when inspiration is running low. Ray’s recipes are easy to make, full of creative twists we’d never think of on our own, and best of all, they’re jam-packed with flavors we know and love. Ray’s meals are especially family-friendly because she often takes classics like mac and cheese or lasagna and gives the dish a twist that makes it unique and familiar at the same time. Here are eleven times Rachael Ray turned classic recipes we love into mouthwatering dishes we want to devour.
Pumpkin Carbonara
Carbonara is one of those dishes that people can get pretty intense about — but Rachael Ray isn’t afraid to put her own spin on the Roman classic. She gives carbonara a makeover by adding pureed pumpkin or butternut squash to the recipe, which adds an earthy sweetness to the dish that’s the perfect balance to all the cheese.
Get the full recipe from Rachael Ray.
Zucchini Pasta Salad
We usually make zucchini bread when our garden starts going haywire every summer, but Ray turns her seasonal bounty into a unique pasta salad. She doesn’t just use the zucchini itself — she adds zucchini blossoms and zucchini leaf to the recipe, too!
Get the recipe from Rachael Ray.
Mega Mex Burgers
Ray has never shied away from beefing up boring burgers. In this recipe, she gives them a Mexican-inspired twist, adding spices like cumin, coriander, and oregano to the meat, then topping the cooked patties with jack cheese, salsa, and creamy mashed avocado.
Get the recipe from Rachael Ray.
Japanese-Style Plant-Based Chili
Shish*to peppers, shoyu, mirin, ginger, and other Japanese ingredients give Ray’s plant-based chili tons of flavor. It’s definitely a big departure from a classic southwestern chili, but throw some of this vegan Japanese chili over a bowl of rice or into a lettuce wrap and you’ll be sold.
Get the recipe from Rachael Ray.
Green Puttanesca
Pasta Puttanesca traditionally consists of a long pasta, olives and tomatoes. Ray’s version adds some greenery with the addition of celery, mint and parsley. She also adds canned tuna for a protein punch.
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Pasta Alla Gricia
Pasta alla Gricia is a traditional Roman dish but Ray adds tons of extra flavor with the addition of shallots and crispy roasted mushrooms.
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Cacio e Pepe Popcorn
If you thought adding butter and some parmesan cheese to your popcorn was good, wait until you try Ray’s recipe for cacio e pepe popcorn.
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Cobb Salad
If you picked up a rotisserie chicken from Costco and have some leftover, why not add it to Rachael’s twist on a classic cobb salad? The addition of rotisserie chicken adds some hearty protein and transforms the dish from a side to a main course.
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Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is great on its own but Rachael Ray’s Bombay-inspired grilled cheese is out of this world. Ray’s sandwiches are loaded up with fresh herbs, pickled Indian veggies and masala to deliver a truly unique spin on this old kid-favorite meal.
Get the full recipe from Rachael Ray
Hot Dogs
Typical hot dog toppings include ketchup, mustard, onions and chili but Rachael Ray’s hot dogs take things to a whole different level with their intense BBQ flavor and crunchy potato chip topping.
Get the full recipe from Rachael Ray
Deviled Chicken Dip
Deviled eggs? Boring. Deviled chicken or crab dip? A delicious explosion of flavors. Ray’s recipe calls for a combination of lots of fresh herbs and flavorful ingredients like mustard and Worcestershire sauce to create its mouthwatering flavor profile.
Get the full recipe from Rachael Ray.
Before you go, check out Ina Garten’s easy weeknight dinner recipes below:
Watch: We Tried Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac & Cheese & We Totally Get Why It Broke the Internet
