German Christmas stollen is a rich, fragrant yeast bread filled with dried fruit, citrus peel, and almonds. A generous brushing of butter and a snowy coating of powdered sugar make the loaf feel festive before the first slice is cut. Its crumb is closer and more substantial than sandwich bread, with little pockets of sweet…

Garlic, softened onion rings, and beef broth create a lighter pan-juice-style sauce around these browned patties.

A second potato variation keeps the topping simple: just salt and melting butter.

This onion-forward variation uses extra sliced onion and a little mustard in the gravy for a savory supper.

Use a braising cut such as chuck for this tender beef supper. The finished meat should separate easily with a fork.

A sweet-savory honey and garlic sauce coats tender chicken thighs for an easy rice-bowl supper.

Chopped cabbage, beef, and tomato sauce give this casserole the familiar flavors of cabbage rolls without individual wrapping. Cooked rice is added near the end for more reliable texture.

These pepper-and-herb wings are designed for a tender slow-cooked finish, not a crisp fried coating.