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19 Hearty Meat Recipes To Make Any Meal Great

This set of 19 savory recipes is packed with smoky flavors, smart cooking techniques, and bold ideas that work for everything from family dinners to casual get-togethers. Whether you’re mastering a reverse-sear, firing up the smoker, or tossing chicken into a zesty glaze, these dishes deliver big results with approachable steps.

You’ll find one-pan meals like roasted chicken and potatoes, BBQ classics like juicy thighs and pork belly twists, and crowd-pleasing bites like Buffalo chicken and jalapeño poppers. A few recipes lean fancy (like braised beef shanks or spatchcock chicken), but they’re still easy enough to tackle without stress.

Scroll through and see what grabs your appetite—whether it’s comfort food, party food, or something new to try on the grill. There’s something here for every cook and every craving.

Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These jalapeño poppers bring together smoky beef bacon, melted cheese, and a little heat in one crave-worthy bite. They’re easy to make and a great choice for game day or weekend snacking.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

Grilled Butterflied Chicken Legs with Spicy Chili Garlic Glaze

Grilled Butterflied Chicken Legs with Spicy Chili Garlic Glaze. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Grilled butterflied chicken legs cook fast and stay juicy, especially with a spicy chili garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully over high heat. Great for a summer dinner with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Butterflied Chicken Legs with Spicy Chili Garlic Glaze

Grilled Spatchcock Chicken

Grilled Spatchcock Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Flattening the whole chicken means faster cooking, crispier skin, and juicy meat every time. It’s a great method to try when you want to cook a full bird without hovering over the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Spatchcock Chicken

Smoked Whole Chicken (Garlic Herb or BBQ)

Smoked Whole Chicken (Garlic Herb or BBQ). Photo credit: Foodie and Wine.

This whole chicken is smoked until golden and juicy, with options for a garlicky herb rub or bold BBQ flavor. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal for any time you’re firing up the smoker.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Whole Chicken (Garlic Herb or BBQ)

Traeger Irish Beef Stew

Traeger Irish Beef Stew. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This rich Irish stew gets extra depth from the smoker. With tender beef and hearty vegetables in a savory broth, it’s ideal for cozy nights or feeding a crowd with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Irish Beef Stew

Zesty Grilled Buffalo Chicken Bites

Zesty Grilled Buffalo Chicken Bites. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Bite-sized chicken pieces are grilled and tossed in a homemade Buffalo sauce that brings serious flavor. These are great for appetizers, wraps, or just snacking right off the plate.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Grilled Buffalo Chicken Bites

Traeger Verde Pork Steaks

Traeger Verde Pork Steaks. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Pork steaks are smoked and finished in a tangy green sauce for a fresh twist on BBQ. They’re bold, flavorful, and perfect when you want something a little different off the smoker.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Verde Pork Steaks

Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This roasted chicken copycat nails the crispy skin and juicy inside you remember from the restaurant. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for that full Sunday supper vibe.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

0-400 Chicken Wings

0-400 Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These wings start in a cold oven and finish hot, giving you extra crispy skin without deep frying. It’s a simple method that delivers crowd-pleasing results every time.
Get the Recipe: 0-400 Chicken Wings

Beef Noodle Soup with Prime Rib

Beef Noodle Soup with Prime Rib. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Use leftover prime rib in this rich, comforting soup packed with noodles and savory broth. It’s a great way to stretch leftovers into a full, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Beef Noodle Soup with Prime Rib

Red Wine Braised Beef Shank

Red Wine Braised Beef Shank. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Affordable and full of flavor, beef shanks turn fork-tender after a slow braise in red wine. It’s a hands-off recipe that’s perfect for a weekend dinner with rustic sides.
Get the Recipe: Red Wine Braised Beef Shank

One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

One Pan Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Chicken breasts and baby potatoes roast together in one pan with lemon and herbs, making for an easy and satisfying dinner that doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken Breast

Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken Breast. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A crispy, golden crust covers juicy chicken, topped with creamy gravy. This homestyle favorite is surprisingly easy to make at home and just as comforting as the restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken Breast

Cheesecake Factory Romano Chicken

Cheesecake Factory Romano Chicken. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Romano cheese crusted chicken is pan-fried and baked until golden, then served with pasta or greens. It’s an easy way to bring restaurant-style flavor into your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Factory Romano Chicken

Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These BBQ chicken thighs are marinated for max flavor, grilled to perfection, and glazed with sauce for a juicy, sticky finish. Great for cookouts or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These tacos are made with chicken marinated in lime juice and cilantro, then grilled and tucked into tortillas with your favorite toppings. Light, bright, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

Traeger Pork Belly Twists

Traeger Pork Belly Twists. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Pork belly slices are twisted and smoked until crispy and caramelized. These make a fun and flavorful snack or appetizer when you want something unique from your grill.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Pork Belly Twists

Roasted Greek Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon and Fennel

Roasted Greek Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon and Fennel. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Chicken thighs are roasted with lemon, fennel, and herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s easy to prep and full of flavor. It’s a great choice for casual or special dinners.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Greek Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon and Fennel

Hell’s Kitchen Grilled Chicken Wings

Hell’s Kitchen Grilled Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Inspired by the bold style of Hell’s Kitchen, these grilled wings are crispy outside, juicy inside, and pack serious flavor. Perfect for wing night or feeding a crowd with flair.
Get the Recipe: Hell’s Kitchen Grilled Chicken Wings