Welcome to a delicious journey back in time, where we unveil the most cherished culinary creations from 2017! Here at Meatloaf and Melodrama, we pride ourselves on delivering easy, family-friendly recipes that make mealtime a joy, not a chore. As is our tradition, we love to wrap up each year by celebrating the recipes that resonated most with you, our amazing readers. This comprehensive countdown reveals the Top 10 Recipe Posts of 2017 – a collection of tried-and-true favorites, comforting classics, and exciting new discoveries that captivated kitchens across the globe.
Each year-end review offers a fascinating glimpse into what you’ve been cooking and craving. For our long-time followers, it’s a wonderful trip down memory lane, perhaps inspiring you to revisit an old favorite. For those new to Meatloaf and Melodrama, it’s the perfect introduction to the heart of our blog: accessible, delicious meals designed to simplify your busy life. We believe that great food doesn’t have to be complicated, and these top recipes are undeniable proof of that philosophy.
The culinary landscape of 2017 was vibrant, showcasing a mix of perennial favorites and exciting new trends. This list features everything from lightning-fast Instant Pot wonders to comforting vintage dishes passed down through generations. You’ll find ingenious one-pot solutions, stress-free sheet pan dinners, and desserts that require absolutely no baking. It’s a testament to the diverse tastes and needs of modern families, all seeking flavor without fuss.
A special shout-out goes to our breakout star, Instant Pot Shells and Beef, which rocketed to popularity almost overnight! Its incredible ease and irresistible flavor quickly made it a household staple. Rest assured, we’re constantly working on more innovative Instant Pot and pressure cooker recipes, alongside plenty of easy family meals that require no special equipment at all. Our goal is always to equip you with the tools and inspiration to create memorable meals every single day.
We are incredibly grateful for your continued support, your enthusiastic comments, and your willingness to share our recipes with your loved ones. This blog wouldn’t be what it is without each and every one of you. Your engagement truly fuels our passion for creating and sharing. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the dishes that made 2017 unforgettable. Here are the most-viewed posts, counting down from number 10 to the ultimate fan favorite at number 1.
The Most Loved Recipes of 2017: Meatloaf and Melodrama’s Top 10 Reader Favorites
Get ready to discover some culinary gold! Each recipe below is a proven winner, adored by thousands for its simplicity, flavor, and reliability. Whether you’re searching for quick weeknight dinners, potluck pleasers, or delightful desserts, this list has something for everyone. Let’s explore the dishes that captured your hearts and taste buds in 2017.
#10: 21 Easy One Pot Dinner Recipes
Kicking off our countdown at number 10 is an absolute lifesaver for busy home cooks: our collection of 21 Easy One Pot Dinner Recipes. It’s no surprise that this post soared in popularity; who doesn’t love a delicious meal with minimal cleanup? This compilation proved that the universal appeal of a good one-pot dinner is truly undeniable. From savory pasta dishes to hearty stews and flavorful skillet meals, these recipes offer incredible variety without the headache of multiple dirty dishes. They’re perfect for weeknights when time is short but you still want a satisfying, home-cooked meal. This selection emphasizes convenience, making it easier than ever to get a wholesome dinner on the table. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results. It’s the ultimate guide for simplifying your kitchen routine and reclaiming your evenings.
#9: Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef
Securing the ninth spot is a dish that took the Instant Pot world by storm: Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef. This recipe became an instant sensation, lauded for its incredible ease and comforting flavor profile. If you own an Instant Pot, you know the magic it can work, and this dish is a prime example. It transforms simple ingredients like ground beef and pasta into a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying meal in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. But don’t worry if you haven’t jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon yet; we’ve also provided a delicious stovetop version so everyone can enjoy this family-friendly favorite. It’s hearty, cheesy, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet wholesome dinner. Its popularity truly underscores the demand for fast, delicious, and easy-to-make comfort food.
#8: Easy Stove Top Candied Yams
At number eight, we have a holiday staple that proved popular far beyond seasonal festivities: Easy Stove Top Candied Yams. This recipe truly shone during the holiday season, but its delightful sweetness and comforting texture made it a year-round favorite for many. Forget complicated preparations; this version simplifies the classic side dish, allowing you to create perfectly tender, glistening yams with a rich, buttery, and sweet glaze right on your stovetop. It’s the ideal accompaniment to any roast dinner or a fantastic addition to a potluck spread. The recipe ensures that even those new to cooking candied yams can achieve a wonderfully indulgent dish that tastes just like grandma used to make. Its enduring popularity speaks to the timeless appeal of classic comfort food and the desire for hassle-free holiday cooking.
#7: Sheet Pan BBQ Smoked Sausage
Landing at number seven is another testament to easy cleanup and maximum flavor: Sheet Pan BBQ Smoked Sausage. This dish quickly became one of our readers’ favorite easy recipes, and it’s not hard to see why! Sheet pan dinners are a revelation for busy families, allowing you to combine protein, vegetables, and seasonings all on one pan, then simply roast to perfection. This particular recipe features savory smoked sausage tossed with your favorite BBQ sauce and an assortment of colorful vegetables, creating a vibrant and incredibly flavorful meal. The best part? Cleanup is an absolute breeze, making it an ideal choice for weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without the pile of dishes afterward. It’s a versatile meal that can be customized with your preferred vegetables, ensuring a fresh and exciting dinner every time. The simplicity and delicious outcome explain its widespread appeal.
#6: Easy Swiss Steak Recipe
Taking the sixth spot is a beloved classic that evokes a sense of nostalgia: Easy Swiss Steak Recipe. Everyone adored this incredibly easy vintage recipe, and we were absolutely thrilled to share it with a new generation of home cooks. Swiss steak is the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender cuts of beef braised in a rich, savory tomato-based gravy until it practically melts in your mouth. Served traditionally with egg noodles or mashed potatoes, it’s a filling and satisfying meal that transports you back to grandma’s kitchen. This recipe simplifies the preparation without compromising on the deep, robust flavors that make Swiss steak so irresistible. Its popularity highlights the enduring appeal of classic, heartwarming dishes that bring families together around the dinner table. If you’re looking for a taste of tradition with minimal effort, this recipe is a must-try.
#5: Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Meatballs
Coming in at number five, we have a wonderfully versatile dish that’s perfect for both casual dinners and elegant entertaining: Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Meatballs. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering a delightful balance of sweet and smoky heat thanks to the honey and chipotle. The beauty of using a slow cooker for this dish is its sheer convenience; simply combine your ingredients, set it, and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. The result is incredibly tender meatballs coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that can be served as an appetizer at parties, tucked into slider buns, or enjoyed as a main course with rice or mashed potatoes. Its hands-off preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy days, ensuring a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal effort. The widespread love for these meatballs confirms that convenience and fantastic flavor are a winning combination.
#4: Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Dinner
Our fourth most popular recipe proves that sheet pan dinners are a perennial favorite! This Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Dinner is perfect for kielbasa lovers everywhere, offering a complete and satisfying meal cooked entirely on a single pan. This recipe combines hearty smoked sausage with wholesome green beans and tender potatoes, all tossed with simple seasonings and roasted until perfectly caramelized. It’s the epitome of an effortless weeknight meal, delivering robust flavors with virtually no fuss. The magic of sheet pan cooking lies in its simplicity and the concentrated flavors that develop as everything roasts together. It’s a fantastic way to get a balanced meal on the table quickly, with the added bonus of super easy cleanup. For those who adore flavorful smoked sausage and appreciate the convenience of one-pan meals, this recipe is an absolute dream come true and a clear reader favorite for a reason.
#3: Strawberry Jello Fruit Salad
Making a sweet splash at number three is another wonderful vintage recipe straight from my mom and grandma’s collection: Strawberry Jello Fruit Salad. This vibrant, refreshing, and delightfully retro dessert or side dish is an absolute potluck and holiday staple. It combines the nostalgic charm of Jello with a medley of fruits and a luscious, creamy whipped topping, creating a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Its beautiful pink hue and delightful texture make it an eye-catching addition to any spread, and its cool, fruity flavor is always a welcome counterpoint to heavier main courses. This salad is incredibly easy to assemble, making it ideal for when you need a reliable crowd-pleaser that can be prepared in advance. Its enduring popularity speaks volumes about the timeless appeal of classic recipes that bring joy and a touch of whimsy to any gathering.
#2: Crispy Sausage Egg Breakfast Burritos
Just missing the top spot, but certainly a breakfast champion, are our Crispy Sausage Egg Breakfast Burritos. It’s clear that you all share our love for easy, grab-and-go breakfast food that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. These burritos are packed with savory sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a tortilla and crisped to perfection. They are incredibly versatile, perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick bite, or for meal prepping a batch to enjoy throughout the week. The “crispy” element adds a delightful texture that elevates these beyond your average breakfast burrito, making them truly special. Whether you’re heading out the door or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch, these burritos are a delicious and convenient way to start your day. Their overwhelming popularity proves that a hearty, portable breakfast is always in high demand.
#1: No Bake Pineapple Dream Dessert
And now, for the reigning champion of 2017, the most popular post of the entire year: the incredible No Bake Pineapple Dream Dessert! This retro dessert comes straight from my grandma’s cherished collection and has unequivocally stolen the hearts of our readers. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest desserts are the most irresistible. Layers of crushed pineapple, a light and creamy filling, and a delightful crunchy crust combine to create a refreshing and utterly delicious treat that requires absolutely no oven time. Perfect for warm weather, holiday gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and easy, this dessert is a true masterpiece of convenience and flavor. Its ability to evoke cherished memories while being incredibly simple to prepare cemented its status as the top favorite. It’s light, airy, sweet, and pure dreaminess in every bite, proving that comfort and ease are always a winning combination.
What Made These Recipes the Top Picks of 2017?
Looking back at this incredible list, a few clear themes emerge that define the success of Meatloaf and Melodrama’s recipes: simplicity, comfort, and versatility. Our readers consistently gravitate towards dishes that are easy to prepare, require minimal specialized equipment, and can feed a family without breaking the bank or demanding hours in the kitchen. The prevalence of “one-pot,” “sheet pan,” “slow cooker,” and “Instant Pot” recipes clearly demonstrates the ongoing demand for efficient cooking methods that streamline meal preparation and cleanup.
Furthermore, the love for “vintage” and “classic” recipes highlights a beautiful balance between modern convenience and heartwarming tradition. Dishes like Easy Swiss Steak, Candied Yams, and Strawberry Jello Fruit Salad connect us to culinary heritage, offering a taste of nostalgia that resonates deeply. Meanwhile, the instant success of Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef shows an eagerness to embrace new technologies that promise faster, equally delicious results.
Ultimately, these top 10 recipes embody the core values of Meatloaf and Melodrama: making delicious, wholesome food accessible to everyone, regardless of their cooking skill level or busy schedule. They are recipes designed to bring joy and ease back to the kitchen, allowing you more time to spend with your loved ones.
Looking Ahead: More Deliciousness to Come
As we close the chapter on 2017’s culinary highlights, we look forward with excitement to another year of sharing delightful recipes and kitchen tips with you. We’re committed to continuing our mission of providing easy, practical, and utterly delicious meals that fit seamlessly into your life. Expect more innovative Instant Pot creations, comforting slow cooker recipes, speedy sheet pan dinners, and plenty of classic family favorites. Our kitchen is always buzzing with new ideas, and we can’t wait to share them with you.
Thank you once again for making Meatloaf and Melodrama a part of your culinary journey. Your enthusiasm inspires us every day. We hope this countdown has sparked some new ideas and perhaps reminded you of a beloved dish to recreate.
Wishing you all Happy Cooking in the New Year and beyond!