Recipe Sifter

Greek-style macaroni pie (pastitsio) with feta cheese, cinnamon, oregano, mint, and tomatoes, topped with a creamy yogurt-egg-feta bechamel. A vegetarian baked pasta casserole cut into squares.

Mock ravioli casserole: layers of butterfly pasta, a meaty tomato sauce, and a herby spinach-egg-parmesan filling. All the flavor of ravioli without rolling a single sheet of dough.

A succulent and scrumptious dish that can be served over noodles or rice.

Big-batch spicy turkey chili loaded with kidney beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, jalapenos, cilantro, and a secret splash of Kahlua. Feeds a crowd of 20.

Classic chicken cacciatore with flour-dredged chicken browned in olive oil, then simmered in a rustic tomato sauce with garlic, peppers, and oregano. Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine.

Pork ragu lasagna layered with a slow-cooked tomato and herb sauce, plenty of grated cheese, and a milk-brushed top that bakes golden. A hearty homemade lasagna built on ground pork instead of beef.

Emeril's calzone wraps a basil-sun-dried tomato yeast dough around a pork, red pepper, and white wine filling. A flavor-packed Italian turnover from the New Orleans chef.

Frijoles con queso casserole: creamy pinto beans layered with sauteed zucchini and tomatoes, crowned with a tender cornbread topping. Vegetarian tamale pie-style bake for weeknight dinner.

Tomato, artichoke, and feta salad tosses marinated red onion and feta with canned artichoke hearts and ripe tomatoes in a red wine and herb vinaigrette. Classic Mediterranean summer side.

Pasta stuffed pizza-style, jumbo pasta shells filled with shredded zucchini, torn pepperoni and Italian bread crumbs, baked under tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan. A pizza-night mashup in shell form.

Stuffed manicotti with spinach and ricotta filling, sliced mushrooms, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. Plus an alternate ground beef filling for a heartier take.

Big-batch red lentil soup spiced with cumin, coriander, jalapeño, and oregano, finished with cilantro and a tangy lime cream. Makes enough to eat now and freeze two-thirds for later.

Tender veal slices pounded thin, stuffed with breadcrumbs, hard-boiled eggs, Romano and Parmesan, then slow-simmered in a homemade herb tomato sauce until fork-tender. A hearty Italian-American Sunday supper classic.

Slow-cooked chicken layered with apples, pears, tomatoes, and warm spices, finished with fried plantains, capers, and olives. A Latin-inspired sweet-savory stew bursting with bold flavors.

Meaty portobello caps soak up tangy marinade before grilling until tender, then get layered with roasted peppers and melted cheese on toasted rolls.

Savory bread machine loaf studded with diced pepperoni and Italian herbs for pizza-flavored bread perfect for sandwiches or snacking