10,000 main dish recipes

Pounded round steak breaded in seasoned flour, pan-fried in butter until golden, and smothered in a slow-simmered cream gravy with bay leaf and clove. The real-deal Southern classic, done right.

Texas BBQ beef brisket: seven pounds of brisket smoked low and slow with paprika rub and wood chips, finished with a tangy homemade sauce built from the pan drippings.

Wayman chili with chunked sirloin steak, green peppers, onions, garlic, and parsley in a tomato and Tabasco base spiked with cumin and chili powder. Beanless Texas-style chili with real bite.

Pork with vegetables and cashews is a hands-off microwave dish: soy-seasoned pork, peas and mushrooms cooked in one casserole, thickened into a glossy glaze and finished with crunchy cashews. Easy over rice.

Honey-mustard turkey meatballs baked lean and tender, then glazed in a sweet-tangy honey-mustard sauce brightened with pineapple juice. Great as a party appetizer or a main over rice, with extra sauce for dipping.

Retro-elegant shrimp and cream cheese ring mold with bright lemon and parsley, drizzled with a sweet-spicy plum and Pickapeppa sauce. A stunning centerpiece for entertaining.

Oysters au champagne is a classic French appetizer: fresh oysters poached in champagne and oyster liquor with garlic butter, plated over a bed of wilted spinach, and cloaked in a silky roux sauce.

Original San Antone chili is authentic 19th-century Texas chili con carne: cubed beef and pork seared in suet, simmered in beef stock with ancho chile puree, garlic, and cumin. No beans, no tomato, all meat and chile.

Classic pan-fried yellow perch with crispy cornmeal crust, finished with lemon butter pan sauce. Fresh-caught lake fish ready in 45 minutes for simple suppers.

French bread pizza hero loaded with homemade mushroom-pepper-onion pizza sauce and melted cheese. Split-loaf pizza with a sauce simmered 15 minutes for real pizzeria flavor without the dough.

Trout fillets poached in court bouillon and served with a beurre blanc style herb butter sauce of chives, parsley, tarragon, and lemon.

Beer battered fried shrimp with paprika, white pepper, and Italian seasoning. A Southern-style golden crunchy shrimp fry classic for po-boys and shrimp baskets.

Grilled flounder fillets with lime, lemon, and quick-pickled cucumber noodles. A bright citrus-forward seafood dinner with a refreshing salad base.

Blanquette of veal is a classic French white stew with tender veal, cauliflower, and a silky sour cream and lemon sauce. Bistro comfort served over rice or noodles.

Chinese-style lemon chicken: crispy cornstarch-fried chicken sliced over crisp stir-fried vegetables and drenched in a glossy sweet-tart lemon sauce. The takeout favorite, made fresh at home.

Mushroom and spinach casserole sautees fresh mushrooms in butter, then bakes with creamed spinach, cream of chicken soup, and a buttery crouton crust. Crowd-pleasing party side or potluck bake.