Recipe of the Week
Simple, Satisfying Meals for the New Year
Meals for the New Year: While you’re easing your family back into routines in the new year, simple, wholesome meals can help you stretch your grocery dollars further and find your rhythm in the kitchen again. This Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl satisfies both eyes and stomachs through a combination of black beans, eggs and sauteed vegetables.
Last Updated on January 25, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Simple, Satisfying Meals for the New Year
(Family Features) While you’re easing your family back into routines in the new year, simple, wholesome meals can help you stretch your grocery dollars further and find your rhythm in the kitchen again.
Satisfying and approachable recipes that come together quickly using a dependable base ingredient like beans are resonating with home cooks, helping take the pressure out of cooking. Grown, cooked and canned in America, Bush’s Recipe Beans add plant-based protein and fiber to any dish, making it easy to achieve new year’s goals while bringing flavorful meals with high-quality ingredients to the table.
For a warm, colorful way to start your morning without spending extra time in the kitchen, consider this Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl, which satisfies both eyes and stomachs through a combination of black beans, eggs and sauteed vegetables. Or put a Mediterranean twist on lunch and dinner with this Greek Dense Bean Salad, a bright, fresh dish that includes chick peas and cannellini beans.
Visit bushbeans.com for more meal ideas that help you cook more, spend less and gather with loved ones.
Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked sweet potatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) Bush’s Black Beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 fried eggs
- 1 avocado, sliced
- cotija cheese, crumbled
- lime wedges, for serving
- In large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until peppers are softened, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Add sweet potatoes, black beans and chili powder; stir to combine. Cook until potatoes and beans are warmed through, 4-5 minutes.
- Divide bean mixture between two bowls. Top each bowl with fried egg, avocado slices and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges.
Greek Dense Bean Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cucumber, grated, excess water drained
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Salad:
- 1 can (16 ounces) Bush’s Chick Peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) Bush’s Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cucumber, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Greek dressing (directions below)
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (directions below)
- chicken skewers (optional), for serving
- To make dressing: In food processor or blender, blend olive oil; red wine vinegar; lemon juice; Dijon mustard; garlic; oregano; and salt and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Set aside.
- To make tzatziki sauce: In bowl, stir yogurt; cucumber; lemon juice; olive oil; garlic; dill; and salt and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Set aside.
- To make salad: In large bowl, combine chick peas, cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, feta cheese and parsley; toss with dressing.
- Top with tzatziki sauce and serve with chicken skewers, if desired.
- Chef’s tip: Store leftover tzatziki sauce separate from salad.
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Food and Beverage
Philly-Style Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches: An Easy, Cheesy Dinner
Bring sandwich night home with these Philly-style chicken cheesesteaks. Thinly sliced chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, and melted cheese fill toasted hoagie rolls for a satisfying meal in about 35 minutes.
Food & Drink
Easy Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe
Tender chicken, golden onions, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese tucked into a toasted hoagie roll—this Philly-style chicken cheesesteak brings plenty of comfort to the dinner table without a complicated ingredient list.
Inspired by the beef cheesesteak, this chicken version makes a satisfying lunch, a casual weekend meal, or an easy dinner when you want something warm and filling. The trick is to slice the chicken thin, give it room to brown, and melt the cheese right over the filling before scooping everything into the rolls.
This home-style recipe includes bell peppers, with mushrooms as an optional addition. Make it your own with creamy white American cheese, mild provolone, or a slice of each.
Recipe at a Glance
● Servings: 4 sandwiches
● Prep time: Approximately 15 minutes
● Cook time: Approximately 20 minutes
● Total time: Approximately 35 minutes
● Equipment: Large skillet with a lid, cutting board, sharp knife, and a separate skillet or oven for toasting rolls
Ingredients
For the filling
● 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, very thinly sliced across the grain
● 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
● 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
● 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil, divided
● 1 teaspoon garlic powder
● ½ teaspoon paprika
● ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
● ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
● 8 slices provolone or white American cheese, or a combination
For the sandwiches
● 4 hoagie rolls
● 2 tablespoons softened butter
● Mayonnaise, optional
● Hot sauce or sliced pickled peppers, optional
Optional addition: 8 ounces sliced mushrooms. Cook them with the vegetables, working in batches if needed so they brown instead of steam.
How to Make Philly-Style Chicken Cheesesteaks
1. Slice and season the chicken
Slice the chicken as thinly as you comfortably can, cutting across the grain. Toss with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Kitchen tip: If the chicken is difficult to slice, place it in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm it slightly first. This optional chilling time is additional to the recipe’s listed prep time.
2. Sauté the onions and peppers
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.
Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
3. Cook the chicken
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the chicken in an even layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning and separating the pieces as they cook. Timing will vary with the thickness of the chicken and the heat of your pan. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F, checking the thickest pieces with a food thermometer.
Use a spatula to break the cooked chicken into smaller, sandwich-friendly pieces.
4. Toast the rolls
While the chicken cooks, split the hoagie rolls without cutting all the way through. Spread the cut sides with softened butter.
Toast them butter-side down in a separate skillet over medium heat until lightly golden. Alternatively, toast them cut-side up under the broiler, watching closely.
5. Combine the filling and melt the cheese
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the chicken and toss together. Reduce the heat to low.
Arrange the filling into four portions and place two slices of cheese over each portion. Cover the skillet briefly, just until the cheese melts. If your skillet is too small, melt the cheese over two portions at a time.
6. Fill and serve
Spread a little mayonnaise inside the rolls if desired. Scoop a portion of cheesy chicken and vegetables into each roll.
Finish with hot sauce or pickled peppers if you like a little heat, and serve immediately.
Tips for a Better Sandwich
Keep the chicken thin. Thin slices cook quickly and make the sandwich easier to bite into.
Give the pan some space. Crowding traps moisture. Cooking in batches helps the chicken develop a browned surface.
Choose a sturdy roll. A roll with a soft interior and enough structure to hold the filling works well. Light toasting helps it stand up to the juices.
Pick your cheese. White American gives the filling a creamy texture. Provolone adds a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Combining them gives you a little of both.
Adjust the vegetables. Try red bell pepper for a sweeter filling, add mushrooms, or keep it simple with onions and cheese.
What to Serve With Chicken Cheesesteaks
French fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad all make easy sides. For a simple lunch, add a dill pickle and a handful of potato chips.
Can You Make the Filling Ahead?
Yes. Cook the chicken and vegetables ahead, then keep the filling separate from the rolls. Reheat it until hot throughout before adding cheese and assembling the sandwiches. Toast the rolls just before serving for the best texture.
A Comfort-Food Favorite for Your Dinner Rotation
These Philly-style chicken cheesesteaks turn a handful of everyday ingredients into a hearty meal. With tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and cheese melted into every serving, they’re an easy option for sandwich night.
What goes on your chicken cheesesteak—provolone, white American, mushrooms, or extra peppers? Tell us in the comments.
Find more recipes and meal inspiration in the STM Daily News Food & Drink section.
Related reading from STM Daily News
- Easy Homemade Chicken Alfredo Recipe Another comforting chicken dinner to try.
- Fried Chicken from the Comfort of Home More inspiration for homemade chicken meals.
- How to Make Country Style Lemonade A refreshing drink to serve with your sandwiches.
- STM Daily News Food & Drink Explore more recipes, food news, and meal ideas.
Helpful cooking reference
Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures — FoodSafety.gov Supports the recipe’s instruction to cook chicken to 165°F.
- Philadelphia Cheesesteaks — Visit Philadelphia — Explore Philadelphia’s signature sandwich and cheesesteak culture. Visit Philadelphia
- A Guide to the Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia — Includes shops serving traditional and chicken variations. Visit Philadelphia
- Chicken From Farm to Table — USDA — Guidance on handling, thawing, cooking, and storing chicken. Food Safety and Inspection Service
- Leftovers and Food Safety — USDA — Helpful storage and reheating guidance for leftover sandwich filling. Food Safety and Inspection Service
(Feature Impact) Out with the ordinary, in with the weird – that’s what the Halloween season is all about. These Halloween Monster Burgers give a ghoulishly fun twist on burger night, featuring all your favorite toppings transformed into olive eyes, cheese fangs and a pickle tongue.
Whether you reach for a traditional hamburger patty or switch it up with chicken, turkey, bean or veggie options, the effect is the same: a dinner that looks like it escaped from a mad scientist’s lab. It’s a good way to get some protein and veggies into kids before the trick-or-treating sugar rush, and you can even make it interactive by inviting them to decorate their own monsters and come up with creative variations.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for some spooky hors d’oeuvres to impress at this year’s Halloween party, these burgers are easy to size down into slider form. Serve a whole tray of mini monsters ready to devour – or be devoured by – hungry guests.
Find more Halloween recipe inspiration at Culinary.net.
Halloween Monster Burgers
Recipe adapted from Happy Foods Tube
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
- 4 hamburger, chicken or veggie patties
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoons ketchup, plus additional, to taste, divided
- 4 hamburger buns
- 8 leaves baby romaine lettuce
- 4 slices dill pickles, sliced lengthwise
- 4 cheese slices
- 8 large green olives, pits removed
- Cook burger patties until they reach desired doneness.
- In small bowl, combine mayonnaise and 4 teaspoons ketchup. Spread each bun base with about 1 tablespoon mayo sauce then add two lettuce leaves and cooked burger patty.
- Add pickle slice as monster “tongue.” Take each cheese slice and cut triangles into one side to resemble teeth; add to burger then cover with ketchup “blood,” to taste.
- Stick olives on toothpicks and add two to each top bun as “eyeballs.”
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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(Feature Impact) Fall flavors and Halloween decorations make an ideal seasonal combination. These Cinnamon Spiced Ghost Cupcakes are the perfect example, with the warmth and sweetness of the cake offering a tasty base for piles of frightful frosting. All it takes to transform a swirl of white buttercream into a spooky ghost is a couple dots of food coloring, chocolate chips or another candy of choice.
They’re simple to make, easy to personalize and fun for all ages, whether you’re baking a tray for kids to decorate or bringing them to a Halloween party. Add sprinkles, a dusting of cinnamon or decorations that fit your theme.
Find more seasonal recipes to enjoy at Culinary.net.
Cinnamon Spiced Ghost Cupcakes
Recipe adapted from The Marble Kitchen
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 16 minutes
Servings: 12
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3-5 tablespoons heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- black food dye or chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350 F and line cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
- Using electric or stand mixer, cream butter, sugar and brown sugar about 4 minutes on medium or medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add egg, mixing well and scraping down bowl.
- In small bowl or measuring cup, whisk milk and vanilla. Set aside.
- Add 1/3 dry ingredient mixture to butter mixture and beat until combined. Add 1/2 milk mixture and mix well. Continue alternating dry and wet ingredients.
- Bake about 16 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in middle of cupcake comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- To make frosting: Using electric or stand mixer, beat butter and salt on medium-high speed 5 minutes, scraping down bowl halfway through.
- Reduce speed to low and add sugar 1/2 cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream until 3 tablespoons have been added. Stop occasionally to scrape down bowl. Once all sugar is in, add vanilla and beat on medium-low 1 minute until light and fluffy. If desired, add additional cream 1 teaspoon at a time until frosting reaches preferred consistency.
- Place buttercream in piping bag with large round tip. Pipe tall mounds of frosting on each cupcake in ghost shapes (wider on bottom, narrower on top). Add dots of black food dye or chocolate chips for eyes.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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