What’s for Dinner | EASY Date Night at Home Meal Ideas | February 2024

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

Yes, we prefer to cook more at home than eat out. Eating out has gotten expensive and the food is okay.

[@KristinStepp]

Exactly!

[@BooksToAshes]

It really is expensive. Even takeout where I am is $15 CDN for ONE person. Crazy. Home cooked meals are more delicious anyway 🥰

[@leslieb4553]

Half the time I notice I could make better food than the restaurant….anf the servers are really dumb now. Can’t clear the table, can’t think to bring anything unless you ask. Then cash you out and wait for you to write your tip right in front of them. I was a server for a very long time and could work circles around most of them still. Common sense should be a menue item😂

[@sonyahubbard3226]

7:27 another suggestion for making lasagna: follow whatever traditional recipe sounds good, but build it in several small pans. Freeze the extras, it’s always nice to have a pre-made meal ready, for your own family or to take to another family.

[@KristinStepp]

Great idea!

[@murphy81775]

It’s just hubby and me here now that our daughter is in college. That loaf pan lasagna is perfect for us. Can’t wait to try it. What a fabulous idea!

[@Pjbookworm24]

I thought the same thing. It never occurred me to use a loaf pan. It’s genius!

[@patriciahagedorn5694]

My idea of going out would be coming to your house. You are the best cook and all your recipes look so dang gone yummy. Your family must go to bed with smiles on their face after eating one of your delicious meals. As expected, these meals turned out fabulous....can't wait to cook them.

[@KristinStepp]

Aw thank you so much!!

[@elainel7924]

I agree with you about eating out. We rarely do it anymore either due to the service and cost. Eating at home is the best!! Thanks for the ideas!

[@wsuter88]

One thing about mushrooms always make sure you DO NOT salt them first, you will get extra water in your pan. Once they are done searing and browning then add a touch of salt once done

[@mom4life513]

I didn't know that. Good to know

[@lauracunningham1149]

I ❤️ the lasagne in loaf pan. Great idea. Just hubby & me at home, so would work great for us. All the recipes look yummy!

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!!

[@RebelHips]

The only thing that impresses me more than your cooking, is how easily you say Worcestershire. Bravo!

[@morganmcmorries9053]

I use a slice of Colby Jack when I make the Alice springs chicken!!

[@peggyjohnson9837]

It's fun to eat out,but you can't beat a delicious home cooked meal!

[@brendatate8986]

Everything looks delicious! Just to let you know at Walmart they have a gauge that you put on your propane tank and it tells you all the time how much gas you have. We just got one the other day because running out of gas while cooking has happened to us. It’s with the outdoor cooking supplies with the black stones and grills. Mine was about $14.98 Well worth it in my book. Have a wonderful week!

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!! & oh how I appreciate you letting me know, I’ve always wondered how I could prevent that from happening and didn’t know that existed.

[@ashleyreaume6486]

Congrats on trying mushrooms! I too was against mushrooms, and have slowly started to try them! Apparently the trick is to really really cook them down, almost like you're making carmelized onions- it makes them taste more 'meaty'. You can also sneak them into ground beef by pulverizing both in a processor.

[@urfavISLANDGIRL]

Can we please have a freezer tour or clean out pls

[@pamlajoie4787]

Wow, everything looked wonderful. I'm going to try the parmesan garlic potatoes for sure!

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy! ❤

[@mistysnyder7622]

This all looks delicious! Thanks for your content 🙂I wanna try the brussel sprouts can you share tips on doing it on the stop top? I just went to the store for them lol

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you! You can just sauté them in some oil and butter and seasonings until they are fork tender and as brown as you’d like. They are also amazing in the air fryer if you have one!

[@beckyholbrook7395]

I cook at home almost exclusively. I think I’m a pretty good cook. I usually can make whatever at home better than I can get out. Steaks aren’t usually better at home. We get those out.

[@KristinStepp]

I’ve definitely had my share of tough steaks at home.

[@lauradennis6985]

I’d love to see more restaurant copy cat recipes, as I am super excited to try that Alice springs chicken now!!

[@JeannetteSparr]

Mushrooms are not vegetables. But I do agree, because of how and where they're grown, they need washed. Another great video, thanks!!

[@MaritaCovarrubias01]

I’m with you. Eating out is so expensive, and honestly I hate being waited on. I’d rather cook at home any day.

[@elainemiller47]

I recently tried lasagna a different way. Substitute the marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce and chicken for the hamburger. Layer it like lasagna, but also incorporate cooked broccoli in the layers ( a good way to use up leftover broccoli). This is amazing!

[@KristinStepp]

That sounds really good!

[@yoncbwl2738]

I have never thought to make lasagna in a loaf pan. That is so smart. Thank you for that!!!

[@MzShaft]

Even Jacques pepin washed his mushrooms- it's just important to just quickly do that and not let them sit in water and when you cook them right away there's no issue When I fry mushrooms I fry them in no oil or butter first and let them let go of their liquid in the pan and they'll taste more intense and then I add onions and seasoning and garlic plus I finish with a squirt of lemon ..... u can add butter if u want once they are sautéed individually first

[@ba7186]

I always wash my mushrooms, try a nice cream sauce with mushrooms in it 👌🏻 steak or chicken on the side and broccoli

[@ArourTutor]

Good morning. My name is Lucky and I'm from CA. I love your channel and all your tips. You're clean and precise. I get hungry watching your channel. Thank you!

[@JennyOSunshine]

I agree about eating out. I usually like my own food better unless we’re going to a higher end place -and that adds up so it’s not an every week option.

[@thewashingtons702]

The mushrooms…. I do not like to rinse them because it absorbs the water. But! I take a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Damp the towel with water and clean your mushrooms like that. Wipe it down with the damp napkin, you kind of scrub them up all the nooks and crannies! It is a bit time consuming, but they come out perfectly sautéd! Also I seen another comment to not salt it right away! That is always a great tip too!!❤

[@jaxtonsmomma]

I agree with you about eating out. You are my fav youtuber❤️

[@KristinStepp]

Aw you’ve made my day! 💕

[@michellefitz4287]

The steak turned out perfectly perfect! Love the idea of lasagna in the loaf pan- brilliant. Good for you for buying some of the higher priced, higher quality food items, and really enjoying them. Really enjoyed the video!

[@sofiacandidori1006]

In Italy we use parmesan when we make pureè or mash potato. It's even on the directions of the box in the instant ones😊

[@Bexora_bc]

I definitely wash my full sized mushrooms to get rid of the dirt and stuff (The pre sliced ones always seem decently clean up here in Canada) then I'll cut them in slices or chunks. I turn my pan to medium heat then melt a couple Tblsp's of butter and toss the mushrooms in there. I'll add in about 1 to 2 tsp's of low sodium Soya sauce and a couple splashes of Worcestershire sauce. Cook them low and slow for about 10 to 15 mins. Great with steak and baked potatoes.

[@Babe-vi6cv]

for getting mushrooms clean without washing them(which is said to make them rubbery), you can gently rub them individually with a clean cloth/paper towel. i haven't tested, but i wonder if washing ahead of time and leaving to dry for a day or so would solve any texture issue.

[@22lilacsky]

Rinsing mushrooms right before cooking makes them mushy. But if you have time to, next time rinse them and dry them for a few hours on paper towels. The texture is so much better.

[@KellyJelly9976]

Thanks for sharing these recipes! They look so good. I would probably add balsamic vinegar to the brussel sprouts too because that's the only way that I can eat them. I wonder if the Carbone Marinara is better than Rao's.... I like the idea of putting the lasagna in the loaf pan.

[@ericamaki1072]

Learned this from my mother in law but I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta. Rinse it in the strainer and use it in the layers. So yummy

[@jennyt7612]

Thanks so much Kristin - your recipes look wonderful. I like your idea for the lasagne in the loaf pan. I quite like lasagne but find it too fiddly so I make pastitsio instead which is basically a thick layer of short chunky cooked noodles ( penne, shells etc) covered with all the meat sauce at once then all the ricotta topping. Like lasagne it is best left to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. You are so right about adding the egg to the ricotta. For days when you don't have the expensive marinara sauce just cook the ground beef with garlic, a can of crushed tomatoes & some tomato paste & simmer it for several hours, stirring & adding a little water as needed. My sister's Italian mother in law does this & the lengthy cooking time makes it great. I appreciate all the effort you put into your videos.

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!! & for the tip! ❤️

[@annabanana5546]

I learned this on the food network channel, never rinse your mushrooms. If they are dirty, just take a piece of paper towel and gently wipe the dirt off. I’ve been doing that for years and it works every time. 😊

[@rachelmorrison9952]

I tried the loaf pan lasagna and it was AMAZING!! Perfect size for Hubby and I since our son is away at college. I've always been hesitant to try the oven ready noodles but it turned out so good and not as rubbery or thick with regular lasagna noodles. I served it with a salad and 5 cheese garlic bread. Hubby said it was the best lasagna I have ever made. The only thing we differ on is he likes sugar in the sauce and I don't. It's hard getting used to cooking for only 2. ❤

[@KristinStepp]

I’m SO happy y’all loved it!! I agree on the noodles, I only want to use these from now on.

[@vickiP.]

Everything looks so yummy, not sure what I will try first!~

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!

[@reezagoorts2886]

Try Barefoot Contessas, Ina Gartens lasagna. It’s the only one I ever make. It’s delicious and fairly easy!

[@NatashaGraves555]

I always rinse my mushrooms really well. They have chunks of dirt on them lol you can pepper them and stuff but always salt last ❤

[@heatherjohnson2511]

Instead of lasagna noodles, you could always stuff giant shells or manicotti, or layer squash zucchini or eggplant...... just a thought, I love all your videos and I use a lot of your ideas, thank you for sharing ❤❤

[@carolenedaniel3729]

Thank you. Everything looked so delicious. I am trying to decide which recipe to try first. ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@maggie2936-q1m]

I rinse and rub off any visible dirt on mushrooms. It’s absolutely ok to wash them. Might have to cook a bit longer to release extra water.

[@lindseymorgan6625]

I am putting your lasagna on next week's meal plan! That is the perfect size for our family and we have very similar taste preferences.

[@JennyOSunshine]

I love how that no boil noodle fit perfectly in that loaf pan. Great idea! I learned something new from you

[@vbroadwater3745]

Thanks for sharing these recipes! Everything looks super delicious! 😋 can't hardly wait to try these recipes!

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@christeenprice5637]

I need to make lasagna in a loaf pan for my husband and I, awesome video, thanks 👍👍👍

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@arianahorton6003]

Hi Kristin! I really enjoy your What’s For Dinner videos. I feel that this date night spin off was a real hit. I cannot wait to try these recipes all of them look delicious. In my home we don’t eat out much , I cook at home throughout the week. Would you consider doing the Date Night videos every now and again throughout the year ? Not just in February?

[@sonyahubbard3226]

That first meal 🤌🏼 and the chicken 👏🏼

[@loveforAppalachia]

Girl, I completely hear you on the price of some of those pasta sauces! But I've honestly found that Rao's pizza sauce makes for the best "pasta sauce" for us. I'm definitely going to try the lasagna in the loaf pan! My family loves the Alice Springs chicken! Everything looks de-lish! ❤

[@KristinStepp]

I’ll have to try it! Thank you!!

[@ramyagudipudi4746]

I second that Rao’s is the best!!

[@KimClimer]

I love cacio e pepe. I use a ton of pepper in mine and use regular spaghetti because the last thing I need in my pantry is more pasta 😂

[@courtneybashamfranklin9193]

Everything looks delicious! Thank you for the ideas! ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@celiazeiders6094]

Everything looks delicious

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@sherikrause4465]

Hi, I always make my lasagna like that but I’m going to try your garlic salt and pepper for the ricotta and I think I’m going to try the marinara sauce. I’ve seen it in the stores but I’ve never purchased it. Oh, and don’t forget fresh basil. Thank you.

[@frannie8189]

Thanks for all the yummy recipes Kristin! I can’t wait to try the Alice Springs chicken! That’s my go-to also when we would go to the Outback. But it’s been years since we’ve gone and I’m dying to try this one soon!

[@tinashort9098]

Oh honey!!!! Always, always wash those mushrooms!!!! I can’t believe you’ve never cooked them! I love them so much!!! Cooked or raw!!! These meals looked delicious!!!!!!❤❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@ifthecreekdontrise]

Wow 🤩 total deliciousness! Definitely want to try the last 2! Haven’t had either!

[@Kim-q5d]

yummy dinner idea ! no ricotta and no mushrooms for us.

[@ruthannhendricks7614]

All of these look so delicious! Thanks for sharing.

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@melissasearl5205]

Those parmesan crusted potatoes looked amazing! I can't wait to try them. I know my husband will love them.

[@LisaH582]

I can't wait to try every one of your recipes!

[@LisaH582]

I made your Loaf Pan Lasagna tonight - absolutely delicious! I think it's genius to make it in a loaf pan. It fed four adults and we had leftovers. I will definitely make this again.

[@KristinStepp]

@LisaH582 yay!! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

[@carlak8419]

Look at you being an overcomer!!! This is appropriate content that brings forth only some of your skills. Way to go, momma!

[@KristinStepp]

Aw thank you!!

[@ChristinaJ_too]

Hi Kristin! I don’t comment much on videos but I wanted to tell you that I absolutely loved this one! I always do love your videos, but this one was particularly good because my husband and I are the same way. We rarely go out to a restaurant and usually come home disappointed because it cost us so much and the food was mediocre. I’m definitely going to try all of these recipes out! They look fabulous and I sure appreciated all of your hard work! Thank you so much! ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Aw thank you!! I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to brighten mine! 💕

[@beckyhines3814]

It all looked so good. I took my son and his fiance out for Mexican and it was a little expensive but I've been wanting to for a while. Well I will be moving into a apartment in 3 to 4 months finally. Now the fun part packing. Ugh!

[@shannoncook7731]

Love your videos! I get so much inspiration ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!! I’m so glad! 💕

[@murphy81775]

Great video idea and very timely with the prices!

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!

[@beckysonnier6369]

Everything looks great 😊

[@julieparnell8380]

The lasagna is brilliant!!!! Our kids have gotten to the age where it’s not cool to hang out with us on the weekend.. So this looks like a good thing for us to try!

[@mirthfulllaugh]

Love the idea of making a lasagna in a loaf pan. I like lasagna and this way looks so much easier!

[@SunnyInSecond]

Those potatoes look amazing!! I have a bag of little baby potatoes, so it’s going down this weekend!

[@murphy81775]

Higher-quality marinara is worth the splurge. It really is.

[@MarthaHoward-x4i]

You are smart, talented, creative and well-spoken.

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!

[@StephyRae83]

That lasagna looked amazing...hey, do they make those lasagna sheets in a bigger size? Like for a bigger pan of Lasagna? We LOVE Italian food in this house, so I'd have to make a huge batch of it, but I'd love to try your recipe out!

[@KristinStepp]

I’m pretty sure it’s only the one size but you could just lay them out side by side to fit whatever pan you use. ❤️

[@kathear15]

You handled that steak situation beautifully. 🤗I know you said you were panicked, but you got it done, honey! Those potatoes look so good, I'm definitely gonna make them. When it comes to mushrooms, as a professional and trained chef, I recommend washing them, always wash your produce. And people will say that you shouldn't bc they retain water, but if you are going to cook them it's not going to matter honestly. If you are eating them raw, then wash them a little less because the texture will change. But I don't really care for raw mushrooms anyway. The way you did it makes sense to me, just a little rinse and they're good to go. I have been watching your videos since 2019 and I can tell you are a natural cook, your instincts were spot on for this one, don't doubt yourself. 💜 These meals look better than anything you could order at a restaurant.

[@KristinStepp]

Aw thank you so much for the kind words & for sticking around all this time! ❤️❤️

[@kathear15]

@@KristinStepp You're welcome, it is my pleasure. 🥰 I found your channel when I was going through a hard time in my life. I'm in a much better place now but your videos are still a comfort. You're always inspiring me! 🌟

[@bonniepwtf]

I volunteer to be your taste tester🤚so I can have some of those meals! Every single thing you made looked delicious. Brilliant idea for the lasagna in the loaf pan for those of us that are cooking for 1 or 2. Thank you Kristin 🤗❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!! 💕

[@jillridler2216]

Date night dinners looking fabulous!!! Those parm. potatoes are going on my menu list! Thank you

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@SoTired083]

I can be weird with mushrooms too. I'm trying and learning too lol

[@joannburns1090]

Everything looked delish. I can't wait to try that loaf pan lasagna! What a great idea ❤❤❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@heathertimms50]

Thank you for all these ideas! It's just me, my hubby ( & a chihuahua) so it's perfect! Also my sister WILL NOT eat any noodles other than angel hair noodles, she said the rest of them feel like worms. LOL Prob not as common with lasagna noodles but it made me think of her. :)

[@yaricontreras3063]

Hi again love thank you for a great video ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!! ❤

[@krystlereese2543]

Oh that chicken looks amazing! Can’t wait to try some of these 😊

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@BlackandDeckerPeckerWrecker]

I put the steak recipe and the lasagna on the menu for next week! Ill let you know how they come out, yours looked delicious

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy!!

[@BlackandDeckerPeckerWrecker]

​​@@KristinStepp Kristin, those were the best lasagna and steak recipes we have ever eaten, and he doesnt even like lasagna and i dont even like steak! So delicious, will be using your recipes for these meals again!!

[@landonbrock928]

I love your recipes!!!! I also love the way you say olive oil!!! Your accent is amazing

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@PenelopePeppers]

Gonna try the Alice Springs Chicken recipe !!! wish me Luck 🙃

[@KristinStepp]

I hope you love it as much as we did!

[@amyprice3661]

Can’t wait to try your lazzagna recipe

[@GrammieBear5]

Really good stuff in this video

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!

[@johnbrooks8258]

Great job!

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!

[@monicadecker185]

I made your white chicken enchiladas last night and my husband loved them. He is a little hard to please. Will definitely keep that one in my pocket

[@KristinStepp]

Yay I’m so glad!!

[@lizsim]

Usually go out to lunch on weekend. Never go out to dinner. Such a hassle

[@JennyOSunshine]

I’ve never used a recipe for lasagna. Good job

[@annethompson2212]

everything looks absolutely delicious 😋 😊

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@shawnbyars3618]

Love these recipes!

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!

[@mylittlepony-s1m]

cool

[@lindagoodman5333]

WOW Sis everyone of these look AMAZING

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!

[@CaliMishell]

Lasagna only sounds good once a year. My ears hurt 🤣 You’re adorable and know what works for your family!

[@stephaniehays4527]

Ive got to try those potatos! Heck yes to the Barilla noodles, ill never go back to the others. Tfs👍💖

[@christeenprice5637]

Girl wow

[@SRJ12-t2t]

Lasagna is my favorite food …My family add pepperoni to theirs 😋 even better the next day

[@melissamclaughlin4383]

Fantastic date night ideas.love them All.😊 you're amazing 😍 thank you for always thinking outside the box.always something new,and always so delicious 😋. Kristin,it's always such a pleasure seeing you 💕💕💕 i hope you all have a wonderful day and rest of your week.lots of love and support😊❤❤😊😊

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!! 💕

[@uncleleo1873]

Totally agreed on going out to eat sometimes. Pay more money, lack of service, and quality at that? Forget it! We'll handle this :)