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25 Meaty Mains to Fuel Your Football Frenzy

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Put down those lackluster bags of chips and step up your Super Bowl game with 25 Meaty Mains that’ll make your football party absolutely legendary. These protein-packed powerhouses are the MVPs of any game day spread.

Scooping out a spoonful of walking taco casserole.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These recipes are not just about feeding your Super Bowl guests; they’re about celebrating the flavors that make game day epic! With these meaty mains on your menu, you’re about to score some serious points with your hungry huddle.

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Walking Taco Casserole

Imagine a taco you can eat with a fork—enter the Walking Taco Casserole, a game day revelation. This dish is a flavor-packed huddle of ground beef, cheese, veggies, and the crunch of Fritos. It’s the casserole that’ll make you forget you ever needed a taco shell.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Crock Pot chili mac in the slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When chili and mac & cheese have a baby, you get Slow Cooker Chili Mac, the ultimate comfort food mashup. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you kick back and wait for the cheesy, beefy magic to happen. It’s a bowl of goodness that’s ready by kickoff.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Instant Pot Gumbo

closeup of gumbo in a bowl
Instant Pot Gumbo. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy Instant Pot Gumbo, where sausage and shrimp tackle your hunger with gusto. This Cajun concoction cooks up faster than a running back dodging tackles, thanks to your Instant Pot. It’s a hearty stew that’s a total game changer.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Gumbo

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Closeup of Italian beef sandwich with peppers and provolone.
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches are the MVPs of meaty, saucy goodness, slow-cooked to perfection. Pile that tender beef high on a bun, blanket it with provolone, and you’ve got a sandwich that scores every time.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Instant Pot pulled pork sliders on a wooden cutting board
Instant Pot Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork is one of the best tailgate dish ever. This tender, shredded pork comes together so fast, it’s like it’s been training for the big leagues. Serve it up and watch it disappear faster than the halftime show.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Crock Pot Beer Brats

beer brats on a cutting board with beer and slow cooker in the background
Crock Pot Beer Brats. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Beer Brats are the bratwursts that bathed in beer, making them the juiciest addition to your game day spread. It’s like bringing the beer garden to your living room, with onions for the assist.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beer Brats

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Air Fryer Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Hot Dogs are here to show you what perfectly cooked frankfurters look like, no grill required. Whether you’re team frozen or team breadstick-wrapped, these dogs are coming out top dog. It’s the quick and easy way to a fan-favorite meal, with a side of crispy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

three chicken tacos on a plate with toppings.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos are the set-it-and-forget-it miracle, cooking up a storm while you’re getting ready for the game. Sweet honey and zesty lime come together, tackling your chicken in a flavor blitz. These tacos are so easy, you might just volunteer for snack duty every game.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot Pineapple Chili

Instant Pot Pineapple Chili - Upstate Ramblings
Instant Pot Pineapple Chili – Upstate Ramblings

Sweet meets heat in this Instant Pot Pineapple Chili, where the tropics and the tailgate collide. This unexpected player brings a sweet and spicy combo to your chili lineup. It’s the kind of comfort food that’ll have you doing a victory dance after every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pineapple Chili

Crock Pot Pineapple Meatballs

A spoonful of meatballs and vegetables in a pot.
Crock Pot Pineapple Meatballs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Pineapple Meatballs are the snack that’ll have you wondering why you didn’t combine fruit and meat sooner. These sweet and savory bites are the set-and-forget heroes that’ll make you the snack MVP.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pineapple Meatballs

Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

close up of Instant Pot French dip on a plate
Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches are here to dunk on all other sandwiches with their au jus swagger. This chuck roast gets cooked to tender, flavorful perfection, ready to fall apart at the slightest touch. They’re the sandwiches that’ll have everyone dipping in record time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Air Fryer Nachos

side view of a plate of air fryer nachos loaded with toppings.
Air Fryer Nachos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Nachos are the stacked team of crispy chips, pulled pork, and melted cheese that’s ready to win snack time. Top ’em with all your favorites and you’ve got a personalized play that’s all flavor, no flag. It’s the quick-fix for your nacho cravings, leaving more time for cheering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nachos

Crockpot Chili Without Beans

chili in a bowl
Crockpot Chili Without Beans. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

For the bean-averse, this Crockpot Chili Without Beans brings the heat and the meat, swapping in extra veggies for a healthy fake-out. It’s the slow-cooked wonder that’s as hearty as a linebacker and just as satisfying. This chili’s got game, and it’s not afraid to flaunt it—bean-free.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili Without Beans

Air Fryer Carnitas

pork carnitas in a corn tortilla.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get ready for a Mexican fiesta with these Air Fryer Carnitas, where the pork gets all crispy-edged and ridiculously tender. These bad boys are perfect for stuffing tacos or burritos, making you the top chef on game day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

slow cooker pulled chicken in crockpot
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Imagine chicken so tender it practically shreds itself; that’s what you get with this Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Just toss it in, forget about it, and come back to a meaty masterpiece perfect for piling on rolls. With this in your game day playbook, you’re sure to score big with the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme

top view of copycat taco bell nacho fries supreme
Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whip up a batch of Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme, and watch your living room turn into the tastiest tailgate. These fries come out crispy and loaded with all the beefy, cheesy, creamy toppings you crave. It’s the at-home fast food hack that’ll have everyone cheering for more than just the game.
Get the Recipe: Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme

Crock Pot Hot Dogs

close up of hot dogs on a tray
Crock Pot Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When it’s game time, Crock Pot Hot Dogs are your best play for feeding a hungry team with zero hassle. Just let the slow cooker work its magic, and you’ll have perfectly steamed hot dogs ready for the bun. It’s the hands-off way to keep everyone fueled and focused on the field action.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Hot Dogs

Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks

Two chicken legs on a blue plate.
Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks are here to kick the boring chicken blues to the curb with their crispy, cheesy glory. These keto-friendly wonders are a snap to whip up, making them a game day winner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks

Buffalo Chicken Chili

Bowl of chili on a table with celery and bread.
Buffalo Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn up the heat with this Buffalo Chicken Chili, a game-changing spin on a cozy classic. It’s loaded with all the spicy, chicken-y goodness you’d expect, plus some beans for good measure.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Chili

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Bowl of Chick-fil-a tortilla soup topped with tortillas and cilantro.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a bowl of this Chicken Tortilla Soup and taste the comfort that rivals Chick-fil-A’s famous recipe. Homemade and brimming with flavor, it’s like a warm hug in soup form.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

plate of Cincinnati chili topped with cheese, beans and onions.
Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cincinnati Chili simmering in the slow cooker is the set-it-and-forget-it wonder that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. With a unique blend of spices, ground beef, and tomato sauce, it’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for game day grazing. Just dump it in, let the slow cooker do its thing, and ladle it over spaghetti or hot dogs for the win.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Air Fryer Brats

top view of bratwurst with sauerkraut and pierogies
Air Fryer Brats. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Brats give you that grilled taste without firing up the barbecue. Whether they’re fresh, pre-cooked, or straight from the freezer, they’ll turn out perfectly in just 15 minutes. These sausages are the ultimate quick fix for your meaty craving, leaving you more time for the game.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Bowl of slow cooker baked ziti.
Crock Pot Baked Ziti. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti is the belly-filler that’ll keep the fans cheering, with layers of pasta, cheese, and sausage coming together in melty harmony. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on the plays. It’s the stress-free path to a pasta-lover’s paradise, right in time for kickoff.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

A piece of chicken being pulled out of an air fryer.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Ditch the drive-thru because these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are scoring all the points for being crispy outside and tender inside. Homemade and healthier, they’re the guilt-free snack you’ll want to make on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

top view of slow cooker ribs with corn and mashed potatoes on a tray.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let the slow cooker take the reins with these Country Style Ribs, where peach preserves and honey join forces for a sweet and savory triumph. Just set it, forget it, and get ready for some finger-licking goodness at halftime.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

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Meaty main dishes for game day.
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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