Photo: © Iain Bagwell

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King Ranch Casserole
Why guests love it: This casserole is the ultimate combination of cheesy, meaty and spicy, with Tex-Mex ingredients that are perennially popular. There are peppers and onions, tomatoes, sour cream, chicken, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, corn tortillas—and a just-right amount of cumin and chili powder.

Why cooks love it: The recipe calls for smoked chicken, but you can also use a store-bought rotisserie bird and the dish will still taste delicious. You've got options when it comes to how to bake the casserole, too: either do it before guests arrive and reheat before serving, or have the dish assembled and ready to go and just pop it in the oven about 40 minutes before you want to eat.

Get the recipe: King Ranch Chicken