Life doesn’t get better than this. This is a family favorite of ours, and we never ever need to worry about leftovers! Yum!

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepare Your Protein:**
Start by cooking your protein of choice. If you’re using chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Cook it until it’s golden and cooked through. Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using ground beef or tofu, cook them in a skillet, breaking them up as needed.

2. **Sauté the Aromatics:**
In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. This will form the flavor base for your dish.

3. **Combine the Protein and Sauce:**
Once your protein is ready, add it to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in your sauce of choice and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Add any seasonings you like at this point to really bring out the taste.

4. **Add the Rice or Pasta:**
If you’re using rice or pasta, stir it into the mixture now. This step helps make the dish more filling and hearty. Ensure everything is well-coated with sauce.

5. **Top with Cheese:**
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture, then cover and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. **Garnish and Serve:**
Once everything is cooked and the cheese has melted, garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve it hot, and watch as everyone digs in—guaranteed, there won’t be any leftovers!

### Tips for the Perfect Family Favorite

– **Make it a One-Pan Meal:**
To simplify cleanup, try making this entire dish in one skillet or pan. This is a quick way to reduce mess while keeping the flavors all in one place.

– **Customize the Sauce:**
Feel free to get creative with the sauce! A creamy Alfredo sauce, tangy barbecue sauce, or even a tomato-based marinara will work beautifully with the protein.

– **Add Veggies:**
You can sneak in some extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to make the dish more nutritious. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic to enhance the flavor.

– **Double the Recipe:**
If you’re serving a larger crowd or want leftovers for lunch the next day (though we can’t guarantee there will be any!), feel free to double the recipe. It’s just as easy to make a larger batch, and everyone will thank you for it.

### Why You’ll Never Have Leftovers

What makes this dish such a hit is how satisfying it is. It’s not overly complicated, but it has all the right flavors that make you want to finish every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with your family at the dinner table or serving it at a gathering, it’s the kind of meal that gets everyone to the table and keeps them there until the last bite is gone. It’s no wonder there are *never* any leftovers!

### Conclusion

When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than having a go-to recipe that everyone loves. This family favorite is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—what more could you ask for? With its perfect balance of flavors, simplicity, and ability to bring people together, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home, too.

So, next time you’re looking to make a meal that will disappear as soon as it’s served, give this one a try. It’s a dish that’s not just satisfying—it’s a true family favorite that makes every dinner feel special.