Life took an unexpected turn for Heather Bell when she met her husband three decades ago. Back then, she never imagined herself living on a farm or raising a bustling household of eight children. But here she is, sharing her journey and her heart through her new cookbook, Mama Bell’s Big Family Cooking. This book isn’t just about recipes—it’s a celebration of family, love, and the art of nourishing those you care about.

For Heather, cooking has always been more than just preparing meals. It’s about creating moments and making each child feel welcome. “Every time our family grew through adoption, I had to expand my recipes or come up with something entirely new,” she says. With over 700,000 followers on Instagram, it’s clear that her passion resonates with people far beyond her own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a couple, her dishes are designed to bring warmth and comfort to the table.

So, if you're looking for some delicious inspiration for your next big family dinner or just want to try something new, check out these mouthwatering recipes from Mama Bell herself. They’re easy, flavorful, and sure to impress anyone who sits down at your table!

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Gideons Cajun Shrimp Bowl Mama Bells Big Family Cooking — Emily Weeks

Spice It Up: Gideon’s Cajun Shrimp Boil

Nothing screams Southern hospitality quite like a good old-fashioned Cajun shrimp boil. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a family gathering or a backyard barbecue. With its bold flavors and vibrant ingredients, this recipe will leave your guests asking for seconds—and thirds!

(Serves 12)

Ingredients:

1 (89-oz.) jug orange juice
1 (16-oz.) bottle lemon juice
1 (4 1⁄4-oz.) bottle lemon pepper seasoning
4 tbsp. cayenne
6 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning
1 (4 1⁄4-oz.) bottle paprika
2 (4 1⁄4-oz.) bottles garlic powder
2 (4 1⁄4-oz.) bottles onion powder
2 (13 1⁄2-oz.) pkgs. andouille sausage, sliced
2 red onions, peeled and sliced
1 (5-lb.) bag small red potatoes
12 ears corn, shucked and split
2 (2-lb.) bags frozen, raw, peeled and deveined large shrimp, tails off
2 (1-lb.) bags frozen jumbo sea scallops

Directions:

In a large stockpot, combine the first eight ingredients and give it a good stir to mix everything together.
Add the sausage, onions, potatoes, and corn to the pot. Cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Lower the heat to low, then toss in the seafood. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Let the pot sit for 10 minutes before removing the sausage, veggies, and seafood from the stock. Allow the food to rest for another 20 minutes before serving. This resting period helps lock in the flavors and makes everything extra delicious.

PER SERVING: 737 cal, 37g protein, 119g carbs, 16g fiber, 46g sugar, 18g fat

Cast Iron Lasagna Mama Bells Big Family Cooking — Emily Weeks

Comfort Food at Its Best: Cast-Iron Lasagna

Lasagna is one of those classic dishes that never goes out of style, and this version takes it to the next level. Using a cast-iron pan not only adds a rustic charm but also ensures even cooking. This recipe is hearty, rich, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.