When returning a dish/plate/bowl to someone after they have cooked your family a meal (in the case of being ill); is it proper etiquitte to return this dish with something in it vs. empty? Thank you.

I think it's proper etiquette to just return it clean with a thank you note.

I would simply like to get it back! I have lost several dishes at potlucks, etc.

Clean with a thank you note is the proper way to go.

Dittoes to Kae and Em. Preferably clean and a simple thank you is more than enough. Kindnesses like that are never expected to be returned with more than that.

I usually return it with some home baking as in a big loaf of warm fresh out of the oven home made bread which everyone enjoys, or if time permits and my family likes, a big piece of carrot cake with cream cheese icing, but only if I know the people are not diabetics!