10+ Easy Recipes for the Beginner Cook
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Getting started in the kitchen can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve rounded up 10 simple, foolproof recipes that are perfect for beginner cooks. Whether you’re learning to make meals for the first time or need some quick, tasty ideas to add to your rotation, these recipes will set you up for success.
10+ Recipes for the Beginning Cook
We all had to start somewhere. When younger cooks tell me they have no idea how to cook, my advice to them is, “Take one recipe at a time.”
Aside from a few basics I learned from my parents, that is how I learned. And now I have two published cookbooks.
This roundup is for those who just need some simple starter recipes that will make you look and feel like a skilled chef or baker.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Simple and delicious. Simply layer a few ingredients together and bake. This will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home. Like the slow cooker? Then, try our Chicken Parmesan Sliders instead.
Newbie Tip: Buy a fully-cooked rotisserie chicken at the grocery store, pull off the meat, and you’ve got an even quicker and easier meal. Hey, and don’t forget to save the chicken bones to make some chicken broth to freeze for later. Wow, you’re really cooking now!
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies
This sheet pan dinner only requires 3 main ingredients and is nutritious and satisfying. Under 30 minutes from start to finish and perfect for weekly meal prep!
Ham and Cheese Sliders
This has become my “people are coming over” dish of choice. Simple ingredients, easy to assemble and make ahead of time, and impressive in taste.
Powerball Cookies
These healthier, no-bake cookies are super easy to put together. I love to freeze them and pull a few out at a time to have as an afternoon snack. No baking necessary!
Oven Roasted Broccoli
Once you’ve had broccoli this way, you will never go back. I wish I would have known about this trick 10 years ago. I would have eaten many more veggies back in the day.
Simple Homemade Granola
SO many people have asked me for this recipe over the years. Most are amazed at how simple and easy it is to make, too. Store for weeks in the fridge for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack.
Crockpot Pulled Pork
Who doesn’t love a simple BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich with moist shredded meat? After a day in the slow cooker, this shredded pork is a total crowd-pleaser. Not only is it an easy dump-and-go meal for the Crockpot but it’s also a great make-ahead freezer meal!
Southwest Chicken Tenders
We LOVE this recipe. I didn’t realize how easy it was to make either! Impressive results for very little work and cooking skills. Once you’ve made the chicken tenders, you can toss them into Southwest Chicken Bacon Wraps or Southwest Chicken Burritos Bowls.
Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
This pantry staple Vegetarian Tortilla Soup recipe is a meatless “one-pot wonder” that I’ve been making and freezing for years for my family. Filled with beans, tomatoes, chilis, corn, and more, it only gets better the longer it sits in the fridge.
Breakfast Egg Muffins
A great recipe to kick off the day! Assemble a few ingredients and simply bake. You can customize it to what ingredients you like. These refrigerate well, so make them ahead of time and enjoy all week long. You may also like our Oven Omelet.
Creamy Chicken Taquitos
Slow cooker chicken and cheese taquitos is a delicious meal that the whole family will love! Be sure to make a double batch for the freezer. Then, you can pull out however many you want and throw them directly in the oven for a quick weeknight dinner.
Mixed Fruit Baked Oatmeal
Oh, my blessed baked oatmeal. Everyone should have this recipe in their back pocket. It’s hearty and packed with good ingredients to start your day. Try our other variations too:
Crockpot Mexican Chicken
This creamy, comforting Crockpot Mexican Chicken makes for a delicious, healthy, and EASY meal. Serve over brown rice or Cilantro Lime Rice with your favorite Mexican toppings. Freezer meal instructions included, so you can double the batch and have another later.
Or, try our Instant Pot Mexican Chicken recipe instead.
In Conclusion
Mastering the basics of cooking is easier than you think with these beginner-friendly recipes. As you gain confidence in the kitchen, you’ll be able to experiment and build on these foundational skills.
Remember, the more you cook, the more fun it becomes! So keep practicing, enjoy the process, and savor every delicious bite.
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