For those who struggle in the kitchen and say they can “burn water,” there’s no need to worry. Here are 23 incredibly easy and tasty dishes that even the most novice cook can ace. These recipes require minimal ingredients and simple techniques, making them perfect for beginners. With these simple recipes, anyone can create tasty dishes in no time, even if they have previously struggled in the kitchen. So grab your apron and give these recipes a try – you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish!
Brisket Fried Rice
Got some leftover brisket? It’s time to make brisket fried rice. It’s genius – taking that rich brisket and mixing it up with the simplicity of fried rice. The result? A flavor explosion in your mouth. It’s like taking yesterday’s star dish and giving it a whole new role in a delicious kitchen production. And the best part? It’s so simple to whip up that you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
Here’s a cool trick: throw that corn on the cob into the air fryer. It’s quick, it’s easy, and the best part is you get this fantastic char on the corn. No fuss, just deliciousness. It’s like bringing that BBQ flavor into your kitchen anytime you want. And guess what? It’s perfect for those days when you’re craving that smoky, grilled corn taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties
Leftovers meet reinvention. Make patties with leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. It’s simple, it’s tasty, and it’s a whole new meal with minimal effort. It’s like turning yesterday’s dinner into a lunch that you look forward to, with crispy and soft patties on the outside. It’s like taking the basics of leftovers and giving them a tasty makeover that feels anything but leftover.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties
Steak & Pasta Salad
Ever thought about adding steak to a salad? Steak & Pasta Salad is where it’s at. You get the best of both worlds – the heartiness of steak mixed with the freshness of a salad. It’s surprisingly good, and the best part? It’s pretty simple to make. Imagine a salad that’s not just a sidekick but a star dish on its own, with juicy steak stealing the show. It’s like a balanced and tasty meal that’s easy to whip up on any night.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Sauerkraut, apples, and bacon – bear with me; this combo is a total taste explosion. You’ve got the tanginess of sauerkraut, the sweetness of apples, and the savory goodness of bacon all mixing up. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth. And here’s the best part – it goes with pretty much anything. It’s that dish you didn’t know you needed until you tried it, and then you wonder how you lived without it.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Leftover Roast Beef Stew
Don’t let that leftover roast beef sit in the fridge, waiting to be forgotten. Turn it into a hearty stew that’s so comforting you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it before. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and the best part is you’re reducing kitchen waste. Imagine transforming yesterday’s dinner into a whole new dish that feels like a culinary adventure.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Stew
Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Love Cuban sandwiches? Now think all those flavors in casserole form – genius, right? It’s a convenient and tasty way to enjoy the iconic tastes without the sandwich-making fuss. A casserole that’s not just a mash-up but a delicious homage to the classic Cuban sandwich. It’s comfort food at its finest, with layers of flavor that make each bite a satisfying experience. It’s like having the best parts of a Cuban sandwich in one easy-to-make dish.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Crispy outside, tender inside – that’s the magic of air fryer chicken fries. They’re like regular fries but with a chicken twist. And here’s the kicker – they’re guilt-free. You get that finger-licking goodness without feeling like you went overboard. It’s like having your favorite fast-food treat but in a healthier, homemade version. Perfect for satisfying that crispy, savory craving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries
IP Corned Beef & Cabbage
If you’ve got an Instant Pot, Corned Beef & Cabbage are a breeze. It’s flavorful, tender, and the kind of meal that practically cooks itself. It’s like having a kitchen assistant that does all the work while you kick back and relax. Coming home to the aroma of a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s that perfect recipe for busy days when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: IP Corned Beef & Cabbage
Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak
Grilled ribeye cap steak – if you haven’t tried it, you’re in for a treat. Get that perfect sear; get that tenderness. It’s like having a steakhouse experience but without all the hassle. A juicy, perfectly cooked steak right at home on your plate. And here’s the secret – achieving that steakhouse quality is surprisingly easy without the big price tag. It’s a win for your taste buds and your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak
Sous Vide Sausage
Want sausages that are perfect every time? Enter Sous Vide. It’s like magic for cooking sausages – they turn out juicy, succulent, and just right. It’s like having a foolproof method for getting sausages that make your palates dance happily. The sausages are so good you’ll wonder why you cooked them any other way. It’s that kitchen hack you never knew you needed until you tried it.
Get the Recipe: Sous Vide Sausage
Greek Lemon Potatoes
Take your potatoes up a notch with Greek Lemon Potatoes. They’re satisfying – a simple way to make ordinary potatoes taste extraordinary. It’s like adding a burst of sunshine to your spuds, making them the show’s star. Imagine potatoes that aren’t just a side dish but the highlight of your meal, with that perfect balance of tanginess and comfort. It’s a potato upgrade that you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes
Mexican Black Beans
Keep it simple and tasty with Mexican Black Beans. They go with everything and pack a punch of protein. Easy, versatile, and delicious – it’s like the MVP of side dishes. These beans aren’t just a sidekick but a crucial part of your meal, adding that protein boost without the fuss. It’s that go-to dish you can count on to complement anything on your plate. And the best part? It’s a breeze to make.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Have you ever thought about trying sweet potato cubes in the air fryer? Trust me, it’s a total game-changer. They come out all crispy on the outside, and when you take a bite, they’re soft and tasty on the inside. It’s like having a snack and a side dish all in one. And the best part? It’s super easy to make. Just toss them in and let the air fryer do its thing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Here’s a quick pasta upgrade: store–bought gnocchi with a lemon-parmesan sauce. Quick, easy, and seriously tasty. It’s like having fancy pasta without the fancy effort. Pasta is a last-minute dinner solution and a flavorful experience with that perfect blend of lemony freshness and cheesy goodness. It’s a pasta dish that feels gourmet without the hours of preparation.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Mediterranean Rice
Bored of plain rice? Say hello to Mediterranean Rice. It’s flavorful, using just a few ingredients to add a burst of taste to your meal. It’s like taking your taste buds on a quick trip to the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen. Imagine rice that’s not just a filler but a star player, with those aromatic flavors transporting you to a sun-soaked seaside. It’s the kind of rice dish that turns an ordinary meal into a culinary journey.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice
Dutch oven Carnitas
Get that crispy yet tender pork goodness with Dutch oven carnitas. It’s like magic that happens with minimal effort on your part. Carnitas game: strong. Imagine pork that’s so good; it’s like you brought a Mexican street food experience right into your kitchen. It’s the kind of dish perfect for gatherings or when you want a flavorful, hassle-free meal. It’s like a slow-cooked masterpiece that’s ready to be enjoyed.
Get the Recipe: Dutch oven Carnitas
Polenta with Mascarpone
Craving something creamy and rich? Polenta with mascarpone is your answer. It’s comfort food at its finest – easy to make, impossible not to love. Polenta is not just a side dish but a kitchen indulgence, with that creamy mascarpone taking it to a whole new level. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular meal into a cozy, comforting experience.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone
Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon
Let’s upgrade your potato game – sour cream and bacon style. It’s a classic combo that turns ordinary potatoes into a dish that’s anything but ordinary. Imagine potatoes that are not just a side but a star attraction, with that tangy sour cream and crispy bacon taking them to a whole new level. It’s like your favorite baked potato got a serious upgrade, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. It’s comfort food that’s simple but oh-so-satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Lazy days meet deliciousness. Let the slow cooker do the work for Southern-style green beans – well-seasoned and delicious, and you barely have to lift a finger. Green beans are not just a side dish but a flavorful experience, with that slow-cooked goodness infusing every bite. It’s the kind of dish that lets you enjoy that Southern charm without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s like having a chef in your kitchen without the chef’s effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Let’s kick up your quesadilla game – Chicken Al Pastor style. It’s easy, it’s cheesy, and it’s packed with bold Mexican flavors. Imagine quesadillas that are not just a snack but a full-on meal, with that savory chicken al pastor taking them to a whole new level. It’s like regular quesadillas but with a burst of taste that keeps you coming back for more. It’s the kind of dish that turns a quick meal into a fiesta for your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Bacon Fried Corn
Craving something savory? Bacon-fried corn is the answer. It’s simple, flavorful, and a side dish that pairs perfectly with just about anything. It’s like the corn that’s not just a sidekick but a star player, with that savory bacon adding a twist that makes it irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular meal into a feast, with each bite a delightful combination of sweet and savory goodness. It’s comfort food that’s easy but oh-so-delicious.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn
Baja Fish Tacos
Fresh Baja Fish Tacos – because who doesn’t love perfectly cooked fish in a simple taco? Add your favorite toppings, and you have a delightful meal ready. Imagine fish tacos that are not just a dish but a culinary vacation, with that fresh taste transporting you to a beachside taco stand. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary day into a coastal escape for your taste buds. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for bringing that Baja flavor home.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos