When it comes to cooking, we could all use a collection of extra easy dinners you really can’t mess up. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or simply short on time, the idea of complicated recipes with long lists of ingredients can be intimidating. What you need are straightforward, reliable dishes that are almost foolproof but still delicious. These 21 recipes will become your go-to options, requiring minimal effort and offering maximum flavor.
The beauty of these recipes lies in their simplicity and versatility. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even special occasions where you’d rather focus on the celebration than be tied to the stove. With easy-to-follow steps and a manageable list of ingredients, you can confidently tackle these dishes even if you’re not a cooking expert. They promise a delicious meal without the stress, letting you enjoy both the process and the result.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a pot of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup that’s rich in flavors from Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream. This one-pot dish is a time-saver and minimizes cleanup. Its forgiving nature makes it a perfect choice for those new to cooking, as it’s hard to get wrong. The soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal on its own. It’s a quick and comforting option for anyone looking for ease and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This dish combines broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and cheese, all in a mere 30 minutes. It’s versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients to your liking easily. The one-dish nature of this casserole simplifies both cooking and cleaning. This meal is a straightforward and comforting option, ideal for those unfamiliar with the kitchen. You’ll save time and still offer a heartwarming dish with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
This dish brings shrimp, garlic sauce, tomatoes, and spinach to your table in only 30 minutes. The recipe is simple to follow, with minimal steps involved. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this dish hard to mess up. You can serve it over pasta or rice to make it a full meal. It’s a perfect choice for a quick and impressive dinner that saves time without compromising flavor.
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Cabbage and Sausage
In a single pan and just 30 minutes, this dish combines cabbage and sausage for an effortless meal. The ingredient list is short and simple, ideal for beginners or those looking for a no-fuss option. The preparation is quick, and the dish can be enjoyed as a standalone meal. This is a well-rounded dish that’s quick and simple to prepare. Serve it for a family dinner for a filling meal that requires minimal effort.
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Big Mac Salad
This inventive salad can be made in 30 minutes and features classic Big Mac flavors, including ground beef and a special sauce. Assembling the dish is easy, making it nearly impossible to ruin. Serve it in a large bowl for a complete meal that’s both quick and enjoyable. This salad is ideal for a dinner that’s easy to assemble and fun to eat. It’s a fast-food-inspired meal that brings joy without any complications.
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Spinach Chicken Bake
With marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, this one-pan dish is ready in 30 minutes. The ingredients and steps are straightforward, making it accessible for those new to cooking. Despite its simplicity, the dish offers a rounded flavor profile that’s enjoyable for everyone. This is an ideal choice for those who want a fast, flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The dish provides a balanced meal, all while keeping preparation and cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This 30-minute salad is a fun take on the chicken salad. The recipe requires no specialized cooking skills and is very easy to assemble. It’s a versatile, straightforward dish that offers a bit of a kick for those who like a little spice. This chicken salad can either be a standalone dish or work as a flavorful side. This salad is a go-to choice for those who enjoy quick meals without the hassle.
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Chicken Corn Soup
Ready in less than an hour, this soup brings together chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful broth in one pot. The recipe is simple, with most ingredients being pantry staples, making it easy for even a beginner to execute. As a one-pot meal, it simplifies both cooking and cleaning. The result is a hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for any night. With minimal hands-on time, it’s a go-to choice for a quick, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This 30-minute sheet pan dinner features sausage and roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Using just one pan makes it easy to prepare and clean up. The vegetables and sausage roast together, allowing their flavors to meld. This is a foolproof recipe that’s ideal for those new to cooking. It offers a hearty meal without the need for constant attention, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Crock Pot Taco Soup
With just 20 minutes of prep, this soup uses a slow cooker to simplify the cooking process. Ground beef and pantry staples make up the ingredients, making it an easy recipe to follow. The slow cooker does the hard work, meaning you can “set it and forget it.” It’s a convenient option for those who prefer a hands-off approach to cooking. Despite its simplicity, the soup is hearty and filling, perfect for a fuss-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This 30-minute casserole features ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. The recipe is simple, with straightforward steps that are easy to follow. As a one-dish meal, it’s both easy to cook and to clean up after. It’s a foolproof dish that’s hard to get wrong, making it perfect for cooking novices. Serve it for a comforting and delicious meal that’s quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Canned Chicken Patties
In just 20 minutes, this recipe turns canned chicken into quick and easy patties. The limited number of ingredients and simple steps make it an excellent option for beginners or those in a rush. Whether served standalone or in a sandwich, these patties are versatile. The recipe is practically foolproof and is ideal for a quick meal. Serve these for lunch or dinner for a fast, simple dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
This 30-minute one-pan dish features chicken in a rich garlic sauce that’s easy to make. The steps are straightforward, making this an ideal recipe for those a little less experienced in the kitchen. The recipe combines chicken and sauce to deliver delicious flavor without being too complex. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet delicious. Serve it with rice or vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Ready in just 25 minutes, this simple dish blends cabbage, bacon, and onion for a flavorful meal. The recipe uses minimal ingredients, making it a reliable choice for busy people or cooking novices. Despite its simplicity, the dish is flavorful and memorable. It’s quick to prepare and is a good option for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In 30 minutes, you can create this one-pan dish that combines chicken with a luxurious mushroom sauce. The preparation is simple, and the cooking process is virtually foolproof. The mushroom sauce adds a layer of richness that perfectly complements the chicken. This dish is an excellent choice for beginners or those who want a quick but elegant meal. Serve it over rice or noodles to fully enjoy the creamy sauce.
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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This 30-minute dish features chicken thighs and a sun-dried tomato sauce that is easy to prepare in one pan. The sauce complements the chicken perfectly, and the steps to make the dish are simple, even for those new to cooking. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Serve it with a side of rice or pasta for a complete meal.
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Fajita Baked Chicken
This dish features seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers in half an hour. The recipe is uncomplicated, with easy-to-follow steps that require minimal cooking expertise. As a nearly foolproof dish, it’s perfect for those who may be less confident in their cooking abilities. The various elements meld well, providing a delicious yet straightforward eating experience. Serve it hot from the oven for a hearty meal.
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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
This casserole features a mix of chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños and is ready in under an hour. The recipe is simple, with easy steps that result in a dish full of contrasting flavors. Its creamy and spicy elements combine to make this casserole irresistibly good. It’s a great option for a family dinner and yields a generous portion. Even those new to cooking will find this recipe easy to follow and enjoyable to eat.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This 30-minute dish combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms in one skillet. Its simple steps make it easy to follow, even for cooking beginners. Being a one-pan dish, it simplifies both the cooking and the cleaning process. Despite its quick cooking time, the dish is hearty and fulfilling. Serve it straight from the skillet for a hassle-free meal.
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Shawarma Kebabs
These kebabs take less than an hour from preparation to cooking, featuring your choice of protein seasoned with authentic spices. The recipe is simple, straightforward, and hard to mess up, making it excellent for kitchen novices. Skewer your protein, grill, and you have a meal that’s both simple and flavorful. Serve these with rice or a salad to make it a complete meal. It’s an accessible yet impressive dish perfect for any occasion.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
In just an hour, these poppers offer a simple yet flavorful finger food experience. The recipe includes a mix of chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors, all in easy-to-eat portions. The preparation is straightforward and requires no specialized cooking skills. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick yet tasty dish, and it’s hard to go wrong with this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers