Can’t cook? No problem! 31 quick recipes for kitchen newbies

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Discover the ease of home cooking with our Quick Kitchen Recipes collection. Whether you’re a cooking novice or just short on time, our straightforward recipes will guide you to delicious meals in no time. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade goodness.

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Remember grandma’s ham salad? Relive those memories with this beginner-friendly recipe. Great for quick sandwiches or as a protein-packed snack. Don’t worry; even new cooks can master this classic.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into authentic flavors without the hassle! Chicken Tinga is a Mexican favorite that’ll transform your weeknight dinners. If you’re new to cooking, this is a flavorful place to start.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs in a bowl.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air fryers are a newbie cook’s dream! Whip up these turkey meatballs in a flash. They’re lighter than beef but packed with flavor. Perfect for a no-fuss dinner or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Seafood Chowder

Seafood chowder with a sprig of dill, a delicious stew recipe.
Seafood Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Warm up your evenings with a bowl of rich seafood chowder. For those who think they can’t cook, this recipe will prove you wrong. Enjoy ocean goodness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Chowder

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving restaurant-quality soup at home? This chicken gnocchi soup is creamy, hearty, and incredibly easy for beginners. Let’s get your soup game strong!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take a culinary trip to the Mediterranean with this simple cod recipe. For fresh cooks, it’s a journey that’s both flavorful and forgiving. Healthy and tasty – it’s a win-win.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform leftover rice into a delicious meal. Chicken fried rice is both an intro to Asian flavors and a quick fix for hungry moments. Perfect for kitchen newbies.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a cozy dish for new cooks! Chicken Paprikash brings Central European flavors right into your kitchen. It’s hearty, delicious, and beginner-approved.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a zesty twist to your meal lineup! This salad is inspired by popular Mexican street food. It’s simple, and colorful, and even those new to cooking will find it a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Creamy Jalapeno Dip in a bowl with chip nearby.
Creamy Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your snack time! This dip combines creaminess with a jalapeno kick. Don’t worry, new chefs; this is as easy as it gets while keeping the flavor high.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience southern flavors with this corn succotash. For those intimidated by cooking, this dish is both simple and scrumptious. It’s Texas on a plate!
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi on a bed of rice in a black oval dish.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Love seafood? This shrimp scampi is garlic-rich and beginner-friendly. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or date night at home. Cooking newbies, this one’s for you.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a dash of exotic flavors with this curried chicken salad. The blend of spice and sweet raisins is perfect for sandwich fillings or salads. And beginners? You’ve got this.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combine the best of both worlds – pizza and seafood! For those new to the kitchen, this shrimp scampi pizza is a flavorful yet straightforward project. Dive in!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango Salsa in a bowl with chips nearby.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Freshen up your meals! This salsa is a tropical delight with a kick. Perfect for those just starting in the kitchen, it’s a dance of flavor in every scoop.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

A sweet potato on a plate with a fork.
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simplify your side dishes! Air frying sweet potatoes is a beginner’s shortcut to caramelized goodness. Healthy, quick, and oh-so-tasty.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A plate of Prosciutto & Parmesan Puff Pastry pinwheels.
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Impress guests without the fuss. These pinwheels are a blend of salty prosciutto and flaky pastry. Perfect for appetizers or snacking, and yes, beginners can ace them!
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Leftover roast beef stroganoff on a plate with green beans in the background.
Leftover Roast Beef Stew. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Maximize your leftovers! Transform your roast beef into a heartwarming stew. Perfect for new cooks, this dish is comfortable in a plate.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take your Chicken Tinga to the next level! Create these tostadas for a crunchy delight. For beginner chefs, this is a fun and tasty introduction to Mexican cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Birria Pizza

Birria Pizza on a pizza stone.
Birria Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Explore unique flavor combinations with this Birria pizza. New to cooking? Don’t sweat it. This recipe brings Mexican flair to a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Indulge your sweet tooth! These cookies are a gooey blend of chocolate and caramel. And guess what? Even if you’re new to baking, they’re a cinch to make.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chile de Arbol Salsa

Chile de Arbol Salsa on wooden board with chips and chilies nearby.
Chile de Arbol Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Heat up your dishes! This salsa packs a punch and adds depth to any meal. For beginners, it’s an easy way to dive into spicy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chile de Arbol Salsa

Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Treat yourself with this ribeye cap steak. Even those new to grilling can achieve juicy perfection. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Artichoke Jalapeno Dip in a black bowl with crackers nearby.
Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Elevate your dip game! This blend of artichoke and jalapeno is both creamy and spicy. New cooks, this is an easy starter that packs a flavor punch.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Chicken & Corn Chowder

Two bowls of soup on a table.
Chicken & Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Warm up with this comforting chowder. Combining chicken and corn, it’s a creamy delight perfect for beginners. Who said newbie cooks can’t whip up deliciousness?
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Corn Chowder

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into Italian flavors! This pasta dish is a balanced blend of spicy sausage and bitter broccoli rabe. Even if you’re new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Corn Fritters

Corn fritters in a black cast iron pan.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Perfect for brunch or a side dish, these corn fritters are golden and delicious. Don’t fret, new cooks; they’re easier to make than you think.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Elevate your pork chops! The relish adds a fresh twist to a classic dish. And for those new to cooking, this recipe is both straightforward and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Corned Beef Fritters

Corned beef fritters on a white plate with a sunflower.
Corned Beef Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turn corned beef leftovers into delightful fritters. They’re crispy and full of flavor. Ideal for beginners seeking innovative ways to use extras.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience coastal flavors with Baja fish tacos. They’re fresh and irresistibly tasty. Newbies, it’s simpler to make than you might think!
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Give leftover ham a new life with this fried rice. A perfect dish for new cooks. Learn while savoring a delicious result.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

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