Tried-and-true recipes are your kitchen’s best friends when you need a meal that won’t let you down. These 19 dishes are straightforward, easy to follow, and require ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just want something quick and reliable, these recipes aim for consistent, good results every time.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Putting together this casserole is as simple as combining broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and cheese. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this recipe easy to tackle. Plus, there’s hardly any prep work, so you’re not spending forever in the kitchen. It’s a solid go-to for weeknights when you’re short on time or haven’t planned dinner. In the end, you get a delicious dinner in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
In a single pot, this soup unites Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream in 30 minutes. Its uncomplicated process makes it a reliable choice, especially for those new to cooking. Serve it as a self-contained meal, no sides required. This recipe is great for quick dinners when you’re pressed for time. It is consistent in providing a straightforward yet hearty meal.
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Spinach Chicken Bake
This recipe requires 30 minutes and a single pan to assemble marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach. It’s notably accessible for beginners due to its simple instructions. It balances flavors well, offering a well-rounded meal without requiring a long time in the kitchen. This dish is both quick to make and consistently reliable. It’s a good pick for anyone looking for a fast, home-cooked dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
In 30 minutes, you can cook ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms all in one skillet. The easy steps make this a tried-and-true recipe for those not familiar with cooking. The one-pan format simplifies both preparation and cleanup. You’ll get a balanced meal that can be served directly from the skillet. It’s particularly useful for quick, hearty meals on a tight schedule.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Cabbage and Sausage
Featuring cabbage and sausage, this one-pan meal can be made in 30 minutes. Its minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it a reliable option for those new to cooking. Quick to prepare, this dish is effective for last-minute dinner plans. It’s a complete meal in itself, eliminating the need for side dishes. The recipe is a dependable choice for a quick dinner that still packs flavor.
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Crock Pot Taco Soup
With only 20 minutes of prep time, this recipe lets the slow cooker handle the rest. Ground beef and pantry staples combine for an easy, hard-to-mess-up soup. The slow cooking eliminates the need for constant supervision. Serve this when you want a low-maintenance dinner option. It’s especially suitable for people who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach to cooking.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole, ready in 30 minutes, mixes ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. Straightforward instructions make it a solid option for beginners. Both preparation and cleanup are easy, thanks to its one-dish nature. The casserole provides a complete, comforting meal. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a no-hassle, hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Whip up this comforting mushroom soup using just one pot, and you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all day. Whether you’re a cooking pro or just getting started, you’ll find the steps easy to follow. This soup fits just as well into a busy weeknight as it does into a lazy Sunday. And since it’s a one-pot dish, you’re saving time on cleaning up, too. You get a soup that’s rich in flavor without requiring a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This one-pan meal brings together boneless, skinless chicken thighs and a sun-dried tomato sauce in just 30 minutes. Even if you’re new to cooking, the simple instructions make it a no-fail option. You can serve it with rice or veggies, customizing the meal to your liking. With minimal prep and quick cooking, it’s perfect for hectic weeknights or last-minute special dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
Ready in under an hour, this soup combines chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful broth in one pot. The straightforward steps make it a reliable pick, particularly for those who are new to cooking. Serve it as a standalone dish — no additional sides needed. It’s a useful option for a quick dinner that is also full of flavor. The one-pot method helps to keep both cooking and cleaning uncomplicated.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
In 30 minutes, this recipe allows you to prepare chicken breasts in a garlic sauce using a single pan. It’s particularly suitable for those new to cooking due to its straightforward instructions. Pair it with rice or vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The dish offers a balanced flavor profile that works well for a quick dinner. Preparation and cooking are streamlined, making it a great option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Grab some sausage and veggies, toss them on a sheet pan, and you’ve got dinner in no time. The easy setup means you’re not spending your evening doing dishes, which is a win if you ask me. You don’t even need to make a side dish; it’s a full meal all by itself. You get a nice mix of flavors and textures, so you’re not sacrificing anything by going the simple route. So, if you’re looking for a fast, no-hassle dinner, this one’s got your back.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Big Mac Salad
Transform the components of a Big Mac into a salad within 30 minutes. Featuring ground beef, lettuce, and special sauce, this recipe is a straightforward yet innovative take on a fast-food classic. Its simplicity makes it an almost foolproof option, particularly for those unfamiliar with cooking. Serve it in a large bowl, and you have a complete meal. It’s a dependable go-to for a quick dinner.
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Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
You can make chicken thighs with a rich mushroom sauce using just one pan, so there’s less to clean up later. The steps are easy to follow, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ve got this. Pair the dish with rice or noodles to round out the meal. It’s the kind of recipe that makes any evening feel a bit more special without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Creating this chicken salad with jalapeños and a creamy base is straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking. The assembly is simple and easy to follow, making it welcoming for cooks of all skill levels. You can serve it as a standalone dish or a sandwich filling, giving you versatility in your meal planning. This recipe adds a convenient and spicy alternative to your regular salad choices.
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Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
This dish brings shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach together in a garlic sauce, all within 30 minutes. The straightforward nature of the recipe is welcoming for those who are less experienced in the kitchen. It’s versatile enough to be served over pasta or rice, providing a complete meal that hits all the right notes. Despite the simple preparation, the dish offers a complex layering of flavors. It’s a reliable option for a quick but refined dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
In just over an hour, you can whip up this casserole featuring chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños. It’s easy to make, which is great if you’re new to cooking or pressed for time. You’ll end up with a hearty meal that adds a little spice to your dinner routine. The generous serving size also makes it likely you’ll have leftovers for another meal. So, if you’re looking for comfort food with a bit of a kick, this dish has you covered.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
In 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty dish that combines seasoned chicken with cream cheese and sweet peppers. Its straightforward steps and accessible ingredients make this a dependable choice, especially if you’re not a kitchen pro. The dish provides a harmonious blend of flavors that come together seamlessly. It’s the perfect pick if you’re looking for a flavorful but unintimidating meal. Serve it for dinner and rest easy knowing it’s a great dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Canned Chicken Patties
In 20 minutes, you can whip up convenient chicken patties from canned chicken, and the straightforward steps make this a great choice for those new to cooking. Whether you serve these patties alone or tuck them into sandwiches, you’ll appreciate the versatility. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, it’s a quick solution for mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties