As I stood in my kitchen, flames licking at the edges of my stove, I couldn’t help but let out a panicked cry. My then-boyfriend (now husband) was due to arrive any minute for dinner, and I had no idea how to cook. My usual solution – opening a box of Hamburger Helper – had almost resulted in a kitchen inferno. Thankfully, I managed to extinguish the flames and save my apartment from destruction.
At this stage in my life, I was relying heavily on yogurt and cereal to get by.
But as I settled into married life and started building a family, I knew it was time to learn some culinary skills. We couldn’t afford to eat out every day, and let’s be real, you can’t raise kids on a diet of yogurt and cereal alone.
If you’re at the point where you realize you need to start cooking for yourself or your family, then I’m here to help. I’ll be sharing some basic beginner recipes that are perfect for new cooks just starting out.
These simple dishes may not be fancy, but they’ll keep your loved ones well-fed on a budget with minimal culinary skills required.
Here are some options for beginner-friendly recipes you might find helpful:
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
If cooking is still a foreign language for you, fear not! Your Instant Pot is an excellent tool to have up your sleeve when it comes to whipping up a meal quickly and efficiently. This macaroni recipe is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and yields maximum results in no time at all.
Easy, Never Dry Stove Top Chicken
As you take the next step in mastering the art of cooking, you’re ready to tackle meat dishes with confidence. Chicken is an excellent starting point, but only if you know how to cook it just right. Dry and flavorless chicken can be a real letdown. This recipe will guide you through the process of cooking chicken on your stovetop, ensuring that every bite is juicy and full of flavor.
One-Pot Baked Ziti
As a novice chef, I’ve found that simple recipes are often the most effective way to build confidence in the kitchen. One-pot meals, in particular, have been a game-changer for me – not just because they minimize cleanup, but also because they allow me to cook a single dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Case in point: this scrumptious baked ziti recipe, which can be whipped up in under 30 minutes and serves the whole family.
Its ease and versatility make it an excellent option for busy home cooks.
Crockpot Chicken Fajita Soup
Feeding your loved ones at home can be a challenge, especially when time is scarce. But fear not, because the humble crockpot has got you covered. This versatile kitchen appliance can help you prepare a delicious meal without sacrificing too much of your precious time. Case in point: chicken fajita soup. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for colder months. Simply toss everything into the crockpot, let it cook, and voila!
You’ll have a nutritious meal ready to be devoured by your family.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Rump Roast
While my cooking skills may be questionable, there’s one dish I can always count on: a classic roast cooked in a crockpot. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – it requires minimal culinary expertise and uses only three fundamental ingredients. All that’s needed is to combine these ingredients in the crockpot and let them simmer away on low for most of the day, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Easy and Traditional Irish Soda Bread
If cost-consciousness is a key motivator for you when it comes to cooking, you’re in luck! This straightforward bread recipe offers an accessible entry point into the world of homemade baking. Specifically, Irish soda bread is a great place to start, as its simplicity and reliance on wholesome ingredients will not only satisfy your hunger but also keep your grocery bill in check.
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
If you’ve already discovered the creamy delight of my Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe, you might be wondering what to do if you don’t have access to an Instant Pot or the budget to invest in one. Fear not! A stovetop version of this comfort food classic is just as satisfying, and can be made using the same basic ingredients. By following a slightly modified cooking process, you’ll still get to enjoy that gooey, cheesy goodness without breaking out the electric pressure cooker.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Keeping a jar of applesauce on hand is a great idea. This versatile ingredient can be used in baking, as a quick snack, or even as a simple dessert to accompany a homemade meal. However, have you ever considered making your own applesauce from scratch? With this easy recipe and a trusty crockpot, you can do just that.
Easy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
As I reflect on the writing process for my book, The Homestead Companion, I’m reminded of the editor’s comment on my chapter about making mashed potatoes. He hoped that anyone could make them, but what he didn’t know was that I had once been in their shoes as well! Like many people starting their homesteading journey, I wasn’t always confident in my cooking abilities – and mashed potatoes were no exception.
If you’re new to cooking or looking for a simple recipe to get started, this one’s for you.
Four Ingredient Meatloaf
I’ve been a meatloaf aficionado since childhood, thanks to my mom’s freezer-friendly tradition. She’d prepare them ahead of time, then simply thaw and serve when I requested one (a common occurrence). If you’re also a fan of this classic dish, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of this recipe, which requires just four ingredients to deliver a mouthwatering main course.
One-Pot Spaghetti
For those who are new to cooking or just looking for a quick and easy solution, making spaghetti can be a breeze. With this recipe, you’ll not only learn how to cook the pasta but also whip up a flavorful sauce in the same pot. The best part? You won’t have to worry about a messy kitchen with multiple dishes to clean afterwards. This one-pot wonder is perfect for a satisfying meal that’s both convenient and delicious.
Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
As a self-proclaimed corn enthusiast, I’m delighted to combine my affection for corn pudding with my husband’s fondness for cornbread. The result is a match made in culinary heaven – an effortless and delicious casserole that seamlessly brings together two beloved classics.
Easy Ultimate Baked Beans
As we settled into married life, our home became a hub for social gatherings. What’s amusing is that, at the time, my culinary skills left much to be desired! My husband shouldered most of the cooking duties, but I was given a special task: whipping up baked beans. The recipe I used back then has since become a staple in our household, and its simplicity and flavor have earned it a spot on this blog. It’s a testament to how even novice cooks like myself can create something truly tasty.
Baked Chicken Alfredo
As I honed my culinary skills, baked chicken alfredo became a staple in our household. The dish gained instant popularity among my family members, and I soon found myself becoming quite proficient in its preparation. Although my cooking repertoire has expanded over time, the demand for this beloved recipe remains strong even today. In fact, it’s not uncommon for my loved ones to request it on special occasions or simply because they crave that familiar comfort food.
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true recipe that will consistently please, look no further than this classic baked chicken alfredo.
Easy Breakfast Casserole
Feeling uncertain about hosting a brunch and whipping up something delicious in your own kitchen? Don’t stress! Turn to the trusty breakfast casserole, a failsafe solution that yields a satisfying and savory spread with minimal fuss. This clever approach allows you to serve a hearty brunch without breaking a sweat or sacrificing precious cooking time.
Berry French Toast Casserole
As a self-proclaimed lover of casseroles, I often find myself relying on these convenient dishes during chaotic periods in my life. At present, my schedule is particularly packed, and instead of succumbing to the temptation of dining out or ordering takeout, I opt for a casserole that not only nourishes my family but also saves us valuable time and resources.
The appeal of casseroles lies in their ease of preparation, which allows me to skip the usual fuss associated with cooking individual meals. This is especially true when craving French toast – with a casserole version, I can indulge in this sweet treat without the hassle.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
The aroma of your grandmother’s cooking can evoke strong feelings of nostalgia, reminiscent of lazy Sunday afternoons spent gathered around her kitchen table as a little girl. The taste of her culinary creations was nothing short of exceptional! For me, whenever I’m hit with a pang of longing for those carefree days, I find myself craving the comforting dish that was a staple in my household growing up – chicken and dressing.
This casserole rendition of the classic recipe serves as a delightful catalyst, effortlessly transporting me back down memory lane.
Easy Baked Burrito Casserole
Tired of dealing with the messy aftermath of a freshly rolled burrito? Ditch the hassle and opt for an easy, satisfying alternative: our casserole version. This twist on the classic dish retains all the bold flavors you know and love, minus the pesky mess of eating with your hands.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
As I settled into our new home after several years of marriage, I discovered a treasure trove of uncomplicated yet flavorful dishes that were staples in my community. Among these culinary gems was chicken noodle casserole, a family favorite cooked by my mother-in-law on a regular basis. Its appeal lay not only in its simplicity but also in its ability to satisfy a crowd, making it an ideal option for gatherings with friends and family.
Lazy Cake Cookies
Satisfy your sweet cravings without the hassle of baking from scratch or visiting a bakery. One of these beginner-friendly recipes for lazy cake cookies is just what you need. Simply pour the dough into a cake pan, pop it in the oven, and slice it when it’s done. The result is a deliciously sweet treat with minimal effort required – perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.
Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
As I embark on teaching a Life Skills course to the children in our community, it’s hard not to think about what kind of guidance I could have used when I was their age. Perhaps then, I wouldn’t have had my fair share of kitchen mishaps – like the time I accidentally set my house ablaze trying to cook Hamburger Helper! Despite the detour, I’m excited to share this simple and frugal cookie recipe with the kids during our cooking segment.
With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s an ideal treat for a wide range of celebrations.
No-Bake Tiramisu Dessert
Italian delight Tiramisu has long been synonymous with sophistication, often evoking images of fine dining and luxurious treats. Yet, its simplicity has made it accessible to anyone willing to give it a try. This beloved dessert typically consists of layers of ladyfinger cookies, rich mascarpone cheese, fluffy whipped cream, and decadent chocolate. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised as the combination of textures and flavors comes together in perfect harmony.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
As I reminisce about Thanksgivings past, one sweet treat holds a special place in my heart. It’s a dessert that was always a must-have when I was a little girl, and as I grew older, I discovered just how effortless it is to prepare. Today, I whip it up whenever the mood strikes me. If you’re on the hunt for a scrumptious dessert that will leave you pining for an endless supply, then look no further!
In this blog post series, we’ve been focused on sharing a range of beginner-friendly recipes to cater to every meal of the day – from breakfast casseroles to dinner meat and sides, and even a few sweet treats. The beauty of cooking lies in its accessibility, thanks to the power of the internet. With a little practice and patience, anyone can become a skilled chef, regardless of their prior experience.
