13 Dinners So Foolproof, Even Newbies Can Master Them

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, even if you’re just getting started. These dinner recipes take the guesswork out of the process, making it easy to get a great meal on the table. You don’t need fancy techniques or special skills—just simple steps that anyone can follow. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, these meals turn out right every time. Skip the stress and focus on putting together something that works. If you’re looking for a way to build confidence in the kitchen, this is a perfect place to start.

BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

A plate of pulled pork sliders topped with coleslaw sits on an orange placemat. The buns are golden and slightly open, revealing the colorful slaw and tender pork. A wedge of lemon and a small salad are in the background.

These BBQ chicken sliders pack big flavor into a small bite. Tender, saucy chicken is paired with crunchy homemade slaw and tucked into soft rolls. They’re great for a casual dinner or a fun meal everyone will enjoy. Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

Pasta Carbonara

Two plates of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and bacon bits, set on a white marble surface. A striped cloth is partially visible in the background. — Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Creamy sauce, crispy pancetta, and perfectly cooked pasta make this carbonara a great choice for dinner. It’s a simple but flavorful dish that comes together with minimal effort. Whether for a casual meal or something a little special, it never disappoints. Get the recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Pork Lo Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and tofu on a white wooden surface. Ingredients include carrots, red peppers, leafy greens, and sprinkled sesame seeds. A pair of chopsticks rests on the bowl's edge. — Pork Lo Mein. Photo Credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This pork lo mein is a quick and satisfying dinner option. Tender pork, savory noodles, and fresh vegetables are tossed in a rich sauce for a flavorful meal. Skip the takeout and enjoy a homemade version that’s just as good. Get the recipe: Pork Lo Mein

Easy Margherita Pizza

A pizza topped with cheese, basil, and spinach leaves is served on a white plate, with slices partially cut. In the background, there's a bowl of salad, a fork, cherry tomatoes, and mint leaves on a gray surface. — Easy Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Making Margherita pizza at home is simpler than you might think, and the results are worth it. A crisp yet chewy crust pairs with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil for a classic dish. Skip the takeout and enjoy a homemade pizza dinner that’s both easy and satisfying. Get the recipe: Easy Margherita Pizza

Mac and Cheese Casserole

A plate of creamy macaroni and cheese with a golden breadcrumb topping sits on a wooden table. A baking dish with more macaroni and cheese and a white cloth can be seen in the background. — Mac and Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This mac and cheese casserole brings comfort to any dinner table. Baked to perfection, it’s creamy, cheesy, and just right for family meals or cozy nights in. Whether it’s a weeknight or a special gathering, this dish is always a hit. Get the recipe: Mac and Cheese Casserole

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A spoonful of broccoli soup is being served from a bread bowl. The soup contains visible broccoli florets and shredded carrots. In the background, a fresh broccoli head is partially visible on a marble surface. — Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup is the perfect way to bring comfort to your dinner table. The creamy cheese pairs well with hearty broccoli for a warm, satisfying meal. Whether paired with bread or enjoyed on its own, it’s a classic favorite. Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup brings all the rich flavors of the classic dish without the extra steps. Packed with hearty ingredients in a flavorful broth, it’s a simple way to enjoy a comforting dinner. One pot is all you need to create a meal everyone will love. Get the recipe: Lasagna Soup

Honey Mustard Chicken

A plate with four pieces of glazed, seasoned roasted chicken thighs garnished with fresh green leaves. The plate is on a woven mat with utensils nearby, creating a rustic table setting. — Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This honey mustard chicken brings together savory and slightly sweet flavors in one dish. A simple marinade turns everyday chicken into a flavorful dinner that’s easy to make. Whether served with veggies or over rice, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken

Crusted Chicken Romano

A breaded and fried chicken cutlet is garnished with parsley and served on a white plate, placed on a patterned tablecloth. — Crusted Chicken Romano. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, this crusted chicken romano makes for a satisfying dinner. A parmesan-infused coating adds great flavor, making it feel like a restaurant-quality meal. It’s an easy way to bring something special to the table. Get the recipe: Crusted Chicken Romano

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

A skillet filled with a dish topped with melted cheese, sliced jalapeños, avocado, chopped cilantro, and a red sauce. There are colorful bell peppers and diced onions mixed with quinoa beneath the toppings. — Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This one-pan cheesy chicken enchilada skillet makes dinner simple. Enchilada sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese come together for a flavorful meal with no extra fuss. It’s great for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Sticky Wings

A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The wings are served on a blue plate, set on a white marble surface. A blue cloth is visible in the background. — Sticky Wings. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

These sticky wings bring the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Coated in a rich, caramelized sauce, they make a great choice for dinner or game-day snacking. Serve them up with your favorite sides for a meal everyone will enjoy. Get the recipe: Sticky Wings

Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Sheet pan with roasted chicken pieces, broccoli, red bell peppers, and red onions glazed in a thick, glossy sauce. The vegetables and chicken are caramelized, creating a vibrant, appetizing dish. — Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

This chicken teriyaki and vegetables dish makes a quick and flavorful dinner. Tender chicken and crisp vegetables are coated in a rich teriyaki sauce for a great mix of flavors. Serve it over rice or on its own for an easy meal any night of the week. Get the recipe: Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

Sheet Pan Broccoli and Beef on a baking dish — Sheet Pan Broccoli and Beef. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

For an easy dinner with minimal cleanup, this sheet pan beef and broccoli is a great choice. Tender steak and roasted broccoli come together in a single pan for a flavorful meal. Perfect for busy nights when you need something simple yet satisfying. Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli