13 Foolproof Meals Perfect for New Cooks

Cooking at home can seem intimidating, especially for beginners. The good news is that there are plenty of easy meal recipes that don’t require advanced skills. With a few simple ingredients and clear instructions, anyone can whip up a great meal. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or just want something quick for dinner, there are dishes that are perfect for new cooks. These meals are designed to be straightforward, tasty, and easy to master. Even if you’re just starting, you’ll be able to feel confident in the kitchen in no time.

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.

Pork Lo Mein is a deliciously satisfying meal made with tender pork and savory noodles. This recipe is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a quick dinner. It’s a great one-pot meal that comes together in no time, ideal for busy nights. Get the recipe: Pork Lo Mein

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.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup combines creamy cheddar cheese with nutritious broccoli for a meal that’s both comforting and filling. It’s an easy soup to make when you want something warm and satisfying. This soup is perfect for lunch or a light dinner, offering both flavor and comfort in every bowl. Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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 far exceed takeout. Using fresh ingredients and a basic dough, you can create a crisp, chewy crust with flavorful tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. Get the recipe: Easy Margherita Pizza

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.

BBQ chicken sliders are a fun way to serve up big flavors in small, satisfying bites. Tender chicken coated in BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with a crisp, homemade slaw, all tucked into soft rolls. These sliders make an easy and delicious option for a weeknight meal or a get-together. Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

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.

A warm mac and cheese casserole is the epitome of comfort food, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. This cheesy dish is filling and easy to make, with a creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that never fails to hit the spot. Get the recipe: Mac and Cheese Casserole

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.

Pasta Carbonara offers rich, creamy flavors with crispy pancetta and perfectly cooked pasta. This simple dish is easy to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a date night at home. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Get the recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup gives you all the great flavors of traditional lasagna but with less effort. This one-pot meal is hearty and full of savory ingredients, making it a quick and satisfying dinner. It’s perfect for when you’re craving lasagna but don’t have the time to make the layers. Get the recipe: Lasagna Soup

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.

Crusted Chicken Romano is a crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The panko and Romano cheese coating creates a satisfying crunch, while the chicken remains juicy on the inside. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that feels like a special treat. 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.

A Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a one-pan dinner packed with bold flavors. The combination of chicken, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese makes for a quick, satisfying meal. This skillet dish is perfect for nights when you want something easy yet full of 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.

Sticky Wings deliver a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a caramelized sauce that clings to each piece. These wings are great for any casual meal or gathering, offering a flavorful bite with every wing. They’re easy to prepare and always a hit at dinner or game day. 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.

Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables is a simple, balanced meal with tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a rich homemade sauce. This dish comes together quickly and is great for a weeknight dinner. The teriyaki sauce adds a savory-sweet flavor that makes the chicken and vegetables shine. 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.

Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli is an easy and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. The marinated steak and roasted broccoli are cooked together on one pan, making it a hassle-free dinner option. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that comes together quickly for busy nights. Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

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.

Honey mustard chicken balances savory and sweet flavors perfectly, creating a delicious meal everyone will love. The chicken thighs soak up the honey mustard marinade, making each bite tender and full of flavor. It’s an easy dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken