When it comes to cooking, everyone needs a repertoire of go-to meals you can’t ruin, especially on those busy weekdays or when you’re not in the mood to tackle a complicated recipe. These 21 simple yet flavorful dishes are designed for success — they’re foolproof, require minimal ingredients, and come together quickly. Each one is tailored to be accessible for cooks of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
They are convenient, reliable, and deliver a balanced meal without the stress of complex cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Best of all, they provide peace of mind by being nearly impossible to mess up, ensuring a successful mealtime every time.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake combines marinated chicken thighs with cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and spinach, all in a quick 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward, easy recipe for beginners, making it a great dinner choice you can’t mess up. Because of its fast cooking time and minimal ingredients, it’s an excellent option for those with busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a seamless blend of broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, offering an array of textures and flavors. This foolproof dish requires just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight meal. The quick and easy recipe is great for both novice cooks and those pressed for time. It’s a go-to meal you simply can’t ruin.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
This effortless, one-pan dish pairs hearty sausage with crunchy cabbage, making it both quick and simple to prepare. Ready in under 30 minutes, this balanced meal is ideal for busy families or cooking novices. It’s a reliable dinner option that combines convenience and flavor. Consider this your new go-to meal that is virtually impossible to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-pan dish that pairs well with cauliflower rice or traditional rice. It’s a protein-rich, foolproof dinner option with a smooth garlic sauce. The dish offers both streamlined preparation and a minimal ingredient list. It’s your new go-to meal that promises a hassle-free cooking experience you can’t ruin.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This balanced meal unites ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese in a tasty casserole. Ready in just 30 minutes, its convenience and speed make it an ideal dinner choice. This foolproof recipe is both straightforward and dependable. It’s a go-to dish you can’t ruin, even on the busiest of evenings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
This casserole combines seasoned chicken thighs, bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and jalapeños into an unforgettable meal. Its variety of flavors and textures guarantees a well-rounded dining experience. The dish’s easy preparation makes it perfect for new cooks and busy families alike. Consider this a go-to, foolproof dinner that you simply can’t mess up.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
This dish features shrimp in a garlic sauce, paired with grape tomatoes and spinach, and is ready in a speedy 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward and foolproof dinner option that is well-balanced in terms of flavor. The quick cooking time adds to its weeknight practicality. You can count on this go-to dish for a successful and stress-free mealtime experience.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Italian Sausage Soup
This Italian Sausage Soup is a one-pot dish combining Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty soup is both reliable and foolproof. It offers an excellent balance of flavors, making it an ideal choice for a hassle-free dinner. It’s the go-to meal you can’t ruin, even if you tried.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This no-fuss, foolproof recipe features roasted sausage and a variety of vegetables, all on one sheet pan. With minimal cleanup and a cooking time of 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal. Ideal for those new to cooking, this dish balances practicality and flavor. Consider this your go-to, foolproof dinner option that is sure to impress without any stress.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This inventive dish transforms the popular appetizer of jalapeño poppers into a balanced chicken salad. The recipe is straightforward, requiring only a limited list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers an inventive yet foolproof option for dinner. This is your new go-to meal that is virtually impossible to ruin.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This one-pan dish features chicken perfectly complemented by a creamy mushroom sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this foolproof recipe offers both convenience and a balanced flavor profile. It’s an excellent choice for a hassle-free dinner, especially when you’re short on time. Consider this dish a go-to that you simply can’t ruin.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Sausage Curry
This Sausage Curry is a one-pan dish that combines sausages and vegetables in a rich curry sauce. This foolproof recipe is reliable for any dinner occasion, offering hearty and uncomplicated flavors. The ease of preparation caters to a variety of taste preferences and cooking abilities. It’s a go-to meal that promises a satisfying, unruinable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This one-pan dish features chicken thighs smothered in a delectable sun-dried tomato and cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s straightforward to prepare, making it a foolproof dinner option. The quick cooking time enhances its appeal for busy weeknights. This is your go-to dish that’s so simple, you can’t ruin it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Big Mac Salad
This Big Mac Salad brings the familiar flavors of the iconic fast-food burger into a more balanced form. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for meal prepping or a speedy weeknight dinner. This foolproof recipe is ideal for a familiar yet healthier option. It’s a reliable, go-to meal that you can’t ruin.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a one-pan wonder combining cabbage, bacon, and onion. Ready in just 25 minutes, this straightforward recipe brings simplicity and quick preparation to the dinner table. The harmonious blend of flavors ensures a meal that pleases without complicated steps. This is a go-to, foolproof meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fajita Baked Chicken
This Fajita Baked Chicken features seasoned chicken breasts baked with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella. The straightforward recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. This foolproof dish balances both flavor and convenience. It’s the kind of go-to meal you’ll turn to repeatedly without worrying about messing it up.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
This casserole captures the essence of the classic Philly Cheese Steak sandwich, combining sirloin steak with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese. Quick to prepare, this foolproof meal is a weeknight lifesaver. It’s an ideal dinner option for those looking for convenience without sacrificing flavor. Consider this your go-to dish that you can’t possibly ruin.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
This Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin is a comforting dish perfect for colder seasons. Simple steps — simmer, blend, simmer again, and serve — make this soup ready in just 40 minutes. The smooth texture and warm flavors provide a comforting and reliable choice for any mealtime. Consider this foolproof dish a go-to comfort meal that you can’t ruin.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
Chicken Corn Soup
This Chicken Corn Soup is a go-to option for a quick and flavorful meal that can be prepared in one pot. Ready in less than an hour, it’s very easy to make and showcases tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Shawarma Kebabs
These Shawarma Kebabs are a high-protein meal requiring simple oven-baked preparation. The dish balances convenience and flavor, fitting nicely into busy schedules. The straightforward steps make it an excellent choice for those seeking a foolproof recipe. It’s a go-to meal that you won’t mess up, ideal for weeknights or weekend grilling.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs
Pollo Asado
This Pollo Asado features marinated chicken thighs that can be cooked using multiple methods, such as grilling, baking, or pan-frying, adding to its convenience. With cilantro, onion, and citrus flavors, this dish is a straightforward and foolproof option that offers versatility for dinner preparation. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a little flair without the complexity. This is your go-to meal that’s so simple you can’t ruin it.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado