Not a pro in the kitchen? 21 recipes for beginner cooks

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Dive into this list of 21 recipes for beginner cooks, each crafted for simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re brand new to the kitchen or are just searching for straightforward dishes, this collection promises a hassle-free cooking experience.

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole combines steamed broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and crispy bacon in just 30 minutes, making it an accessible choice for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is an uncomplicated one-pan dish made in just 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for those who are new to cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a straightforward dish that blends ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-prepare meal ideal for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage is a no-fuss one-pan meal ready in under 30 minutes, offering beginners a simple cooking experience with a resulting dish that’s delicious and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a straightforward dish, perfect for novice chefs, that has roasted sausage and veggies ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is prepared in just 30 minutes. It’s a beginner-friendly dish, combining chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Canned Chicken Patties offer a quick meal solution in just 20 minutes. They’re a versatile choice perfect for those new to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup combines Italian sausage with heavy cream and canned tomatoes. It’s a straightforward dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and ideal for novice chefs.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with fresh herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-pan meal that pairs well with a side of rice or veggies. Its simplicity makes it a great choice for beginner cooks who want a meal that is filling and high in protein.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad offers a unique twist on typical chicken salads. It’s easy to prepare and is a solid choice for those starting their cooking journey.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Beginner cooks will appreciate this Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake’s simplicity and rich flavors. It’s a one-pan dish with a perfect blend of flavors from marinated chicken, cheese, and spinach.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of Crock Pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Crock Pot Taco Soup is a time-efficient slow-cooker dish that requires only 20 minutes of prep. Ground beef and pantry staples come together in this beginner-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a flavorful meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. It’s an uncomplicated dish, perfect for those who are new to cooking.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is both refreshing and easy to prepare. In 30 minutes, beginners can enjoy a light and balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Combining seasoned chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños, this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is simple yet memorable. It’s a great introductory dish for new cooks who want to make a fun and memorable dinner recipe.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Beginners can master this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken in just 30 minutes using only one skillet. The dish pairs chicken thighs with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is an uncomplicated dinner choice that’s like a classic burger in salad form. It’s a practical and foolproof option for beginner chefs.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken combines chicken with cream cheese and sweet peppers for a flavorful family meal. It’s surprisingly straightforward to make and is a great choice for newer cooks.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish showcases shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach in a garlic sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. Its flavors are restaurant-worthy and is a dish that is notably easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Shawarma Kebabs are a solid choice for beginners. They’re oven-baked and a simple way to enjoy a protein-rich, flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are an easy and fun finger food option. They’re great for a fun family dinner and are a perfect introduction to cooking for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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