21 can’t-mess-up recipes to prove you can cook

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Mastering a selection of 21 can’t-mess-up recipes is key to proving your cooking prowess effortlessly. These fail-safe dishes ensure delicious results every time, boosting your confidence in the kitchen. With these recipes, you can easily impress friends and family, showing you can cook like a pro!

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you want to upgrade your lunch game with minimal effort – that’s what this chicken salad is all about. Sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tender chicken all mixed up with creamy goodness. It’s a classic favorite with a twist that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or just eating straight from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover brisket? Say no more – this brisket fried rice recipe is here to save the day. It’s like a flavor-packed makeover for your leftovers. Tender meat, savory rice, and veggies all cooked up in one pan. Whether you’re clearing out the fridge or impressing your dinner guests, this dish is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than this tortellini soup. We’re talking cheesy tortellini, hearty kale, and tender chicken all swimming in a flavorful broth. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out and leaves you feeling all cozy.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Salad skeptics, listen up – this ain’t your average salad. We’re talking juicy steak, hearty pasta, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing all in one bowl. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

A Pastrami Reuben sandwich on a plate with chips and pickles.
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who’s ready for a flavor-packed sandwich that’s gonna knock your socks off? Enter the pastrami Reuben. We’re talking layers of juicy pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing all sandwiched between slices of rye bread. It’s a classic deli favorite that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Dutch oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These Dutch oven carnitas are a game-changer when it comes to proving your cooking skills. Slow-cooked to perfection, they’re tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, or nachos. Whether you’re serving them up for a casual dinner or a weekend fiesta, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Dutch oven Carnitas

Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Two slices of Cottage Cheese Toast with Eggs & Bacon on a black platter.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Start your day off right with this cottage cheese toast featuring bacon and a perfectly poached egg, a dish that’ll impress without a doubt. Creamy cottage cheese, crispy bacon, and a perfectly poached egg come together on toast for a simple yet indulgent breakfast or brunch option that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Cream of Onion Soup

Two bowls of cream onion soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Onion Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving something comforting and delicious? Look no further than this creamy onion soup. Sweet caramelized onions, rich broth, and cream come together for a soup that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. Whether you’re serving it up as a starter or a main course, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Onion Soup

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

How about a casserole that’s going to transport you straight to Cuba – this Cuban sandwich casserole? Layers of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard are all baked up to perfection – it’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re serving it up for lunch or dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Air fried chicken fries with dipping sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who doesn’t love crispy chicken? Now imagine it fries up without the guilt trip. Yup, that’s what these air fryer chicken fries are all about. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and healthier than their deep-fried cousins. Whether you’re snacking or serving them up as a side dish, these bad boys are gonna disappear faster than you can say “delicious.”
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving some hearty comfort food? Look no further than this Texas Roadhouse chili copycat recipe. Loaded with tender beef, beans, and savory spices, it’s the ultimate bowl of goodness. Whether you’re serving it up for game day or just need a cozy dinner, this chili is guaranteed to hit the spot. It’s one of those recipes that’ll warm you up from the inside out – guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Sliced Smoked Bacon Wrapped Whole Pork Tenderloin on a white platter.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Who’s ready for a main dish that’s sure to impress? This bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is where it’s at. Juicy pork wrapped in crispy bacon – need I say more? Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to steal the show. It’s one of those recipes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds – guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

Cabbage Roll in a Bowl.
Cabbage Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Let’s talk about comfort food with a twist – this cabbage roll in a bowl. All the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without all the fuss. Tender cabbage, savory beef, rice, and a tangy tomato sauce all in one bowl – it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving it up for dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Two bowls of cream of butternut squash and sweet potato soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This creamy butternut squash and sweet potato soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Velvety smooth and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect way to cozy up. Whether you’re serving it up as a starter or a main course, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Kefta Beef Kabobs

Kefta Beef Kabobs stacked on a white platter.
Kefta Beef Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Fire up the grill and get ready for some seriously delicious kabobs – these kefta beef kabobs are where it’s at. Made with seasoned ground beef skewered and grilled to perfection, they’re a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving something tasty, these kabobs are guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Beef Kabobs

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This pizza casserole is one of those can’t-mess-up recipes that’ll prove your cooking skills in a snap. With all your favorite pizza toppings layered between cheesy goodness, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is as comforting as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Beef Barbacoa

Beef Barbacoa in a blue bowl.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Let’s spice things up with a dish that’s bursting with flavor – this beef barbacoa. Slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of savory spices, it’s the ultimate filling for tacos, burritos, or just eating straight from the pot. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just meal prepping for the week ahead, this barbacoa is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s spice things up with a soup that’s anything but ordinary – this Mexican street corn soup. We’re talking sweet corn, savory spices, tangy lime, and creamy cheese all in one bowl. It’s like a fiesta for your taste buds. Whether you’re craving something comforting or just want to impress your dinner guests, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who’s in the mood for some seriously delicious quesadillas? These chicken al pastor quesadillas are where it’s at. Tender chicken, melty cheese, and tangy pineapple salsa all grilled up in a tortilla – need I say more? Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something tasty, these quesadillas are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You know those times when you want to impress without slaving away in the kitchen? These Baja fish tacos are your answer. Crispy fish, zesty slaw, and a creamy sauce all wrapped up in a tortilla – talk about flavor explosion! Whether it’s taco Tuesday or a weekend hangout, these babies are sure to steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Al Pastor Carnitas

Al Pastor Carnitas in a white bowl with tongs.
Al Pastor Carnitas. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Time to spice things up with these al pastor carnitas. Tender pork marinated in a spicy-sweet sauce – need I say more? Whether you’re serving them up for taco Tuesday or a weekend fiesta, these carnitas are guaranteed to be a hit. It’s one of those recipes that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Mexico without ever leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas

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