21 Doable Recipes for Every Level of Home Cook

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Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to taste amazing. These 21 doable recipes are designed for every level of home cook, whether you’re just figuring out the difference between sauté and simmer or you’ve been stirring pots for years. From simple weeknight meals to dishes that look way fancier than they are, this lineup proves anyone can cook with confidence.

Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Cobbler

horizontal photo of Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Cobbler with spoon is baking dish
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This homemade broccoli cheddar cobbler is the ultimate comfort food. It combines the flavors of broccoli cheddar soup with a savory biscuit topping, making it a perfect family-friendly meal for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Cobbler

25 Minute Chili Oil Egg Ramen

25 Minute Chili Oil Egg Ramen | haldbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This 25-minute chili oil egg ramen is the perfect quick and easy meal for a cold winter day. The combination of chili oil, broth, coconut milk, and miso paste creates a flavorful and comforting soup that you’ll want to make again and again. Top with an egg and green onions for the ultimate ramen experience!
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Chili Oil Egg Ramen

Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili

overhead photo of Frito Pie Casserole on a tray
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili recipe elevates the humble corn chip into a hearty and crowd-pleasing casserole. Layers of Fritos, rich chili con carne, and plenty of cheese make this the perfect dish for game day or any casual gathering. Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili

Pumpkin Banana Muffins

Presenting a delicious Pumpkin Banana Muffins
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

These Pumpkin Banana Muffins are the perfect combination of two classic flavors! Naturally sweetened and perfectly spiced, these moist muffins are great for breakfast, snacks, or even a Halloween treat. Plus, they’re kid-friendly and vegetarian!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Muffins

Flaky Broccoli Cheddar Soup Mini Pies

overhead horizontal close up photo of Flaky Broccoli Cheddar Soup Mini Pies
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These Flaky Broccoli Cheddar Soup Mini Pies are the perfect marriage of comfort food and elegant appetizers. Broccoli cheddar soup meets savory, flaky pastry in this easy-to-make recipe. They’re quick, delicious, and great for entertaining any time of year!
Get the Recipe: Flaky Broccoli Cheddar Soup Mini Pies

Simple Butternut Squash Soup

the best butternut squash soup with coconut milk (in a bowl with a spoon, on a marble background, topped with croutons)
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This easy butternut squash soup is the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day! It’s a simple, sweet soup that tastes like fall and doesn’t require roasting the squash. Made with coconut milk, this butternut squash soup is a vegetarian’s dream!
Get the Recipe: Simple Butternut Squash Soup

Steak Kabob Marinade

steak kabobs on a plate of rice
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

These steak kabobs are the perfect way to enjoy a classic steak flavor with a fun twist! Marinated in a savory blend of Worcestershire, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, the tender sirloin is threaded onto skewers with colorful bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms for a delicious and easy grilling experience. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Steak Kabob Marinade

Pecan Sandies

A stack of pecan sandies with a bite on a wood board
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

These Pecan Sandies are a classic slice-and-bake cookie that are light, buttery, and full of pecan flavor. The dough is easy to make and gets rolled in pecans before baking to a golden brown. They’re perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Pecan Sandies

Cobb Salad

Cobb salad in large glass bowl with jar of dressing on the side and tea towel.
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

This classic Cobb Salad is packed with delicious and hearty ingredients like chicken, bacon, avocado, and hard-boiled eggs. Topped with a simple red wine vinaigrette, it’s perfect as a main dish or a substantial side. Enjoy this gluten-free salad any time of year!
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Grilled Tahini Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

two chicken caesar sandwiches on a board
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These Grilled Tahini Chicken Caesar Sandwiches are a delicious twist on a classic! Featuring juicy grilled chicken, a fresh tahini slaw, and your favorite toppings, they’re perfect for a quick and easy summer meal. Grab your favorite buns and get ready for a flavor explosion!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tahini Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

Salmon Tacos

salmon tacos with lime wedges
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

These Salmon Tacos are a quick and easy 30-minute meal that will spice up your Taco Tuesday! Flaky salmon pairs perfectly with a zesty sriracha honey-lime slaw. Top with avocado and a lime wedge for the perfect bite!
Get the Recipe: Salmon Tacos

Parmesan Creamed Corn

Creamy baked corn casserole topped with breadcrumbs, chopped chives, and paprika, with a spoon scooping some out.
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Parmesan Creamed Corn recipe is the perfect side dish, layered with sweet and savory flavors. Topped with crispy toasted garlic breadcrumbs, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for holidays or any weeknight meal. Plus, it can easily be made gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Creamed Corn

Best Ever Vegan Avocado Chocolate Birthday Cake with Vegan Chocolate Ganache

vegan chocolate cake with sprinkles on cake stand
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This vegan chocolate cake uses avocado to create a super moist and fudgy texture! Topped with a rich vegan chocolate ganache, it’s perfect for birthdays or any chocolate craving. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Vegan Avocado Chocolate Birthday Cake with Vegan Chocolate Ganache

Chopped Greek Salad

Easy Chopped Greek Salad
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

This vibrant Chopped Greek Salad is packed with fresh veggies like romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, plus salty feta and Kalamata olives. The simple Greek vinaigrette ties it all together, making it a perfect light lunch or side dish. For added crunch, top with homemade pita chips!
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Fish Sticks (Crispy Oven, Air Fryer or Fried)

top view of crispy baked fish sticks on a platter
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

These aren’t your average fish sticks! These mega crunchy fish sticks are bursting with flavor and can be easily made in the oven or air fryer for a quick and satisfying meal. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces like tartar sauce or sriracha aioli for a fun and tasty twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Fish Sticks (Crispy Oven, Air Fryer or Fried)

Keto French Onion Soup

keto french onion soup.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

Warm up with this comforting Keto French Onion Soup! Featuring sweet caramelized onions in a rich broth, topped with crusty low-carb bread and melted Gruyere cheese, it’s a delightful and guilt-free take on a classic. This recipe is also gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Keto French Onion Soup

Orange Chicken

bites of chicken breast cooking in an orange sauce with sesame seeds, in a skillet.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Ditch the takeout menu and make this crispy, flavorful Orange Chicken right in your own kitchen! The unbelievably delicious orange sauce is easy to whip up and will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Brazilian Inspired Honey Garlic Shrimp

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp In Coconut Milk | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp – so flavorful, yet quick and easy… the perfect meal to start your week off right! From halfbakedharvest.com
Get the Recipe: Brazilian Inspired Honey Garlic Shrimp

Lemon Pepper Wings

lemon pepper chicken wings.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

These crispy lemon pepper wings are baked to perfection and bursting with flavor! Made with simple ingredients, these wings are a delicious and easy appetizer that can also be made in the air fryer. Plus, they’re gluten-free and keto-friendly, making them a crowd-pleasing option for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Pesto Pasta Salad

Overhead image of the Pesto Pasta Salad
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish or light meal! Rotini pasta is tossed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and mozzarella pearls in a creamy pesto dressing that is simply irresistible. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Homemade Alphabet Vegetable Soup

ladle of homemade alphabet vegetable soup
Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

This homemade alphabet vegetable soup is a fun and easy way to get your veggies in! It’s packed with nutrients and flavor, and it freezes well for easy meal prepping. Perfect for a cozy night in or a healthy lunch on the go!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Alphabet Vegetable Soup

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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