Having a few go-to recipes can make cooking feel effortless. These are the ones that come through when you need a quick meal, something comforting, or a dish that always turns out right. They don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just simple flavors that work every time. Keep these 23 recipes in your kitchen, and you’ll always have something good to make.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
All the flavors of an egg roll come together in one pan without the deep frying. Seasoned chicken, crisp cabbage, and a rich, savory sauce make this meal fresh, filling, and packed with flavor. A great choice for beginners and non-cooks, this dish proves that takeout favorites can be made at home without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Lemon Butter Pasta
A buttery, lemon-infused sauce coats every strand of pasta, making each bite smooth and rich. With just a few ingredients and no complicated steps, this is a meal that feels special without being difficult. Anyone can put this dish together in minutes, making it perfect for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
A simple can of tuna turns into something bold with pesto, sundried tomatoes, and a few fresh ingredients. Packed with richness and just the right amount of tang, it’s anything but an ordinary tuna salad. No cooking required, just mix and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
All the cheesy, saucy goodness of lasagna comes in a rolled-up, easy-to-serve version that bakes to perfection. Layers of ricotta, marinara, and pasta deliver homemade flavor without the usual hassle. A great way to enjoy a classic comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Breakfast Pizza
Crispy crust, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs turn a few simple ingredients into something special. Bacon and savory toppings bring everything together for a breakfast that’s filling and easy to make. If flipping pancakes feels like too much work, this recipe is a game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Pizza
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
A warm, homemade bowl of chicken noodle soup comes together fast, thanks to the Instant Pot. Tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich broth make every spoonful taste like it simmered all day. Perfect for anyone who wants a homemade meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken and Dumplings
Fluffy dumplings float in a rich, savory broth packed with slow-cooked chicken and deep flavor. The simple ingredients and easy steps make it feel like a Sunday dinner without the long cooking time. A warm, comforting meal that always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with just the right kick, this dip is always the first to go at any gathering. A few simple ingredients come together fast, making it perfect for game days, parties, or a laid-back snack night. Just mix, heat, and dig in—no fuss required.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip
Instant Pot Chicken Stock
A homemade pot of chicken stock brings deep, rich flavor to soups, sauces, and more. The Instant Pot pulls every bit of goodness from the bones, creating a broth that’s better than anything store-bought. Keep a fresh batch on hand to make cooking feel homemade every time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stock
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Rotisserie chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce make these enchiladas taste like they took hours to prepare. Baked until golden and bubbling with melted cheese, every bite is packed with smoky, cheesy goodness. Just layer, roll, and bake for a meal that delivers a big flavor without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Baked Kale Chips
These crispy, salty kale chips are the perfect snack when a crunchy craving hits. A drizzle of oil and a sprinkle of seasoning turn leafy greens into something light, crisp, and full of flavor. A great alternative to store-bought chips with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
A rich, creamy chicken stew comes together with tender bites of rotisserie chicken and plenty of comforting flavor. Buttery, golden biscuits bake right on top, soaking up the savory broth in every bite. This dish delivers homemade warmth without the need for complicated steps or long cooking times.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Honey Glazed Chicken
A rich honey glaze coats each piece of chicken, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The stovetop does all the work, caramelizing the sauce while keeping the meat tender and juicy. This recipe is a simple way to turn basic ingredients into a meal that feels a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Chocolate Fondue
Melted chocolate turns into a smooth, rich dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with fruit, cookies, and more. This simple recipe creates a dessert that looks impressive but takes almost no effort to make. No baking, no complicated steps—just warm the chocolate, dip your favorite treats, and enjoy every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Fondue
BBQ Vinaigrette Dressing
This smoky, tangy dressing brings bold flavor to salads, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables with just a few simple ingredients. A mix of barbecue sauce, vinegar, and spices blends together for the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Shake up a batch in minutes and turn everyday dishes into something full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Vinaigrette Dressing
Meatballs and Sauce
The Instant Pot makes these homemade meatballs tender and packed with flavor while they simmer in a rich tomato sauce. Classic Italian seasonings and a slow-cooked taste come together in a fraction of the time. A great way to enjoy homemade comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Caprese Panini
Golden, crispy bread holds layers of melted mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil for a sandwich that’s full of flavor. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties everything together, adding just the right amount of tangy sweetness. This café-style panini is easy to make at home and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Cacio e Pepe
A simple mix of pasta, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano creates a dish that’s creamy, rich, and full of bold flavor. Starchy pasta water turns these few ingredients into a silky sauce, with no cream or butter needed. No fancy techniques required—just toss everything together and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Pizza Dough
This dough bakes up with a crisp crust and a chewy center, making every homemade pizza taste better than takeout. Whether topped with classic ingredients or something more creative, the result is always fresh and flavorful. Mix up a batch in advance and enjoy homemade pizza anytime without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Dough
Blueberry Pancakes
Light, fluffy pancakes filled with warm, juicy blueberries make for the perfect breakfast that feels both comforting and special. Cooked until golden brown and drizzled with syrup, they bring just the right balance of sweetness and texture. A classic recipe that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pancakes
Simple Marinara Sauce
A few pantry staples turn into a slow-simmered sauce that’s rich, bold, and packed with deep tomato flavor. Ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs come together in a way that no store-bought jar can match. Whether poured over pasta or used as a dipping sauce, this homemade favorite adds something extra to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce
Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Roasting transforms simple broccoli into a side dish with crisp edges, a tender center, and a deep, caramelized flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens every bite, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds just the right amount of richness. This quick and easy recipe makes vegetables taste so good that even picky eaters will want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Sandwich Bread
This bread bakes up soft on the inside with just the right amount of structure, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, and everything in between. The simple recipe keeps things easy, so even first-time bakers can enjoy fresh, homemade bread without stress. Once it comes out of the oven, store-bought bread won’t feel the same again.
Get the Recipe: Sandwich Bread