Easy Meal Ideas to Boost Your Cooking Confidence

Do you ever feel overwhelmed and discouraged by the thought of entering the kitchen? Do you want to learn how to cook delicious and satisfying meals but feel overwhelmed by the thought of it? Fear not, my friend! I am here to help you gain confidence in the kitchen with some quick and easy meal ideas.

There’s something so rewarding about creating a meal from scratch, and it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple instructions, you can create mouth-watering dishes that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or your friends, these meal ideas are sure to please. From classic comfort foods to exotic international flavors, there’s something for everyone. So don’t be afraid to step into the kitchen and try your hand at cooking. With these easy meal ideas, you’ll be whipping up delicious dishes in no time and gaining the confidence you need to become a true culinary master.

As an adult, there’s no denying that one of the biggest challenges we face is coming up with dinner ideas every single night. The pressure to create a meal that satisfies everyone’s taste buds can be overwhelming, especially if you have picky eaters in your household. But don’t let the stress of meal planning take away from the joy of spending time with your loved ones. With the right recipes and a little bit of planning, you can create delicious meals that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and happy. So take a deep breath and scroll down to discover some of the easiest and most highly-rated dinner ideas for those hectic weeknights. You’ll be amazed at how simple and stress-free mealtime can be with these tasty options at your fingertips.

Here Are 7 Easy Dinner Recipes For Beginners

1. Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Get ready for a fun and creative dinner that the whole family will love! With Pillsbury biscuit dough, you can make edible bowls that add a special touch to this dish. Using canned chicken, frozen veggies, and soup, I’ve crafted an incredibly easy and quick recipe that will satisfy everyone hunger.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this easy dish recipe:

• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (frozen and thawed)
• 1 can (12.5 oz) of canned chicken breast
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 tube (16.3 oz) of Pillsbury Grands! refrigerated biscuits
• Optional seasoning (thyme, onion powder, black pepper, garlic powder, salt)

Instructions:

1. Before starting, preheat your oven to 375 degrees and grease 8 slots of a regular-sized muffin tin.
2. Drain the canned chicken thoroughly and mix it well with the thawed veggies and can of soup. Add in black pepper, onion powder, thyme, and garlic powder for extra flavor. If you prefer, you can also add a little salt, but be mindful that the other ingredients already contain salt.
3. Open the tube of biscuits and flatten each one with your fingers to make larger rounds, roughly 5-6 inches in diameter. You don’t need to measure them exactly, just estimate and trust the process.
4. Press the biscuit rounds firmly into your greased muffin tin, making sure to keep the dough at the bottom and sides as thin as possible while leaving the majority of the dough at the top where it will cook thoroughly.
5. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each biscuit, creating a slightly concave bowl by pulling the dough up and towards the center.
6. Bake in the oven for 20-22 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown. Once done, let them cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. They should come out easily with minimal mess.
7. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken pot pies!

2. Cheeseburger Casserole

This casserole is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the type of pasta you use. It’s a great way to use up any ingredients you have on hand and create a delicious, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. So why not give it a try? Whip up a batch of this ground beef and pasta dinner casserole tonight and watch as your family members come running to the dinner table. Trust me, they won’t be able to resist the savory aromas wafting from the oven. And with leftovers that taste just as good the next day, this casserole is perfect for meal prepping and making your busy weeknights a little easier. So go ahead and indulge in this classic, comforting dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household. You won’t regret it!

To make this mouthwatering ground beef and pasta casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 (1lb) box medium pasta shells
• 1lb ground beef
• 2 (10oz) cans tomato soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup water
• Garlic, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain it well.
2. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper (or any other seasoning of your choice).
4. Add the cooked pasta, tomato soup, 1/2 cup of water, and HALF of the cheese to the skillet with the beef. Stir and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes (you can also turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese).
7. Serve the casserole immediately and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Pizzadillas

Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food, and why settle for ordinary when you can stuff them with delicious pizza ingredients? Imagine biting into a hot, gooey, cheesy quesadilla filled with pepperoni and topped with warm marinara sauce. But why stop there? Add some olives, jalapeños, bell peppers, or any other toppings you love. And don’t forget to sprinkle on some Italian seasoning to really elevate the flavor. These quesadillas are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, and can be dipped in your favorite sauce, whether it’s pizza sauce, marinara, tomato sauce, ranch, basil pesto, or whatever you have in your pantry.

Ingredients:

• 1 large flour tortilla
• 1/3 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend)
• 6-8 pepperoni slices
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Pizza sauce (for dipping)
• Butter (for the pan)

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and fry the pepperoni until crisp. Remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to remove excess grease.
2. Use a paper towel to wipe any remaining grease from the pan, and add 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Spread it around with a spatula as it melts.
3. Add the tortilla to the pan, flipping it a few times so that both sides are coated evenly with butter. Cook one side until crispy for about a minute.
4. Flip the tortilla and add shredded cheese, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the crispy side. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bottom is golden brown.
5. Fold one side of the tortilla over and remove it from the pan. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing with a pizza cutter.
6. Serve with warm pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. Enjoy!

4. Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tacos

If you happen to have a predilection for the tangy and creamy goodness of cream cheese, then you’re in for an absolute gastronomic delight with this fuss-free and straightforward taco recipe. The steps are a breeze – just toss a couple of succulent chicken breasts, a jar of vibrant salsa, a velvety block of cream cheese, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning into your trusty slow cooker. Then, let the ingredients mingle and dance together for a few hours, while the tantalizing aromas waft through your home. And finally, witness the jaw-dropping metamorphosis that takes place as the flavors meld together into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

To make this scrumptious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3-4 chicken breasts
• 1 jar of salsa, 16oz in size
• 1 block of cream cheese, cubed and weighing 8oz
• 1-2 tablespoons of taco seasoning
• Tortillas for serving

To prepare this tasty taco recipe, follow these steps:

1. To start preparing this recipe, you should begin by spraying your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to ensure that the ingredients don’t stick to the bottom or sides of the pot.
2. Add in the chicken, salsa, cream cheese, and taco seasoning, making sure they are evenly distributed.
3. Cook the mixture on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Use a fork to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and let it sit in the salsa mixture for at least 15 more minutes to absorb the flavors.
5. Choose your serving option by either filling soft tortillas, taco shells, or placing the chicken mixture over a bed of lettuce.
6. Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, or any other creative options you like.
7. Congratulations, you have created a masterpiece that is sure to delight your senses!

5. Garlic Toast Pizzas

Transform frozen garlic toast into a delicious pizza crust in no time! Simply add your favorite pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your preferred toppings like pepperoni or olives. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for older kids and teens to make themselves, allowing them to feel accomplished and independent in the kitchen.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this easy recipe:

• You will need frozen garlic toast, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and any toppings you want (if desired).
• To make this quick and easy pizza, gather frozen garlic toast, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and your preferred toppings.
• The ingredients for this speedy pizza recipe include frozen garlic toast, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and any additional toppings you fancy.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven and bake the frozen garlic toast as directed on the package, but take it out 2 minutes earlier than the recommended time.
2. Spread pizza sauce on the almost-done garlic toast and sprinkle with cheese and your preferred toppings (use sauce sparingly to avoid making the middle soggy).
3. Place the garlic toast pizza back in the oven on the broil setting for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly and starts to brown.
4. Remove from the oven, slice and serve hot. Enjoy your quick and easy garlic toast pizza!

6. Meatloaf

If meatloaf isn’t usually your thing, you’ll want to try this mouth-watering twist on ground beef. With just a box of Stove Top stuffing, eggs, and ketchup mixed in, it’s a savory dish that’ll have you feeling like you’re eating your grandma’s home cooking. And when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a surprisingly tasty meal that’ll have you going back for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 box of Stove Top Stuffing in any flavor
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Stove Top stuffing mix, eggs, ketchup, and water. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
5. Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides!

7. Lasagna

If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, try baking ravioli with pasta sauce and cheese. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that you can customize by adding ground beef, sausage, or veggies to the layers. Choose your favorite type of ravioli and enjoy a tasty meal in no time!

Ingredients for this recipe:

• 1 (24-ounce) bag of frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara or pasta sauce
• 2 heaping cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it.
2. Spread around 3/4 cup of marinara sauce in a thin layer on the bottom of the greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Arrange around 12 pieces of frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
4. Add half of the remaining marinara sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ravioli layer.
5. Repeat the layering process, starting with the remaining ravioli and followed by the remaining sauce and cheese. If you’d like, sprinkle some shredded parmesan cheese on top.
6. Place a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the baking dish and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
7. After baking for 30 minutes covered with aluminum foil, remove the foil and place the baking dish back in the oven. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
8. After the ravioli is fully cooked, serve it hot with your preferred sides, such as vegetables, salad, garlic bread, or any other sides you desire.