Written by: Anna Pashkova, MS, RDN, LD, ACSM-EP / Reviewed by: Julie Andrews, MS, RDN, CD, FAND
Learning how to cook at home can seem intimidating, but we’ve got you covered with a round-up of 26 healthy recipes for beginner cooks that’ll set your culinary soul on fire. The recipes are quick, easy and simple with minimal ingredients, basic cooking techniques and use equipment you likely already have in your kitchen.
The best way to increase your confidence with cooking is by experimenting, finding a few go-to favorites and practice, practice, practice! Before you know it, you’ll be whipping up more all sorts of delicious meals – with ease!
Maple Mustard Salmon + Roasted Broccoli
This perfectly roasted broccoli and salmon recipe is only 4 ingredients, making it one of the simplest on the list. Better yet, it takes less than 30 minutes to make and is all cooked on a single sheet pan. Even though it’s simple, it doesn’t skimp on flavor. Dijon mustard and pure maple syrup create a melt-in-your-mouth flavor that makes this meal so good.
Simple Spaghetti with Peas, Garlic, and Parmesan
Everyone needs at least one go-to pasta or spaghetti dish in their cooking repertoire and this one can easily make the cut. This recipe is vegetarian and has a creamier carbonara-like feel from the added egg yolk. Garlic, peas, and parmesan cheese make a tasty addition that will have you craving more. To top it off, this recipe includes four pasta cooking tips for all your future cooking endeavors.
Taco Lettuce Cups
A weeknight meal dream, this recipe only takes 20 minutes to make and has endless possibilities for toppings. While beef is pictured here, you can also make these lettuce cups with chicken or turkey. If you don’t have the spices in the recipe on hand, you can use a pre-made taco seasoning instead.
And to make clean-up easier, the meat, beans and spices are all cooked using one skillet before being spooned into the lettuce cups.
More Healthy Recipes for Beginner Cooks
Rustic Yukon Mashed Potatoes
Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Crispy Breakfast Potatoes
Carrot Fries with Chipotle Aioli
Taco-Stuffed Smashed Potatoes
Simple Brussels Sprout Salad
Broccoli Cheese Egg Muffins
Mexican Fried Rice
Italian Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Spinach Pasta
Caprese Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Chickpea & Tuna Salad
Greek Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup
Loaded Cheesy Baked Potato Soup
Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
7 More Healthy Recipes for Beginners from Around the Web
- Saucy, Quick Chicken Recipe with Artichokes and Tomatoes from Fannetastic Food
- One Pot Vegetarian Mexican Lentils from MJ & Hungryman
- Scallops with Corn, Tomato, and Basil Salad from Jenny Shearawn
- Pasta with Simple Tomato Sauce from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas from Your Choice Nutrition
- Southwest Cauliflower Rice Bowl from Muscle and Manna
- Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies from Real Mom Nutrition
Hope you get to try out and enjoy some of these recipes! If you’re looking to expand your skills in the kitchen even further, you may also enjoy this blog post on how to make your own homemade salad dressing.
