Cooking Doesn’t Have To Be Hard 29 Recipes That Make It Simple

Cooking does not have to feel hard or confusing, especially with these 29 easy recipes. Each dish uses simple steps and everyday ingredients to make tasty meals without stress. No need for fancy tools or special skills, just follow the steps and enjoy good food. With these recipes, mealtime can feel simple, quick, and full of flavor every time.

Cacio e Pepe

Creamy, peppery goodness comes together in no time with this classic dish. Cacio e Pepe is all about keeping it simple while making every bite memorable. A quick swirl and toss, and you’ve got a flavorful meal ready. Perfect for a quick dinner or to impress without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Vegetable Soup

Warm, comforting bowls always hit the spot, and that’s where Vegetable Soup shines. Packed with a mix of cooked veggies, it’s hearty yet easy to prepare. Great for those moments when you need a simple dish that feels wholesome. Serve it fresh, and let every spoonful bring you warmth.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Rich layers of thinly sliced potatoes paired with a creamy mixture make Dauphinoise Potatoes irresistible. A dish that’s easy to prep and turns into something special once baked. Golden edges and a soft center make it perfect for dinner sides. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture straight from the dish.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Egg Bites

Bite-sized goodness comes to life with Egg Bites that are quick to whip up. Mix up your favorite flavors, pour, and bake for a handy snack or breakfast idea. They’re easy, versatile, and great to pack for busy days. Perfect little bites to grab on the go without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Soft, fragrant, and airy grains come together beautifully when making Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. A simple yet reliable side dish that pairs wonderfully with almost everything. Cook it perfectly, and you’ll have a base that enhances any meal. Let its aroma fill your kitchen as you prepare it effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Creamy and cheesy meet the subtle sweetness of squash in Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. A simple twist on the classic that’s just as easy to make but feels comforting in every bite. Ideal for any time you want something quick and hearty. Stir it up and enjoy the richness with fewer steps.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Focaccia Bread

Soft, airy bread with just the right amount of chewiness takes center stage with Focaccia Bread. Prepare a dough, let it rise, and bake for something fresh and homemade. Add a touch of flavor on top to suit your mood. Great as a side or even a snack on its own.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Veggie Pizza

Colorful toppings meet a crispy base when making Veggie Pizza, creating something easy yet fun. Assemble with simple ingredients, bake, and enjoy a meal that’s ideal for any time. Customize it as you build and let the oven handle the rest. Slice it up it’s ready for everyone to grab and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Tzatziki

Creamy and refreshing goodness happens once you make Tzatziki in your kitchen. Whip it up quickly for something that’s fantastic as a dip or spread. Easy steps mean it’s ready in no time without the hassle. Serve chilled and let its simplicity shine with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki

Grilled Peppers

Smoky flavors come alive with minimal effort when preparing Grilled Peppers. Toss on the heat and watch their sweetness transform into something special. They’re quick to make and a fantastic addition to plates. Keep it simple; they’re great for side dishes or even on their own.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy and earthy flavors blend instantly with Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Roast, blend, and heat for a bowl that’s easy yet feels wholesome to eat. It’s the kind of dish that works whenever you need something simple and warm. Grab a spoon and enjoy the results without much time spent.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Hasselback Potatoes

Crispy edges with a soft middle is what makes Hasselback Potatoes stand out. A quick slice onto each potato creates layers that absorb flavors during their bake. They’re visually appealing and straightforward to make. Serve them fresh for easy sides with a bit of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

A blend of textures and flavors happens when making Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Combine rice and beans with seasoning for a meal that feels complete in just a few steps. It’s filling and easy to put together without too much thought. Serve up a bowl that’s simple yet perfect for any time.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Best Lemon Pasta

Bright and tangy with a touch of creaminess, Best Lemon Pasta is simple yet bold to prepare. Mix ingredients, stir over heat, and plate a quick yet standout dish. It’s a go-to choice when you need something tasty without extra time in the kitchen. Enjoy every forkful of fresh flavors in no time.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Lentil Soup

Hearty simplicity becomes easy when you go for Lentil Soup as your meal choice. Combine lentils, simmer, and cook for a filling bowl in no time. This quick dish is both comforting and simple to prepare. Great for those moments when you need a no-fuss option ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Twice Baked Potatoes

A dish that combines creamy textures with a bit of crunch for an unbeatable bite. Twice Baked Potatoes are the perfect companion for any meal, balancing soft and crispy in each scoop. It’s all about baking, mixing, and throwing it back into a potato skin for ultimate goodness. Whip this up when you need something comforting but easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Macaroni Salad

Here’s a bowlful of creamy satisfaction that pairs with any meal. Macaroni Salad is all about mixing pasta with simple ingredients to create something flavorful without overthinking it. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for feeding a crowd or as leftovers. A solid recipe for keeping things simple yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Marry Me Butter Beans

Packed with rich flavors, this dish is hearty and filling without being heavy. Marry Me Butter Beans will make you wonder why you haven’t made this a weekly staple. A great mix of comfort and freshness, perfect for scooping onto rice or alongside crusty bread. Just simmer everything together and let it work wonders.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans

Pico de Gallo

A bowl of unbeatable freshness that’s ready in just minutes. Pico de Gallo turns simple ingredients into a punchy topping for tacos, chips, or even grilled dishes. It’s all about chopping, mixing, and making every bite pop. Try this when you don’t want to fuss over complicated recipes.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Asparagus Casserole

Warm, hearty, and packed with veggie goodness, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Asparagus Casserole brings a creamy texture and a burst of flavor that’s great on its own or alongside your favorite protein. Layer it up, bake it, and enjoy the simplicity of a one-dish wonder. Perfect for when you want something easy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Vegan Ratatouille

A flavorful way to spotlight fresh vegetables in your meals. Vegan Ratatouille balances tender textures and simple seasonings into a dish everyone can love. It’s all about layering slices and letting the oven do all the work. Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, and this recipe proves it.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Bite-sized snacks that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Pinwheel Sandwiches pack layers of flavor into a rolled-up treat that works for lunch, snacks, or parties. Just roll, slice, and serve—no extra hassle required. It’s a solid way to keep things fresh without too much prep.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Roasted Tomato Soup

A warm bowl of smooth, velvety goodness straight from the oven and blender. Roasted Tomato Soup is all about creating deep flavors from something as simple and familiar as tomatoes. Roast them up, blend them down, and pair with bread, crackers, or just enjoy it plain. Perfect for cozy cooking that feels effortless.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Cheese Ball

Fun, shareable, and packed with flavor, this recipe is great for any occasion. Cheese Ball mixes simple ingredients into a creamy, tangy dip that’s shaped into a ball for easy serving. Roll it in some crunchy toppings, refrigerate, and serve with crackers or veggies. Ready-made for when you need something quick and crowd-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball

Hashbrown Casserole

Crispy, creamy, and somewhere in between, this dish is comfort food at its best. Hashbrown Casserole layers classic ingredients without overcomplicating the process. Pop it in the oven, let it bake, and you’ve got a dish that pairs with breakfast, lunch, or dinner with ease. When you need something reliable and simple, this recipe delivers.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Spaghetti Marinara

An effortless way to enjoy a filling and plate of noodles. Spaghetti Marinara doesn’t need frills; it’s just all about rich flavors and that perfect pasta texture. Boil, toss, and enjoy a fast yet classic option for anyone who loves a good meal. Add some garlic bread on the side to make it extra special.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

7 Layer Salad

Bright, bold, and delicious, this dish fits any meal plan seamlessly. 7 Layer Salad takes basic ingredients and stacks them up for a visually appealing and tasty bite. Throw it together in a bowl or dish and let the layers do the talking—no fancy tools or steps required. Sometimes, simple is all you need to make something stand out.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Udon Noodles

A quick meal with chewy noodles and simple flavors that hit the spot. Udon Noodles make it easy to throw together a dish that feels comforting without requiring a long list of steps. Toss in simple ingredients and watch the noodles soak up all the flavors perfectly. A go-to option for creating something filling in less time.
Get the Recipe: Udon Noodles

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

A dish with bold flavor that’s quick to make and even quicker to enjoy. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad combines fresh crunch with a bit of heat for a side that pairs well with so many meals. Mix everything up in a bowl, chill it, and it’s ready to serve. Perfect for those moments when simple yet flavorful is all you want.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad