Cooking Basics: 16 Basic Recipes Everyone Should Know How to Make

If the prospect of cooking leaves you navigating an unfamiliar terrain, fear not – we've got your culinary journey covered. In this piece, we're staying true to the basics with straightforward how-to recipes. While we may not be delving into gourmet territory, we're exploring the essentials. Whether it's mastering the art of boiling an impeccable egg or acing a foolproof pasta dish, these recipes are your kitchen shortcuts. No fancy gadgets or a pantry resembling a cooking show set required – just a dash of enthusiasm and the eagerness to triumph in the kitchen.

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

A pan with a chicken breast covered in tomato sauce and topped with a fork. — Easy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe. Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

This easy oven-baked chicken parmesan recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Perfectly crispy chicken, topped with sauce and melty mozzarella!
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Easy Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken

Roasted chicken in a pan. — Easy Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken is a moist and delicious weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Make two and have leftover chicken for the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken

The Secret To Tender London Broil

A london broil on a plate. — The Secret To Tender London Broil. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Want to learn how to cook tender London broil? Have trouble cooking your London Broil? Is it always tough and tasteless? If so, you will love this Tender London Broil. Giving the meat a little bit of love beforehand goes a long way and guarantees a tender, flavorful steak every time.
Get the Recipe: The Secret To Tender London Broil

Easy Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

A plate of roasted beef with rosemary sprigs and a fork. — Easy Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

This Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin will become your go-to dinner the whole family will love. Tender pork with a sweet, balsamic sauce.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Spinach, Sausage And Roasted Red Pepper Quiche

A quiche with spinach and mushrooms on a cutting board. — Spinach, Sausage And Roasted Red Pepper Quiche. Photo credit: Real Food By Dad.

Spinach, Sausage, and Roasted Red Pepper Quiche ~ A thick and silky-rich quiche filled with sausage, roasted red peppers, and wilted spinach. The key Spinach, Sausage & Roasted Red Pepper Quiche ~ A thick and silky quiche filled with sausage , roasted red peppers and spinach.
Get the Recipe: Spinach, Sausage And Roasted Red Pepper Quiche

Garlic And Herb Mac And Cheese

This is garlic and herb mac and cheese, with a little spice in the cheese sauce and plenty of herby, cheesy crumble on top to give variation, taste and texture to this classic family meal.

Get the recipe: Garlic And Herb Mac And Cheese

Strawberry Feta Salad

strawberry and pecan salad with feta cheese in a white bowl — Photo Credit: Karen Kelly

This Strawberry Feta Salad is one of the best summer salads for healthy eating. It is packed with flavor and texture and made with simple ingredients like baby kale, fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta. Coated with a simple balsamic vinaigrette, this salad will surely be a hit at your table.

Pan Seared Salmon

A piece of salmon with lemon and herbs on a cutting board. — Pan Seared Salmon. Photo credit: Be Centsational.

Quick & easy Pan Seared Salmon with lemon. Perfect for any night. A low-carb, light summer meal ready in minutes with minimal ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Salmon

Freezer Lasagna Recipe

Make your own homemade freezer lasagna with this recipe! This recipe makes perfect freezer meals and can easily be doubled or tripled.
Get the Recipe: Freezer Lasagna Recipe

Maple Glazed Pork Chops

Pork chops in a cast iron skillet with herbs. — Maple Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Our Happy Mess.

These juicy, tender maple glazed pork chops pack incredible umami flavor and are ready in just 20 minutes. The perfect fall weeknight dinner!
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Pork Chops

Campbell's Chicken Curry

A comforting bowl of chicken curry with rice and peas, perfect for sharing. — Campbell's Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

This foolproof Creamy Curry Chicken and Rice is the perfect easy weeknight meal your family will love. It’s loaded with chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful broth made with curry, turmeric, and Campbell’s® Cream of Chicken Soup.
Get the Recipe: Campbell's Chicken Curry

Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

Bbq pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and pickles on a brioche bun. — Dutch Oven Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Quiche My Grits.

Dutch Oven Pulled Pork is an easy way to make fork-tender BBQ in half the time of a smoker! Perfect for game day, tailgates and cookouts!
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

Best Burger Recipe

Cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, and melted cheese. — Best Burger Recipe (So Juicy, Grill Or Stovetop). Photo credit: Wholesome Yum.

This homemade juicy burger recipe makes the best burgers, thanks to 2 simple secret ingredients. Includes grill or stovetop options!
Get the Recipe: Best Burger Recipe (So Juicy, Grill Or Stovetop)

Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe

A stack of squares of cornbread on a cutting board. — Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe. Photo credit: Little Sweet Baker.

This moist, fluffy, and tender Southern-style cornbread is a perfect addition to any meal. All you need is one bowl and 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe

Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

Chicken stir-fried in teriyaki sauce with sesame seeds over top. — Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry. Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

You can make this chicken teriyaki stir fry in just 15 minutes! It has the best sauce and pairs well with your favorite kind of rice.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

Easy 5-Ingredient Chicken Drumstick

Five Ingredient Chicken Drumstick — Photo Credit: Karen Kelly.

Bored of the same old drumstick recipe? Not this one! This easy 5-ingredient Chicken Drumstick recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The crispy skin holds the moisture in, giving way to the tender meat inside. Every bite is juicy and flavorful, just as it’s supposed to be. The marinade for this recipe is made with tamari, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic. And the best part is that it’s gluten-free! Read the 5-Ingredient Chicken Drumstick recipe here.