13 Easiest Recipes You Won’t Find In Cookbooks

Searching for new, easy meals that aren’t in your usual recipe books? This selection of 13 unique recipes is just what you need. Perfect for those who want to try something different without the hassle. These are the gems that will shake up your routine and have you wondering why they aren’t in every cookbook already!

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Giving a twist to weeknight dinners, Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu emerges as a simple yet elegant meal. Wrapped in a crispy coating, juicy chicken envelops ham and melted cheese, creating a riveting contrast of textures that’s easy to achieve in the air fryer. This method not only speeds up cooking time but also reduces the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For those who seek to infuse a robust flavor into their meals, Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter presents an unmissable opportunity. The cowboy butter, enriched with herbs and spices, melts over the perfectly grilled steaks, introducing an irresistible richness and depth of flavor. This recipe not only enhances the taste but also adds a layer of sophistication to your barbecue repertoire. An undeniable feast for those who appreciate the finer details in their grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Embrace a lighter fare with Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. This refreshing salad combines the tender textures of chicken with the crunch of walnuts and the sweetness of cranberries, offering a well-balanced dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful. It’s an ideal choice for lunches or light dinners, promising a meal that’s as fulfilling as it is delicious. A brilliant option for those seeking a quick, yet wholesome addition to their meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Indulge in the comforting embrace of Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips, a dish that brings the flavorful goodness of the famed restaurant into your home. Tender beef tips simmer in a rich gravy, making them a hearty choice for any meal. Paired with mashed potatoes or rice, this recipe ensures a fulfilling dining experience without the need for a reservation. It’s a straightforward way to recreate a dining-out experience in the cozy confines of your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean chopped salad served on a plate with carved flowers.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a vibrant and healthful choice that packs a plethora of flavors. Fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and olives are tossed in a light dressing, creating a refreshing salad that serves as a perfect side or a standalone meal. This dish not only contributes to your daily vegetable intake but also brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. It’s a delicious way to keep meals light and flavorful throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring the joy of a beloved classic into your kitchen with ease with Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Sliced roast beef piled onto freshly baked bread, and dipped into a flavorful au jus, this sandwich turns any meal into a special occasion. It’s an impressive yet uncomplicated option for gatherings or a luxurious weekend lunch. Making this iconic sandwich at home allows for a personalized touch to an already-favored recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Korean Galbi Ribs offer a foray into the rich flavors of Korean cuisine, combining sweet and flavorful elements in one dish. Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, these ribs are grilled to perfection, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Ideal for outdoor barbecues or a special dinner, they introduce an exotic twist to traditional grilling. This recipe is a celebrated way to explore global tastes from the comfort of your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

An excellent choice for brunch or light dinner, Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche combines creamy ricotta and tender asparagus in a flaky crust. This dish highlights the flavors of spring in every slice, providing a satisfying yet not overly heavy option. Ideal for those who appreciate a good quiche, it offers an easy route to a homemade delicacy. This quiche stands as a testament to the beauty of combining simple ingredients for a spectacular result.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform your mealtime with Steak & Pasta Salad, a dish that effortlessly combines hearty and refreshing elements. Tender slices of steak lay atop a bed of pasta mixed with fresh vegetables, offering a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for those seeking a more substantial salad, it serves as a perfect meal for any time of the day. This recipe is a brilliant way to repurpose leftover steak, ensuring nothing goes to waste while still enjoying a meal that’s both exquisite and filling.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simplify your dinner routine with Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. This one-pan wonder blends the citrusy vibrant of lemon with the aromatic presence of rosemary, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to prepare. With minimal cleanup required, it’s the ideal choice for busy weeknights. Serving up a comforting meal that requires little effort but delivers bountiful taste, this recipe is a surefire way to keep dinner both simple and spectacular.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Explore the essence of Mexican cuisine with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. This versatile dish serves up spiced ground beef that can be the star of tacos, burritos, or even as a delicious filling for empanadas. It’s a foundational recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your dining table, offering endless possibilities for dinner. Easy to prepare and universally loved, it’s a staple recipe for anyone looking to spice up their meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Mediterranean cooking. Marinated in herbs and spices, these shrimp are grilled to perfection, making them a light yet protein-rich dining option. Whether served atop a salad or alongside a hearty grain, they promise a meal that’s both healthful and hearty. For a touch of the Mediterranean that’s easy to achieve, this shrimp recipe is unrivaled in its ability to bring flavor and nutrition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a twist on a beloved classic, Ground Beef Fried Rice promises a fulfilling and flavorful experience. This dish adds a flavorful depth to the traditional fried rice, incorporating ground beef for added protein and richness. Perfect for a quick dinner or repurposing leftovers, it embodies the essence of comfort food while introducing an innovative twist. This recipe stands as a testament to the versatility and enduring appeal of fried rice.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

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