15 Easy Meals You Can’t Mess Up (Even If You Try)

Cooking doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal, especially with these straightforward dishes. These meals can help you out on busy days or when you’re too tired to spend hours in the kitchen. They are perfect any time of the day and are virtually foolproof. Even beginners who usually shy away from cooking can handle these recipes with ease. Enjoy hearty meals without the kitchen drama!

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

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.

Make any meal feel special with this crowd-pleaser. Even beginners can master Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. It combines simple flavors into an easy but impressive main course, perfect for a weekend treat. Serve it with a simple side, and you’ll have a meal that’s sure to please. Don’t worry, you can’t mess this one up; it’s practically foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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

Get that crispy, golden finish without extra oil. Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a great way to make a classic dish without added hassle. Quick and perfect for weeknights, it requires minimal prep time but delivers on taste. You’ll love how the flavors meld together seamlessly. No need to worry, the air fryer does most of the work for you.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This recipe transforms a familiar favorite into a one-pan wonder. Making a Cuban Sandwich Casserole keeps things simple while capturing all the original flavors. You just layer and bake, making it nearly impossible to mess up. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, it’s a dish everyone will love. Cleanup is a breeze with just one dish to wash.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Simplicity meets taste with this easy-to-make meal. A Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich is both filling and satisfying, yet minimal effort is needed. Just a few ingredients come together to create a meal that feels like a treat. Perfect for busy nights or casual weekends, it’s hard to go wrong with this one. You can whip this up without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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

Quick cooking and vibrant flavors define this simple dish. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp is a great option for when you want something both easy and impressive. Light and tasty, these shrimp are perfect for a variety of sides. They’re fast to grill, ensuring you get food on the table quickly. It’s a stress-free way to introduce a touch of the Mediterranean to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining simple ingredients into a one-pan meal couldn’t be easier. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe delivers comfort and flavor without the fuss. Cook everything in one skillet, making it convenient and quick. This meal is perfect for when you need a hearty dinner on the table fast. Cleanup is minimal, so you’ll spend less time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This is a light yet filling choice suitable for any occasion. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a balanced meal that’s incredibly easy to put together. It works well as a main dish or a side, and the flavors blend nicely. The recipe is simple enough that it’s hard to get wrong, even for those new to cooking. Enjoy a touch of the Mediterranean with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for something fancy yet easy? Chicken Piccata is your go-to. It takes the intimidation out of cooking something special at home. The dish is both flavorful and quick to prepare, making it great for weeknights. You can manage this with ease, even if you’re not an experienced cook.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This hearty meal comes together effortlessly in one dish. Making Beefy John Wayne Casserole lets you serve a crowd without much slicing and dicing. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, resulting in a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Best of all, it’s a straightforward process that’s hard to botch.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need a quick meal but want to avoid cooking complexity? Turkey à la King is an ideal choice. This dish uses simple steps and basic ingredients to deliver a comforting and tasty meal. Great for weeknights, it’s also an excellent option for using leftovers. You’ll find it hard to make a mistake with this easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who enjoy a mix of sweet and savory, this is perfect. Roast Pork with Apples brings classic flavors together in an easy-to-follow recipe. It makes for an impressive meal without requiring difficult techniques. Ideal for dinner parties or just a nice dinner at home. The simple steps make it nearly impossible to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

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.

Save time and effort with a one-pan wonder like this. Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken combines zesty flavors into a dish that’s both easy and fast. Throw everything on a sheet pan, pop it in the oven, and you’re done. It’s convenient for those busy nights when you still want a wholesome meal. With simple ingredients and steps, even a newbie cook can handle this recipe.
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.

When you need a versatile addition to your meal, look no further. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is easy to make and pairs well with many dishes. Whether you serve it over rice or use it in tacos, it’s adaptable and quick. Simple seasonings ensure you get a flavorful result without much effort. Plus, the basic steps make it easy to get right every time.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Get a taste of something special without the stress. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas bring bold flavors to a simple, speedy meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, they come together in no time. This recipe is flexible and tough to mess up, ideal for all skill levels. Enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make quesadilla without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Combine two favorites into one easy dish. Pizza Pasta Salad merges flavors from beloved pizza and pasta into a simple, tasty salad. This easy-to-make meal is great for potlucks or quick lunches. The process is straightforward, ensuring a good result every time. Plus, it’s a fun twist on traditional salads that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

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