Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or just looking to impress, these 33 recipes will have you feeling like you’ve been cooking for years. No need for fancy tools or skills—just good food and a little bit of effort. From simple stovetop dishes to throw-it-all-in-the-oven meals, these recipes will take you from “I can’t cook” to “I’m basically a pro.” Get ready to knock out your next meal like a true culinary genius (without the stress).
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve been perfecting it for years. It’s easy to put together but gives you a dish that’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor. This one’s perfect for when you want a homey, satisfying meal without all the effort. It’s a great example of how simple steps can lead to something that seems much more impressive.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a classic that feels like you’ve mastered the art of making soup from scratch. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that makes you feel like you’ve been cooking Italian food for ages. While it’s simple to make, the result is something everyone will want to dig into. You’ll be surprised how quickly you go from “I can’t cook” to “I’ve got this soup thing down.”
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
The Backyard Table
Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.
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- Grilled Corn Guacamole
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- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
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Buy Now!Authentic Hungarian Goulash
You don’t have to be Hungarian to make Authentic Hungarian Goulash—you just need the right recipe. This dish has that rustic, bold flavor that looks like you spent hours making it. In reality, it’s one of those meals that comes together quickly and effortlessly. When you serve this up, you’ll feel like you’ve been cooking it for generations.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Chicken Tinga
If you want a dish that makes you feel like a pro, Chicken Tinga is your go-to. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple but packs a punch in the flavor department. With just a few steps, you’ll have a meal that looks way more complicated than it really is. This dish gives you that satisfying feeling of, “I’m in control here,” while impressing everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Chicken Paprikash
You don’t have to be a seasoned chef to pull off Chicken Paprikash. This recipe takes comfort food to a whole new level, and you’ll feel like you’ve been perfecting it for years. It’s a great option when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich, flavorful sauce will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Mediterranean Cod
If you’re looking to step up your seafood game, Mediterranean Cod is a solid choice. It’s a quick, foolproof dish that leaves you with something that looks far more complicated than it actually is. You’ll feel like you know exactly what you’re doing as it all comes together effortlessly. Plus, it’s one of those meals that always hits the mark without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
With Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, you’ll wonder why you ever thought cooking chicken was tricky. This recipe is a breeze, and the result is juicy chicken with a perfect glaze. It’s an easy, no-fuss way to create a meal that feels like it took much longer than it actually did. Get ready to feel like a chicken-cooking master after trying this one.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Feeling like a kitchen pro is easy with Mediterranean Chicken Bake. It’s a dish that’s both straightforward and full of flavor, and it’s guaranteed to impress. This is one of those meals that makes you feel like you’ve nailed a complex recipe when, in reality, it’s simple and easy to pull off. Perfect for a quick dinner with a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins is the kind of dish that’s quick, easy, and will have you feeling like a kitchen wizard. It’s a simple recipe with a twist, giving you that “I’ve got this” feeling from the moment you start. The flavors work together seamlessly, and you’ll love how it all comes together in no time. Serve this up, and people will think you’ve been cooking for years.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti may sound like a fancy dish, but it’s deceptively easy to make. You don’t need to be a pasta pro to pull this off—it’s simple, and the results are seriously impressive. Once you try it, you’ll feel like you’ve been making pasta like this your whole life. This is the perfect dish when you want something that feels gourmet but doesn’t take a ton of time.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
With Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans, you’ll find yourself effortlessly pulling off a side dish that everyone will rave about. It’s one of those meals where you just set it and forget it—without missing out on flavor. You’ll feel like a pro as it cooks, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. The slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy the results.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Pizza Raclette
Pizza Raclette is a fun, cheesy dish that will have you feeling like a gourmet chef with minimal effort. It’s one of those recipes that lets you put a personal twist on it while still looking impressive. The melting cheese and crispy crust will make you feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. And the best part? It’s actually incredibly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Raclette
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops will make you feel like a kitchen mastermind with almost no effort at all. This dish is perfect for when you want a hearty meal without the work. Simply set it, forget it, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. When you pull this off, you’ll feel like you’ve been using a slow cooker for years.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
With Shrimp and Grits Casserole, you’ll be amazed at how such a simple dish can leave such an impression. It’s one of those recipes where you feel like you’ve unlocked a secret when you see how easy it is to make. You’ll have a comforting meal that’s full of flavor and looks way more complicated than it really is. Watch your confidence in the kitchen skyrocket when you make this one.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs
Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs is the type of dish that feels impressive without being difficult to make. The slow-cooked beef turns tender and flavorful, and you’ll feel like a culinary expert without the stress. It’s perfect for when you want a hearty meal that doesn’t require constant attention. With this recipe, you’ll feel like you’ve mastered braising in no time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs
Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup
Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup is the perfect dish when you want something that feels gourmet but is easy to make. The depth of flavor is unbelievable, and you’ll feel like you’ve been making soup like this for ages. It’s one of those meals that makes you look like a professional chef, even if you’re just starting out. The caramelized onions bring a richness that’s surprisingly simple to achieve.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos are a great way to add a little flair to taco night while still feeling in control of the kitchen. With a smoky, crispy bite, these tacos are easy to assemble, but they look like something you’d find at a trendy restaurant. You’ll feel like a BBQ expert as you prepare these, and your guests will be impressed. They’re perfect for when you want a taco night that’s just a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Cuban Sandwich Casserole combines all the great flavors of a Cuban sandwich in one easy-to-make dish. This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like you’ve been making casseroles for ages. With minimal effort, you’ll have a dish that’s packed with flavor and feels like it took hours to prepare. Your kitchen skills will definitely feel on point after this one.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes gives you the chance to feel like a seasoned salad pro. It’s a light, fresh dish that looks like something you’d get at a high-end restaurant. Even though it’s simple to put together, it feels like you’ve mastered the art of salad-making. It’s a great option when you want a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Baked Spanish Rice
With Baked Spanish Rice, you’ll feel like you’ve got the art of making rice down. It’s an easy, no-fuss dish that gives you a side that’s flavorful enough to be a star. You won’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking the rice—this method ensures it turns out perfect every time. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’ve been cooking for years, even if you’re just starting out.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Dutch Oven Carnitas
Dutch Oven Carnitas are the perfect way to feel like a cooking expert, even if you’re just starting out. The slow-cooked pork turns out tender and flavorful, without requiring much effort. You’ll feel like you’ve unlocked a cooking secret with how easy this dish is to make. Plus, the flavor is so good, you’ll wonder why you’ve never made carnitas this way before.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze are sure to make you feel like you’re running your own BBQ joint. They come together easily and pack a ton of flavor, making you look like a seasoned pro. The glaze adds a little sweetness and heat, and the smokiness is just the right touch. It’s a great way to cook chicken that’ll impress without the complicated techniques.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Ham & Asparagus Pizza gives you a meal that looks like it came from a fancy pizzeria but is easy to make at home. The combination of flavors makes it feel like you’ve mastered pizza-making. You’ll feel like a professional chef, even if you’re just getting started. It’s a great dish when you want something unique and impressive without the heavy lifting.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Pork Belly Burnt Ends are the kind of dish that makes you feel like a BBQ master. With a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior, it’s the kind of meal that looks complex but is surprisingly simple to pull off. The end result is a dish that’s so impressive, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try it sooner. Watch your kitchen confidence grow as these come together perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is one of those dishes that seems fancy, but with the right recipe, it’s straightforward to make. Once you start cooking, you’ll realize how easy it is to pull off this classic French dish. The tender beef and rich sauce will have everyone thinking you’ve spent all day cooking. It’s the perfect meal to make you feel like a true master of French cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon
Steak & Pasta Salad
Steak & Pasta Salad is an easy way to feel like a chef without needing any special skills. You’ll have a meal that combines the best of both worlds—hearty steak and a light, refreshing pasta salad. It’s a great dish for when you want to impress but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part? It all comes together quickly and effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Corned Beef Fritters
Corned Beef Fritters will have you feeling like a kitchen pro with every crispy bite. They’re easy to make but still feel like a treat. These fritters are packed with flavor, and they’ll have everyone at the table thinking you’ve been cooking for years. This recipe is perfect for when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters
Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Turkey Pot Pie Soup takes the classic comfort food and gives it a twist that’s surprisingly simple. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want to impress without the stress. You’ll feel like a master of comfort food as the soup comes together with ease. The creamy base and tender turkey will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Seafood Stuffed Salmon
Seafood Stuffed Salmon is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’ve mastered seafood without even trying. Stuffed salmon sounds fancy, but it’s actually simple to make. The seafood stuffing adds a burst of flavor, and the salmon comes out perfectly cooked. It’s the kind of meal that will have you feeling like a fish-cooking expert.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are the kind of dish that makes you feel like a pro with every bite. The shells are easy to fill, and when you serve them up, they look impressive and satisfying. It’s a great way to make something comforting but still feel like you know what you’re doing. You’ll have dinner ready in no time with this simple, yet impressive, recipe.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto bring a fresh twist to a classic dish, and you’ll feel like you’ve mastered stuffed pasta. The pesto adds a burst of flavor that makes the dish stand out. It’s a great way to impress dinner guests while keeping things simple. When you serve this up, you’ll feel like a pasta-making expert.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone
Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone is an easy way to make your tomato soup game feel gourmet. The smoky flavor takes it to a whole new level, and the mascarpone adds a creamy richness. This dish makes you look like you spent all day cooking, even though it’s simple to make. You’ll feel like you’ve unlocked a secret soup recipe with this one.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone
Wild Rice Salad
Wild Rice Salad is the perfect side dish to feel like a grain salad pro. It’s fresh, easy to assemble, and goes with almost anything. You’ll love how the flavors come together effortlessly, and everyone will think you spent hours making it. This dish proves that great meals don’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad