17 recipes everyone should know how to make

Some meals deserve extra attention and feel special on any day. Bold flavors and comforting textures can turn a simple plate into a memorable result. Here are 17 essential recipes brings confidence into the kitchen. Lasting skills grow and make home cooking feel exciting!

Best Vegetarian Bolognese

Some recipes become staples for a reason. Best Vegetarian Bolognese is the kind of hearty, no-fuss dish that works for busy nights and casual weekends alike. People keep coming back to it because it checks every box.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegetarian Bolognese

Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Homemade Chinese spare ribs with broccoli and rice on a white plate. — Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Some dishes just never get old. Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs have a way of staying in the dinner rotation once you’ve made them. They’re bold, simple, and well worth knowing.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Creamy Aubergine Curry

There’s always room for a low-effort curry that still feels like a full dinner. With bold flavor and rich texture, Creamy Aubergine Curry has earned its spot as a go-to. You’ll want this one in regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Aubergine Curry

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Gnocchi with ground pork, tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach in a cast iron skillet. — Baked Skillet Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sometimes you just need one dish that does it all. Baked Skillet Gnocchi manages to be cozy, easy, and reliable without asking for much. It’s the kind of dinner that always comes through.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

California Steak Salad

It helps to have a dish like this in your back pocket when you’re short on time but want something fresh. California Steak Salad keeps things simple and still feels like a full meal. No prep-heavy steps, just good balance.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Air Fryer Scallops

For something that feels a little more special without being a hassle, this is the one. Air Fryer Scallops prove that you don’t need to do much to make dinner feel complete. It’s a quick win.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops

Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk)

You don’t have to be familiar with Filipino food to appreciate how comforting this is. Ginataang Langka brings something a little different to the table without being complicated. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll remember it.
Get the Recipe: Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk)

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

When you need something quick that still delivers on flavor, this covers it. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the kind of no-brainer meal you’ll come back to over and over. Everyone has room for this kind of easy win.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Yellow Tempeh Curry

When you want something filling but easy to build into your week, this fits the bill. Yellow Tempeh Curry brings warmth and protein without needing a long list of ingredients. It’s the kind of dish you remember how to make after one try.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Tempeh Curry

Cabbage Au Gratin

A casserole dish filled with cabbage, cheese and bacon. — Cabbage Au Gratin. Photo credit: The Keto Option.

Old-school recipes like this don’t go out of style. Cabbage Au Gratin brings comfort in the most straightforward way. It holds up for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Au Gratin

Brisket Chili

Cold nights or busy weeks, you can count on this one. Brisket Chili checks every box for a reliable, filling dinner with no guesswork. You’ll be glad it’s in your back pocket.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

Fast meals don’t have to feel like shortcuts. That’s why 10-Minute Gochujang Noodles shows up in so many people’s back pockets when they want something bold. It delivers every time with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

Air Fryer Skirt Steak

This one is proof that quick dinners don’t need to be boring. Air Fryer Skirt Steak offers big flavor with minimal effort, which makes it a keeper. No overthinking required.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steak topped with tomatoes, bacon, goat cheese, and more. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

This one always hits the right note when you need something low-effort that still delivers. Roasted Cabbage Steaks are easy to pair with just about anything. They keep showing up because they work.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables

Blue roasting dish with beef roast, red center, and roasted potatoes and vegetables. — Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Meals like this are worth learning once and keeping around forever. Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables feels like something you'd serve when you want to make dinner count. It’s simple, but memorable.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables

Avocado Pesto Pasta

This one proves that simple can still feel complete. Avocado Pesto Pasta gets bonus points for being fast, flexible, and surprisingly filling. You’ll find yourself reaching for it more often than expected.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta

Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

Any solid dinner lineup needs a dependable grilled option. Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs give you something quick that works year-round. This one doesn’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs