Good recipes for beginner cook?

Question

My fiance and I eat out all the time. I would like to start cooking at home more but don't have much experience with cooking. If you have any good simple recipes to get me started I would love to have them. Thank you!

Answer 1

This is the most tender & juiciest meatloaf ever!!
It's very simple to make, as well.

2-3 lbs. ground chuck (or sirloin)
1 pkg. lipton onion soup
2 eggs
3/4 cups italian bread crumbs
diced onions and peppers
black pepper , garlic & your favorite seasonings

1-2 chopped onions (bigger than the diced ones above)
1 pkg. sliced fresh mushrooms
3 jars brown gravy

mix all ingredients in list #1 together
shape into a meatloaf, in a 9x12 baking pan
put all ingredients in list #2 around the meatloaf
be sure onions and mushrooms are submerged into the gravy

bake on 375
serve over homemade mashed potatoes
YUMMY!!

Answer 2

There are some good websites for beginner cooking in my long response to this thread:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070306102835AA1Y29H&pa=FZB6NXXtFWMW0cLWwu0Z81khQBtSQya1gFJNpORyrGsvZnEgdmV7kqeRdcOTyIvRF60kDivqQ47T_9QdGnU-&paid=add_watch

You might also want to check out some of the other similar questions that have been asked here at YahooAnswers:
http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_result;_ylt=AojtpTSli4Xnc1ltQnmpOqN36xR.?p=beginner+cooking

And just to add one of my own, here's something I just wrote in another thread:

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Fresh salsa, or salsa in a jar (red or green, mild or hotter--your preference) also tastes great to cook a mild white fish in (pollock, etc. ... or ask the fish person behind the counter).

It's dead simple... just pour a bit of the salsa in the bottom of a baking dish, lay in the fillets, then pour the rest over the fish. Cover, and cook in the oven at preheated 400 for about 15-20 min or until fish flakes, or in the microwave until the fish is just cooked through (how long depends on how much fish is used --doesn't take long though). You could also do it on the stovetop in a covered frying pan. Really quick too.

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Have fun. . . everyone has to start somewhere!
(I had to learn on my own too since didn't get a head start at mother's knee, etc.)


Diane B.

Answer 3

you can find great recipes on the internet...search on Food Network, America's Test Kitchen, and various food companies' websites (e.g. Kraft, Campbell, etc.). Also, check out the book store for recipe books for beginners. I've seen one called "5 ingredients" or something like that...where all the recipes have only 5 ingredients..therefore its easier. Also, buy a crockpot and a crockpot recipe book - those are great for beginners because you put all the ingredients in in the morning and by dinner, its ready...there's not a lot of work involved and they always taste great!

Answer 4

Spaghetti is easy...
You can usually find a good homemade sauce recipe on the back of a can of tomatoes or tomato sauce.

But basically it's just brown the ground beef and maybe some onions, put in a couple of cans of tomatoe sauce (you can buy the flavored sauce nowdays), some oregano, etc. and simmer. A friend of mine used to put in a can of cream of mushroom soup which makes it thicker and richer. But it it gets too thick, add some water.
While simmering, just put the pasta on to cook.

Answer 5

1)Get Flash-frozen Whiting or Tilapia fish from any food market.

2)Skillet or Frying pan will do.

3)Get the pan for about a minute before applying at least 4tbsp canola or sunflower oil(let oil spread naturally).

4)Thaw the fish(however many pieces is up to your discretion, but for two people, usually two is enough) in microwave or(for best flavor) in sink with running hot water.

5)Before putting fish in the pan, put a DASH of red pepper/Chili Powder(McCormick brand is best) into the oil.
Also, add a tbsp of Chives(again, McCormick or Spice Islands) to the oil.

6)Put in fish.

7)Keep an eye on it,(Stove should be set to high while the oil is heating then put down to midrange directly after fish is put on) flip regularly.

8)After about three flips, add a tsp of cumin and some more chili powder/red pepper (Red pepper ground is not very hot at all, and chili powder is equally mild[if you want more heat add chopped peppers at your discretion])

9)Add VERY small amount of white vinegar and as many chopped chives to see one every quarter inch in the pan and on the fish.

10)Flip until fish is flaky.

11)Don't worry about appearance, it won't look as appetizing as restaurant food unless you have a flat chef stove with extra virgin Olive oil and a twice folded fish-knife. It will taste excellent. Also, if the fish begins to stick to the pan, add a small amount of water to the pan(quarter broiled fish is easier then sear-cooked)

Answer 6

bake some chicken with italian dressing. just put it in a baking pan, season with just a little salt andpepper then pour some italian dressing on, cover with foil, and let it back on about 350 or so... then for the side cook some rice a roni and a little side salad.

Answer 7

you can try allrecipes.com. Great recipes and reviews from regular people too.
I like to take boneless, skinless chicken breast and marinate in italian dressing and some garlic.
Then you can grill them and they are wonderful.