20 Seriously Simple, Classic Recipes All Adults Should Master (2024)

Adulting 101: Cook this.

Hannah LoewentheilPublished on October 23, 2019

1. Chicken Parmesan

20 Seriously Simple, Classic Recipes All Adults Should Master (2)

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There will be a point in your life where you're hosting a crowd and want to make a big batch of chicken parmesan. Consider that problem solved. Get the recipe for chicken parmesan here.

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Load it up with your favorite veggies and then enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any time in between. Get the recipe for loaded veggie frittata here.

3. Creamy Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Croutons

20 Seriously Simple, Classic Recipes All Adults Should Master (3)

Ashlee Marie / Via ashleemarie.com

If you've been heating up the canned stuff your whole life, it's time to make tomato soup from scratch. It's crazy easy, and it tastes next-level. While you're at it, slice a basic grilled cheese sandwich into bite-sized cubes for croutons. Get the recipe for tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons here.

Aberdeen's Kitchen / Via aberdeenskitchen.com

For game day...or any day, three bean chili is a comforting and vegetarian crowd-pleaser. Top it with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings like Monterey Jack cheese, tortilla chips, or jalapeño. Get the recipe for three bean chili here.

5. One-Pan Steak Fajitas

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Whip out the tortillas, the guacamole, and the pico de gallo. These simple yet tasty fajitas come together in one skillet. Get the recipe for one-pan steak fajitas here.

Baker By Nature / Via bakerbynature.com

Scallops seem like one of those meals better left for ordering at a restaurant. But truth be told, they're so incredibly easy to make at home. All you need is salt, pepper, and olive oil. Sauté them in a sizzling skillet, and serve them over rice, orzo, or pasta. Get the recipe for perfectly seared scallops here.

Via thestayathomechef.com, The Stay At Home Chef / Via thestayathomechef.com

Everyone loves a good lasagna, which is why you should have a trusty recipe in your arsenal. Get the recipe for classic lasagna here.

Cake 'n Knife / Via cakenknife.com

If roasting a whole bird seems intimidating, this roast chicken recipe should do the trick. Buy pre-cut chicken parts (we're partial to the drum sticks and thighs), then roast them in the oven with olive oil, salt, pepper, white wine, and some spices like thyme and rosemary. Get the recipe for roasted chicken here.

10. Meatloaf

Natasha's Kitchen / Via natashaskitchen.com

There's something about meatloaf that just brings us back to our childhood days, and that's why we love it. Make this glazed meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and your favorite veggies for a comforting meal the whole table will adore. Get the recipe for meatloaf here.

Sweet and Savory Meals / Via sweetandsavorymeals.com

There's one thing in this world that can cure anything from a bad cold to a broken heart, and that thing is homemade chicken noodle soup. Get the recipe for homemade chicken noodle soup here.

Culinary Hill / Via culinaryhill.com

Step away from the boxed stuff. This childhood classic can be sophisticated, too, thanks to some fancy cheeses and garlic bread crumbs. Get the recipe for baked mac 'n' cheese here.

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Don't let the fear of cooking seafood keep you out of the kitchen. This baked salmon is just about as simple as it gets, but the end result is perfectly cooked: Flaky on the inside but crispy and caramelized on the outside. Get the recipe for caramelized salmon here.

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This ultimate comfort food might sound like a lot of work, but thanks to your slow cooker, you can pretty much set it and forget it. Get the recipe for slow cooker beef stew here.

Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Via crunchycreamysweet.com

It's even better than take out... see for yourself. If you're not a shrimp person, you can always opt for chicken, pork, or tofu. Get the recipe for shrimp fried rice here.

Family Style Food / Via familystylefood.com

Everyone needs a good meatball recipe on hand. This classic Italian version freezes perfectly, so you can make a big batch and save them for lazy nights. Toss them into pasta with spaghetti sauce, add them to your go-to grain bowl, or eat them in a sandwich. Get the recipe for classic Italian meatballs here.

17. French Omelette

20 Seriously Simple, Classic Recipes All Adults Should Master (4)

Cooking With co*cktail Rings / Via cookingwithco*cktailrings.com

Once you've mastered a silky French omelette, the world is your oyster. Make it with anything from mushrooms and Gruyère to prosciutto and arugula. Get the recipe for French omelette here.

Garlic and Zest / Via garlicandzest.com

This meatless meal will actually get you excited about eating vegetables. Of course, inside those strips of grilled eggplant is lots of creamy cheese. Get the recipe for eggplant rollatini here.

19. Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

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The Easier Life / Via theeasierlife.com

You can never go wrong with a basic stir fry recipe. We love this cashew chicken version, which can be made with any of your favorite vegetables from broccoli and snap peas to julienned carrots and baby corn. Get the recipe for cashew chicken stir fry here.

Pinch of Yum / Via pinchofyum.com

It's never been easier to turn a casual dinner into something spectacular. Opt for this decadent pasta dish bursting with umami flavors. Get the recipe for creamy mushroom fettuccine here.

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