Easy meals for a rookie to cooking

Easy Meal Ideas for a Beginner Cook

Hey everyone! I’m a 19-year-old female, and I’ll be looking after my two younger sisters while our parents are at work—especially since my mom will be in LA for training for the next two months. With child care, cleaning, and cooking all on my plate, I want to make sure my sisters (one is 15 and the other is 7) have good meals, even though my older sister is a better cook than I am! I don’t expect her to take over the cooking during the week, of course.

I’m comfortable using an air fryer, oven, and stove, but I tend to get a bit nervous about hot oil and frying. I can whip up simple dishes, but I’d love some suggestions for meals that are easy to make and will satisfy my sisters. Any tips or recipe ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!


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One response to “Easy meals for a rookie to cooking”

  1. That’s awesome that you’re stepping up to take care of your sisters! Here are some easy meal ideas that you can make using the air fryer, oven, and stove that are both simple and delicious:

    1. One-Pan Chicken and Veggies: Season some chicken breasts (you can use thighs too) with your favorite spices, then toss them in a baking dish with chopped veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is done.

    2. Tacos: Brown some ground beef or turkey in a pan, then add taco seasoning with a little water (follow the instructions on the seasoning packet). Serve with taco shells and toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa. Let everyone build their own tacos for some fun family time!

    3. Pasta with Marinara Sauce: Cook pasta according to the package instructions. While it cooks, heat up some jarred marinara sauce in a separate pan. You can add veggies like spinach or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrients. Serve with grated cheese on top!

    4. Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: You can buy pre-made chicken nuggets and cook them in the air fryer for a quick meal. Serve with dipping sauces and a side of frozen veggies (which you can steam in the microwave) for a complete meal.

    5. Quesadillas: Place cheese and any fillings you like (like chicken, beans, or veggies) between two tortillas and cook on the stovetop in a skillet until the cheese melts. Serve with sour cream or salsa.

    6. Breakfast for Dinner: Scramble some eggs and serve them with toast, fruit, and bacon or sausage. You can even make breakfast burritos by wrapping the scrambled eggs in a tortilla with cheese and any other fillings!

    7. Stir-Fry: Quickly sauté chopped vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots) in a pan with some oil, then add diced chicken or tofu. Toss everything with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for flavor and serve over rice.

    8. Baked Potatoes: Pierce some potatoes with a fork, coat them with a little olive oil and salt, and bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour. Top with cheese, sour cream, or any toppings you like!

    Remember to keep it simple and have fun with it! Your sisters might also enjoy helping you cook, which can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Don’t worry too much about making everything perfect; just focus on enjoying your time together. Good luck!

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