17 Foolproof Meals Even the Most Cooking-Challenged Can Nail

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Cooking can often seem daunting, especially when recipes come with complex steps or a long list of ingredients. This list of 17 foolproof meals is designed specifically for those who want something easy, but still delicious!

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

ribs on a tray with corn and mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These ribs are simple to make and slow cook to a mouthwatering perfection. The sweet and tangy blend of peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce envelops the meat, creating a dish that tastes like you are gourmet cook.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Effortlessly achieve a dinner of air fryer pork tenderloin with a crisp exterior and juicy interior. This straightforward meal is a simple yet impressive way to serve up a weeknight feast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Chicken salad sandwich on a white plate.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This salad starts with a rotisserie chicken and is a no-fuss way to enjoy crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and tender chicken in a wholesome dish. It’s a straightforward and nutritious option that’s ready to grace your table.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy Taco Tuesday with a crock pot recipe that’s so simple, it practically makes itself. Honey and lime come together to season the chicken for a hands-off meal that’s brimming with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Air Fryer Italian Sausages

Sausage with peppers and onions in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Italian Sausages. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Toss Italian sausages and vegetables into the air fryer for a family dinner that’s deceptively simple. Serve in rolls for an effortless meal that promises minimal prep and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Italian Sausages

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Combine chicken and waffles in a casserole that’s straightforward to assemble with just 5 ingredients. This dish offers a simple way to enjoy a sweet and savory balance in a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Set your slow cooker in the morning and return to pork chops smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. This dish is as uncomplicated as it is heartwarming, perfect for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Air Fryer Brats

Two brats on a plate in buns topped with sauerkraut.
Air Fryer Brats. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer brats deliver a grilled taste with a simple 15-minute cook time. This dish is an easy way to achieve a crispy and flavorful meal, whether you’re using uncooked, pre-cooked, or frozen sausages.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Combine simple ingredients in the slow cooker to create chicken thighs that are simple to prepare. This comforting and flavorful dish is sure to be a new favorite for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Caribbean Fish

Sheet pan fish cooked with corn and veggies and topped with green onions.
Sheet Pan Caribbean Fish. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Caribbean fish recipe is a straightforward sheet pan dinner that bakes fish with veggies. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s an effortless all-in-one meal that brings a taste of the tropics to your table.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Caribbean Fish

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken drumsticks and thighs coated with BBQ sauce on a wooden cutting board with herbs.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

In just 30 minutes, air fryer BBQ chicken provides a summer favorite that’s simple enough to enjoy any time of year. Season, air fry, and coat in barbecue sauce for a meal that’s straightforward and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Slow cooker chicken with BBQ sauce in a crock pot with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Prepare a meal with minimal effort using just 3 ingredients for slow cooker pulled chicken. Serve on rolls with coleslaw and pickles for an uncomplicated yet hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Air Fryer Cod

Air fryer cod fillets without breading topped with lemon and herbs.
Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This air fryer cod recipe is a simple approach to cooking flaky and tender fish in just 15 minutes. It’s an easy and healthy meal that’s ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco Rice Skillet is a one-pan meal that’s easy to make, combining all the beloved taco flavors in a quick and easy dinner solution that’s bound to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies

Air fryer frozen chicken pot pie.
Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Discover how to cook frozen pot pies in the air fryer for a crust that’s perfectly crispy and a filling that’s creamy and hot, all in a fraction of the usual time. This meal is a simple comfort food classic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken is a comforting dish that’s simple to toss together, ready to provide a rich and flavorful meal by the time you’re home. It’s an easy way to serve a dinner that pleases the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Three bacon wrapped hot dogs in buns topped with cheese and onions.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Wrapping hot dogs in bacon is a straightforward meal that promises a twist on the classic. It’s a simple pleasure that’s easy to make and sure to be a hit, because everything is better when it is wrapped in bacon!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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