We all have those classic recipes we turn to whenever we don’t know what to cook. The kind of meals that have become so much of a household staple that you always have the ingredients on hand. These recipes are truly the unsung heroes of the dinner world. They might not be a three-course meal or a chef-inspired dish that requires hours in the kitchen, but these easy, dependable recipes are absolutely crucial in the home cooking ecosystem. Who’s there for you when you’re tired after a day of work and just want something tasty and uncomplicated that doesn’t require too much thought? Or when you’ve put off grocery shopping a little too long and have limited supplies to work with? Your go-to, easy meal is.
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our holy grails, if you will.
We wholeheartedly recommend having some old reliable recipes to keep in your back pocket for busy days and times when you just can’t be bothered to actually make a meal plan for the week. But if you find yourself in a recipe rut and want to reinvigorate your weekly menu, read on for our editors’ favorite recipes they make on repeat.
1. Greek Salad
If I could, I would eat a Greek salad every day of my life. I’ve made many variations of this dish but find myself always returning to this specific recipe. It’s super easy and fresh, and the mint adds a delicious, bright flavor. It’s perfect for the summer, but you can also eat it all year round like I do! – Caitlin Schneider, Graphic Designer
2. Spicy Salmon Bowls
Maybe I’m just stuck in 2021, but ever since I saw Emily Mariko make a spicy salmon bowl on my TikTok FYP three years ago, I have been obsessed with this recipe. In fact, I eat it so often that I think I might need to start worrying about my mercury intake. The bowl comes together so quickly, it’s the perfect balance between filling and fresh, and I truly don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it. If I somehow ever did, I’d sooner swap some of the toppings than cut it out of my rotation entirely. – Lauren Blue, Editorial Intern
3. Green Chicken Chili
My version of “meal prep Sunday” typically includes whipping up a big pot of soup that I can dish out for work-from-home lunches throughout the week. This green chicken chili recipe is one of my all-time favorites—I’ve made it countless times in the last several months, and I literally never get sick of it. Especially if you already have some cooked chicken on hand, the recipe comes together so quickly because you basically just dump the ingredients in a pot and let them simmer. I typically swap in green bell peppers for the poblanos because they’re easier to find at the grocery store, and I top each bowl with some shredded Monterrey jack cheese and crushed tortilla chips. It’s super filling, packed with flavor and spice, and oh-so-comforting. – Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
4. Greek Meatballs and Orzo Skillet
I make some version of this recipe weekly because it’s quick, healthy, and full of flavor. It’s a healthy pasta option that gives me my carb fix while being full of veggies and protein. If I feel like I want to skip the pasta, I swap out the orzo for brown rice. I’ve found that meatballs can often turn out very dry and bland, but thanks to the cumin and cinnamon in this recipe, these meatballs are full of flavor and the hero item of the dish. – Cassie Erb, Social Media Editor
5. Homemade Granola
As soon as I realized how easy and inexpensive it is to make granola at home, I truly never added pre-made granola to my grocery list again. I make a big batch of this recipe every two weeks to keep on hand, and I love it because it’s simple, quick, made with only a few ingredients, and totally customizable. I usually stick to the base recipe, but I like to add dried fruit, chia seeds, and coconut flakes to switch it up sometimes, too. It’s truly a fool-proof recipe, and I can’t recommend it enough. – Hailey Bouche, Associate Editor
6. Sriracha Ramen Noodle Soup
This simple but delicious spicy ramen has been a weeknight comfort food staple in my house for over 8 years. With a standard ramen noodle base, this recipe is vegetarian, light, easy to cook, and deeply comforting. If you like spice, you will love this dish! – Alexandra Pagar-Wolf, Chief of Sales
7. Sausage and Peppers
This sheet pan sausage and peppers recipe is a staple in our household’s weekly rotation. We lean on it on busy nights (picture us scarfing this down on our way to Tuesday night trivia) or on days where we can’t be bothered to make anything even remotely more elaborate. It’s so simple yet incredibly flavorful. We add onions for a little something extra—but this dish is just as good without them. – Garri Chaverst, Senior Managing Editor
8. Chicken Noodle Soup
I am not kidding when I say we make this soup every single week in my house. I have never gotten sick of it, and it makes enough to be spread over two days, which is a huge bonus. The secret to this recipe is that it calls for Frank’s Hot Sauce, which adds such a unique, crave-worthy flavor to the soup. – Kirra Wallace, Deputy Art Director
9. Picadillo
Picadillo is my go-to when I’m nostalgic for my abuela’s cooking but also need to make something quick. Thankfully, she frequently sends me frozen batches of her homemade sofrito to get that authentic flavor, but you can also find it in most grocery stores’ Latin cuisine sections. Having that premade makes the rest of the recipe super quick, so I can throw rice in a cooker, saute the seasoning, then cook the beef in less than 30 minutes. Easy and insanely delicious. – Steph Alleva Cornell, Branded Content Editor
10. Korean Beef Power Bowls
For an easy weeknight dinner, I turn to these Korean beef bowls over and over. They’re so simple to make, and you can easily customize them with whatever toppings you prefer. I like to half the amount of brown sugar in the recipe because I don’t like it as sweet, then I top the bowls with some green onions, sliced cucumber, quick pickled carrots, and the spicy sriracha mayo sauce. – Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
11. Spaghetti Squash With Chickpeas & Kale
I love eating spaghetti squash regularly for its health benefits (it’s rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber) and have tried many different recipes, but this is the one I revert to over and over again. It’s lemony, garlicky, and incredibly easy (it’s one of the few recipes my boyfriend can copy if I’m having a busy day). It makes a delicious lunch or dinner on its own IMO, but you can also make it as a side dish to protein. Insider tip: Don’t think of spaghetti squash as an alternative to spaghetti (it’s not). Instead, think of it as a delicious food all on its own, and you’ll be amazed at how good it is (and easy it is to make!). – Josie Santi, Senior Wellness Editor & Podcast Host
12. Quick-Pickled Onions
There is no dish that cannot be improved with the addition of a pickled onion. Eggs? Toss’ em on there. A rice bowl or salad? Brings it together. Sandwiches? Immediately leveled up. These take less than 30 minutes and you’re set for the week. You can play around with spices, vinegar combos, and sweeteners to switch it up (I love using hot honey), but you can’t go wrong with this quick and easy recipe. – Abi Moseman, Social Media Assistant
13. Creamy White Chicken Chili
I am a fervent soup lover, and this white chicken chili has become my go-to whenever colder weather rolls around each year. I am personally of the belief that everything Half Baked Harvest makes is inherently delicious (argue with the wall!), but her soups really take the cake, and this one is the perfect balance of filling, slightly creamy, and spicy. It’s comforting and a guaranteed guest favorite—I’ve made it for multiple friends and brought it to multiple potlucks, and it’s always met with enthusiasm. – Emma Ginsberg, Podcast & Editorial Assistant
