In today’s hectic world, it’s quick & easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant activity and demands of daily life. Balancing work, family, and personal commitments can make finding time to cook seem like a daunting task. However, preparing a home-cooked meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Some of the most delicious dishes are often the simplest. This blog features simple and delicious recipes for everyday enjoyment, making home-cooked meals stress-free.

1. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot, cooking until golden brown on both sides.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and place it aside.
4. Add the baby potatoes, carrots, green beans, and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing for a few minutes until slightly tender.
5. Place the chicken breasts back into the pot, nestling them among the vegetables.
6. Top with lemon slices and transfer the pot to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables are done.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

The combination of lemon and garlic infuses the chicken and vegetables with a bright, savory flavor. The juicy chicken and tender vegetables make this dish both nutritious and satisfying, making it a family favorite.

2. Quick and Easy Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese.
5. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the bacon and garlic.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and quickly stir in the egg and cheese mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s both simple and satisfying. This dish is a great way to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen without spending hours over the stove.

3. Simple Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating between the two.
2. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish.

The Caprese Salad is a refreshing and easy dish that highlights the flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.

4. No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder.
2. Heat the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously.
3. Once boiling, let it cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, oats, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Drop spoon fuls of the mixture onto wax paper, allowing them to cool and harden.

These no-bake cookies are a quick and tasty treat. With its delicious blend of chocolate and peanut butter flavors, it’s sure to satisfy any sweet craving.

5. Easy Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a big pan on medium-high. 
3. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Add the garlic, broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the sauce mixture. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve over cooked rice.

This beef stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile – you can easily substitute chicken or tofu and use any vegetables you have on hand.

Conclusion

With these easy and delicious recipes, you can enjoy the simplicity of preparing a meal that’s both satisfying and stress-free. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty one-pot dish, a quick pasta, a refreshing salad, or a sweet treat, these recipes have got you covered. So, take a moment to savor the simplicity and delight in the joy of home-cooked meals every day.

By incorporating these recipes into your routine, you can enjoy the benefits of home-cooked meals without the hassle. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward and quick, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. Happy cooking!