In a world where convenience often trumps quality, cooking from scratch might seem like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be! Cooking dinner from scratch doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen or using complicated ingredients. In fact, some of the most satisfying and flavorful meals come from simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Cooking from scratch gives you full control over what goes into your meal, making it a healthier and more customizable option for you and your family.
If you're looking for easy, delicious dinner recipes that come together with minimal effort and ingredients, you've come to the right place. Let’s dive into some flavorful dinners that you can whip up in no time, all made from scratch!
1. One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
This one-pan roasted chicken and vegetables is a simple and satisfying dinner that requires minimal prep. You’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken paired with roasted vegetables, all made on a single baking sheet.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon slices (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a large baking sheet, arrange the chicken thighs and surround them with potatoes, carrots, and onion.
- Drizzle olive oil over everything and sprinkle with garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss the vegetables to coat evenly.
- Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh lemon slices for extra flavor before serving.
Why It’s Great: This dish is not only incredibly easy, but it’s also a complete meal in one pan. The chicken gets crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside, and the roasted vegetables bring out deep, caramelized flavors. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
2. Simple Homemade Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is the perfect comfort food, and when made from scratch, it’s even better! This easy homemade tomato soup recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, but the results are rich, creamy, and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Add the chopped tomatoes, broth, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the tomatoes break down.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
- If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in heavy cream.
- Serve hot with a side of toasted bread or grilled cheese.
Why It’s Great: This homemade tomato soup is fresh, flavorful, and simple to make. The ingredients are basic, but the taste is rich and comforting. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy the flavor of ripe, in-season tomatoes!
3. Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish made from scratch with just a few pantry staples—garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. It's a simple yet flavorful meal that you can whip up in less than 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic turns golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the garlic oil and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce coat the noodles.
- Season with salt and stir in fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Why It’s Great: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is the epitome of simplicity in cooking. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor from the garlic and red pepper flakes. This dish proves that you don’t need an elaborate sauce to create a delicious pasta dish.
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
A vegetable stir-fry is a fantastic way to get a quick and healthy dinner on the table. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a versatile and customizable dish. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice (brown or white)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- In a large pan or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
- Add soy sauce, honey (if using), and garlic powder. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the sauce.
- Serve the stir-fry over the cooked rice, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added crunch.
Why It’s Great: This vegetable stir-fry is quick, nutritious, and full of flavor. By using simple ingredients, you can create a healthy dinner that’s customizable to whatever vegetables you have in your fridge. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers!
5. Simple Beef and Vegetable Tacos
Tacos are always a family favorite, and when you make them from scratch, they’re even more satisfying. You can load up soft corn tortillas with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and your favorite toppings for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Lettuce, shredded
- Tomato, diced
- Avocado, sliced
- Salsa and sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the onion until browned and fully cooked.
- Add the taco seasoning and water, and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
- Assemble tacos by spooning the beef mixture into each tortilla, then topping with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and salsa.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Why It’s Great: These tacos are quick, customizable, and bursting with flavor. The ground beef is seasoned perfectly and paired with fresh toppings, making for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Conclusion: Simple, Flavorful, and Made From Scratch
Cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create wholesome, delicious dinners that the whole family will love. Whether you’re roasting a one-pan dinner, making a comforting soup, or preparing a quick stir-fry, these recipes are simple, easy, and full of flavor. So next time you’re looking for a satisfying dinner, turn to these recipes made from scratch—they’re the perfect way to enjoy wholesome meals without any fuss!