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Home » Recipe Collections

Back to basics: 18 recipes everyone should know how to make

Published: Apr 27, 2026 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Every home cook needs a set of go-to recipes they can rely on. This collection focuses on foundational dishes that are useful, approachable, and worth mastering. They’re not flashy, but they’re dependable and endlessly adaptable. Knowing how to make these builds confidence in the kitchen. Consider this your essential starting point.

Classic Beef Stroganoff Everyone Should Know

A white bowl with meat in it.
Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Beef stroganoff is a back-to-basics comfort dinner built on a rich, creamy sauce and tender noodles. It’s a timeless recipe everyone should know for easy, satisfying meals at home.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Classic Bake

A casserole of turkey and noodles tetrazzini with a serving spoon resting in the center.
Turkey Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Turkey tetrazzini is a classic baked pasta that turns simple ingredients into a creamy, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s a practical, back-to-basics recipe perfect for using leftovers and feeding a family.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Ham and Bean Soup From Scratch Basics

Navy Bean and Ham Soup in a serving crock.
Ham and Bean Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ham and bean soup is a simple, slow-simmered staple that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a foundational recipe everyone should know for hearty, budget-friendly meals.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Bean Soup

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes Classic Side

A close up image of cheesy potatoes in a casserole, garnished with parsley.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy casserole topped with a crisp finish that defines comfort food basics. This easy side dish is a must-know for gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Classic Stuffed Peppers Easy Dinner

A photo showing vegan stuffed peppers arranged on a white plate, set atop a brown cloth, with a fork and knife placed beside.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stuffed peppers are a colorful, balanced meal built with simple pantry ingredients and bold flavor. This back-to-basics dinner is one everyone should master for easy weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Basics

Close-up view of a bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken noodle soup is a timeless, from-scratch recipe built on rich broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles. It’s a must-know classic for comforting meals that never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

American Chop Suey Simple Classic Meal

A plate of American Chop Suey (American Goulash).
American Chop Suey (American Goulash). Photo credit: xoxoBella.

American chop suey is a one-pan classic combining ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce. It’s a reliable, back-to-basics dinner that’s easy to make and always satisfying.
Get the Recipe: American Chop Suey (American Goulash)

Chicken and Rice Classic One-Pan Dinner

Overhead image of chicken and rice casserole on top of a wooden board.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and rice is a dependable, all-in-one meal that brings simple ingredients together effortlessly. It’s a foundational recipe everyone should know for no-fuss family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Matzo Ball Soup Traditional Comfort Bowl

Close up on 3 matzo balls in soup.
Homemade Matzo Ball Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Matzo ball soup is a traditional recipe built on rich broth and soft dumplings that deliver deep comfort. It’s a meaningful, back-to-basics dish worth learning for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Matzo Ball Soup

Chicken Tamale Pie Easy Classic Bake

A plate of Easy Chicken Tamale Pie.
Chicken Tamale Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken tamale pie layers savory filling with cornbread for a complete, satisfying dish. It’s a simple, back-to-basics recipe perfect for easy weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Brussels Sprouts Casserole Easy Classic

Top view of Easy Brussels Sprouts Casserole on a wooden board.
Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Brussels sprouts casserole turns a simple vegetable into a rich, baked comfort dish. It’s a classic recipe everyone should know for rounding out hearty, home-cooked meals.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Broccoli Cheddar Mac Classic Comfort

Overhead image of a plate of creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Broccoli cheddar mac and cheese blends creamy pasta with vegetables for a balanced comfort meal. It’s a back-to-basics favorite that’s easy to make and always a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Creamy Meatball Stew Hearty Classic Meal

A bowl of Creamy Meatball Stew with peas.
Creamy Meatball Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy meatball stew is a rich, filling dish built on simple ingredients and slow cooking. It’s a classic recipe everyone should know for hearty, comforting dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Meatball Stew

Stuffed Pepper Soup Easy Comfort Classic

Overhead image of a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with parsley, ready to serve.
Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Stuffed pepper soup delivers all the classic flavors in an easy, one-pot format. It’s a practical, back-to-basics recipe perfect for simple and satisfying meals.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Soup

Mulligan Stew Old-Fashioned Classic Meal

Ovverhead image of mulligan stew in a pot.
Mulligan Stew. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Mulligan stew is a humble, one-pot meal made with beef, vegetables, and simple pantry staples. It’s a back-to-basics recipe everyone should know for filling, no-frills dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mulligan Stew

Classic Lamb Shank Everyone Should Master

An overview of Slow-Roasted Lamb Shank with Potatoes and Rosemary.
Slow-Roasted Lamb Shank with Potatoes and Rosemary. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This slow-roasted lamb shank is a back-to-basics dish that proves simple ingredients can create deeply rich flavor. Tender meat, rosemary, and potatoes make it a timeless recipe worth bringing back to your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Roasted Lamb Shank with Potatoes and Rosemary

Easy Beans & Cornbread Everyone Should Know

Beans and cornbread served together in a bowl.
Beans and Cornbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Beans and cornbread is a foundational comfort meal that’s both affordable and easy to make from scratch. This classic pairing delivers hearty flavor and is a must-know recipe for any home cook.
Get the Recipe: Beans and Cornbread

Classic Chicken Fricassee You Should Learn

A close-up vie of Chicken Fricassee.
Chicken Fricassee. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken fricassee is a back-to-basics recipe that combines simple techniques with rich, comforting results. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a staple dish every home cook should have in their repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fricassee

If you grew up in America, you'll remember these 16 foods

Whether changing tastes, health trends, or new food fads pushed them aside, these once-everywhere American foods just aren’t as common anymore—and you might be surprised by how many you forgot about.
Get the Full List of Recipes Here: If you grew up in America, you'll remember these 16 foods

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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