If you’re new to cooking, it can seem intimidating to start. However, preparing your own meals at home is not only cost-effective, but it’s also a great way to eat healthier and have control over what you’re putting in your body. Here are four easy meals to try as a beginner cook.

1. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ingredients:
– Spaghetti noodles
– Ground beef
– Breadcrumbs
– Egg
– Salt
– Pepper
– Olive oil
– Crushed tomatoes
– Garlic powder
– Oregano
– Parmesan cheese

Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
3. Roll beef mixture into small balls and cook in a skillet with olive oil until browned on all sides.
4. In the same skillet, add crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, and oregano. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes.
5. Serve meatballs over spaghetti noodles and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

2. Veggie Stir Fry

Ingredients:
– Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and carrots)
– Olive oil
– Soy sauce
– Rice

Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Slice vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and add vegetables. Stir fry for 5-7 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve vegetables over rice.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients:
– Bread
– Cheese
– Butter

Instructions:
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each piece of bread.
3. Place cheese between two slices of bread, with buttered sides facing outward.
4. Place sandwich in skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.

4. Baked Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients:
– Chicken breast
– Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots)
– Olive oil
– Salt
– Pepper
– Garlic powder

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
3. Slice vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a bowl, toss chicken and vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Spread the chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Summary:
– Spaghetti and meatballs: Cook spaghetti noodles, make meatballs, add crushed tomatoes and seasonings, serve over noodles with parmesan cheese.
– Veggie stir fry: Cook rice, stir fry vegetables with olive oil and soy sauce, serve over rice.
– Grilled cheese sandwich: Butter bread, add cheese, cook in skillet until melted and golden brown.
– Baked chicken and vegetables: Toss chicken and vegetables with olive oil and seasonings, bake for 25-30 minutes.