Two things that don't always work well together: cooking for yourself and being on a budget [1]. But as 20-somethings who try to cook at home as much as possible, our editors have learned a few tricks of the trade. We've curated our budget- and cravings-approved recipes [2] that we actually look forward to making and that earn a place at our table on a regular basis. From filling breakfasts to our favorite pasta [3] and chicken [4] dishes, these are the meals we — and you — will come back to again and again.
— Additional reporting by Anna Monette Roberts
Related: 14 Grocery Staples I Always Have as a 20-Something on a Budget [5]
Gordon Ramsay's Scrambled Eggs
Just as Gordon promises, these are the most luxurious-tasting eggs ever. It's an instant way to convince yourself you are fine dining in France. — Anna Monette Roberts, editor, Food
Get the recipe: Gordon Ramsay's scrambled eggs [6]
Avocado Toast With a Fried Egg
It might be overdone, but I will never stop making avocado toast for breakfast. — Erin Cullum, assistant editor, Food
Get the recipe: avocado toast with a fried egg [7]
Slow-Cooker Beans and Quinoa With Scallions, Cheddar, and Hot Sauce
This is one of the most foolproof ways to meal plan for the week. You are always guaranteed lunch or a quick dinner. — AR
Get the recipe: slow-cooker beans and quinoa with scallions, cheddar, and hot sauce [8]
Spaghetti Aglio, Olio, e Peperoncino
Aka spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. That's it, and it's to die for (at least, if you're as obsessed with garlic [9] as I am). I won't pretend like pasta isn't a weekly staple of mine, and this is what I make when I have nothing fresh in the fridge. — EC
Get the recipe: spaghetti aglio, olio, e peperoncino [10]
Lemon-Pepper Chicken
This lemon-pepper chicken has five ingredients, and two of those are salt and pepper. It's hilariously easy yet immensely flavorful. — AR
Get the recipe: lemon-pepper chicken [11]
Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Seriously. Roasting vegetables [12], especially brussels sprouts, is the only way to go. — AR
Get the recipe: spicy roasted brussels sprouts [13]
Quesadilla Roll-Ups
Yes, I'm a food editor, and no, I'm not above making these quesadilla roll-ups for dinner multiple times a week. They're even better than regular quesadillas, and they're what I make when all I want is carbs and cheese (and gauc on the side). — EC
Get the recipe: quesadilla roll-ups [14]
Pasta Puttanesca
I make this puttanesca sauce at least once a week. The best part is all the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip up dinner when you really have nothing in the fridge. — AR
Get the recipe: pasta puttanesca [15]
Lemon-Thyme Baked Chicken Breasts
This is my go-to chicken breast recipe. The combination of lemon and thyme is one of my favorite flavors, and this chicken is quick, moist, and flavorful. — EC
Get the recipe: lemon-thyme baked chicken [16]
Easy Tomato Sauce
I also consider this tomato sauce to be a weekly staple. I will sometimes add in a can of chickpeas in the last 10 minutes of cooking for some protein. — AR
Get the recipe: easy tomato sauce [17]
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Another staple. Sometimes I swap out the noodles for rice to get those whole grains in. — AR
Get the recipe: easy chicken noodle soup [18]
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
My favorite way to cook vegetables is roasting them in the oven . . . with garlic and parmesan cheese. This method works well for almost any veggie, but especially broccoli. — EC
Get the recipe: garlic parmesan roasted broccoli [19]
Miso Soup
I often make miso soup but without the seaweed or bonito flakes. Instead I'll throw in kale or parsley and some sautéed mushrooms for a California miso soup. — AR
Get the recipe: miso soup [20]
Slow-Cooker Bolognese Sauce
Bolognese sauce sounds fancy, but slow-cooker bolognese sauce truly couldn't be easier. It only calls for a few ingredients and it lasts me all week, so all I have to do is add it to cooked pasta. — EC
Get the recipe: slow-cooker bolognese sauce [21]
Steamed Kale
Not the most intriguing of concepts, but this is the only way I eat kale, collards, or other green vegetables. I typically dress them with salted butter or ghee. — AR
Get the recipe: steamed kale [22]
Homemade Caesar Dressing
Are you still buying bottled caesar dressing? Homemade will change your life. I love making enough for multiple servings so that all I have to do is throw together a salad for a quick dinner after work. — EC
Get the recipe: kale salad with homemade caesar dressing [23]
Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Pasta
The best treat you can give yourself (that's not sweet) is cheesy, garlicky pasta. — AR
Get the recipe: roasted garlic and parmesan pasta [24]