Learning to cook a few simple meals is one of the most useful life skills when you first leave home.
You don’t need complicated recipes or a fully stocked kitchen. Just a few reliable meals can help you eat well, save money and feel more confident cooking for yourself.
Below are five meals that are practical, affordable and beginner-friendly. Each one links to a detailed step-by-step recipe from RecipeTin Eats.
If you’ve recently moved, you might also find our guide to the First Week After Moving In helpful while you settle into your new home.
1. Chilli Con Carne
→ RecipeTin Eats – Chilli Con Carne
Chilli con carne is a classic one-pot meal that is hearty, affordable and easy to make in large batches. It’s ideal for beginners because the recipe is very forgiving and the flavours develop beautifully as it cooks.
Leftovers also freeze well, making it a great option for busy weeks.
Helpful kitchen tools:
- Large pot with a lid or slow cooker
- Can opener
- Wooden spoon
2. Oven Baked Chicken Breast
→ RecipeTin Eats Oven Baked Chicken Breast
This recipe makes the juiciest Chicken Breast. It’s so good it’s worthy of serving to dinner guests. No more dry chicken breast for you!
This recipe shows how to bake chicken breast so it stays juicy and flavourful.
Helpful kitchen tools:
- Baking tray
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional)
3. Lemon Garlic Salmon
→ RecipeTin Eats Lemon Garlic Salmon
Salmon is surprisingly easy to cook and makes a quick, healthy dinner. With just a few ingredients, this recipe creates a fresh and flavourful meal in under 15 minutes.
The recipe includes all the vegetables you need so it’s truly a one tray dish.
Helpful kitchen tools:
- Baking tray
- Baking paper
- Tongs
- Microplane or zester
4. Sweet Potato Steaks
→ RecipeTin Eats Sweet Potato Steaks
Sweet potato steaks are a simple plant-based meal that feels hearty and satisfying. Roasted in the oven, they develop a caramelised flavour and pair well with Couscous.
They are also a great introduction to cooking vegetables in the oven.
Helpful kitchen tools:
- Baking tray
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
5. Poached Chicken
→ RecipeTin Eats Poached Chicken
Poached chicken is a useful cooking technique that produces tender, versatile meat. Once cooked, the chicken can be shredded or sliced and used in salads, wraps, sandwiches or pasta dishes.
It’s a simple method that can form the base of many meals.
Helpful kitchen tools:
- Medium saucepan
- Tongs
- Storage containers for leftovers
A Simple First Kitchen Setup
If you’re cooking in your first apartment or share house, you don’t need a complicated kitchen.
Start with these basics:
- Frying pan
- Medium saucepan
- Baking tray
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Wooden spoon
With just these items, you can cook most everyday meals — including the recipes listed above.
If you’re still setting up your home, our guide to First Apartment Essentials: What You Actually Need may also help you decide what to buy.
Common Questions When You Start Cooking for Yourself
What are the easiest meals to cook when you first move out?
Simple one-pot or oven-based meals are usually the easiest place to start. Recipes like chilli con carne, baked chicken and roasted vegetables require minimal preparation and basic kitchen equipment.
What kitchen equipment do I need to start cooking?
You don’t need a fully stocked kitchen to cook simple meals. Most beginner cooks can start with just a few basics:
- frying pan
- medium saucepan
- baking tray
- chopping board
- sharp knife
- wooden spoon
These tools will allow you to cook most everyday meals.
Is cooking at home cheaper than buying takeaway?
Yes. Cooking at home is usually much cheaper than takeaway or eating out. Preparing simple meals and using leftovers can significantly reduce your weekly food costs.
What meals should everyone know how to cook?
A few reliable meals go a long way. Learning dishes like chilli con carne, baked chicken, salmon and roasted vegetables gives you a flexible foundation for everyday cooking.