15 Classic Dishes That Every Adult Should Know How To Make (2024)

Growing up comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of them is learning how to properly feed yourself. Sure it may have been fine to live solely off of instant-ramen in college, but you're a full-grown, bill-paying adult now, and you deserve a dinner that doesn't come from a styrofoam cup.

Thankfully, you don't have to have a cooking degree to master some of the greatest dishes out there. We've rounded up 15 all-time classics that everyone should know how to make, and, a couple recipe options for each dish. Favorites like chicken noodle soup, pot roast, and chocolate chip cookies are easy to learn and will impress the best. So get rid of that delivery app, throw on your apron, and try out one of these 30 fool-proof recipes. You won't regret it.

1. A pot of chili for cold nights.

Chili is great for any occasion, and learning how to make it is absolutely essential. Get the recipe here.

Using a slow-cooker (another worthwhile adult investment) makes this chili recipe extra easy. Get the recipe here.

2. A burger worthy of any BBQ.

As much as you may like the burgers at your local fast-food joint, a burger you make yourself is always better. Get the recipe here.

Vegetarians deserve to indulge in this classic, too. Black beans and edamame make this burger equally satisfying. Get the recipe here.

3. A better-than-takeout fried rice recipe.

A trick to making the best fried rice: Use day old rice (it will end up crispier). Get the recipe here.

If you're looking to squeeze some protein in your diet (which is very grown up, we might add) quinoa is an excellent, protein-packed rice alternative. Get the recipe here.

Related: 14 High Protein Dinner Recipes Under 500 Calories

4. The chocolate chip cookie that will have everyone asking for your recipe.

This chocolate chip cookie has brownie in it. Just to be clear, that's two desserts at once. Get the recipe here.

A sprinkle of salt on your chocolate chip cookie makes it just fancy enough. Get the recipe here.

5. A chicken noodle soup for sick days.

When mom's not around for your cold, this is a great dish to have in your back pocket. Get the recipe here.

If you're looking for a different texture, try swapping out the classic noodles for quinoa. Get the recipe here.

5. The cheesiest mac and cheese.

Prepare to fall in love with baked mac and cheese: It's way gooier than the boxed kind you might be used to, and it's just a pop in the oven away. Get the recipe here.

Mixing up this classic with earthy veggies is something you will not regret. Get the recipe here.

6. A restaurant-quality Caesar salad.

With chicken, avocado, parmesan, and croutons, this salad is stacked to the max. Get the recipe here.

If you're already obsessed with kale salad, this dish is the obvious next step. Get the recipe here.

7. The most impressive roast chicken.

You don't even have to heat up your oven for this recipe—the whole thing gets roasted in a slow-cooker. Get the recipe here.

If going whole-bird is too overwhelming, start with thighs or chicken breasts. Get the recipe here.

8. Bake sale-worthy brownies.

One-bowl, lots of brownies, no dirty dishes. Count us in. Get the recipe here.

These gluten-free brownies might be more decadent than regular brownies. Get the recipe here.

9. Mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving (or whenever).

Once you know how to make the best mashed potatoes, you'll never want to make anything else. Get the recipe here.

Related: Use This 7-Day Meal Plan To Go Vegetarian For A Week

Sweet potato lovers, this one's for you. Get the recipe here.

10. A frittata that will impress all your brunch friends.

Don't let frittatas cause you a lotta stress—they're an easy way to feed the brunch crowd, look beautiful, and taste great. Get the recipe here.

The dynamic duo—eggs and bacon—are together again in this dish. Get the recipe here.

Related: 5 Ways To Make The Best Eggs Every Time

11. Banana bread you can eat all week.

Eat it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or topped with a scoop of ice cream for dessert. Get the recipe here.

This recipe is a great way to add chocolate to breakfast-time. Get the recipe here.

12. A grilled cheese for when you're feeling homesick.

A childhood fave that's worth revisiting. Get the recipe here.

If you're trying to cut back on carbs, opt for this version with cauliflower buns. Get the recipe here.

13. Supremely slurpable spaghetti.

When it comes to spaghetti, it's best to start with a simple Bolognese. Get the recipe here.

Carbonara is basically Italian-style mac and cheese, which sounds amazing. Get the recipe here.

14. A pot roast that will make your mom proud.

Get that slow-cooker out again, because it's pot roast time. Get the recipe here.

This roast is elegant and easy. Get the recipe here.

15. The perfect stack of pancakes.

Make your own pancake mix and keep it handy for lazy weekend breakfasts. Get the recipe here.

Sweet potatoes may be a vegetable, but they sure taste great in pancakes. Get the recipe here.