Simple Steps to Start Cooking from Scratch without the Overwhelm

Cooking from scratch can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not confident in the kitchen or have a busy schedule. Yet, preparing meals at home is one of the best ways to eat healthier, save money, and enjoy food the way it was meant to be. The good news is that starting to cook from scratch doesn’t require fancy skills or hours of prep. With a few simple steps and the right tools, anyone can build a cooking routine that fits their lifestyle.

Essential cooking tools arranged on a kitchen countertop

Essential cooking tools ready for preparing meals from scratch

Begin with Simple Recipes

Start small by choosing recipes with few ingredients and straightforward steps. Look for dishes that use pantry staples like rice, pasta, canned tomatoes, and frozen vegetables. For example, a basic stir-fry with chicken, bell peppers, and soy sauce can be ready in 20 minutes and requires minimal prep.

Try these easy recipes to build confidence:

• One-pot pasta with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs

• Oven-roasted chicken thighs with potatoes and carrots

• Vegetable stir-fry with tofu or shrimp

  
  

By focusing on simple meals, you avoid feeling overwhelmed and can gradually expand your skills.

One of my favorite places to search for recipes is Pinterest. Simply type in some ingredients you want to use and start looking for ideas that sound good to you. You can save them, make them later if you prefer. You can even follow me here on Pinterest on my Saved It. Make It. account. This has all the recipes I am excited to try out myself.

*Pro tips - look for easy or beginner recipes as well. Choose ones with simple, whole food ingredients you already have at home.

Stock Your Kitchen with Essential Tools

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. You don’t need every gadget, but a few essentials will speed up prep and improve results. Here are some must-haves:

• Chef’s knife: A sharp, comfortable knife is crucial for chopping vegetables and meat.

• Cutting board: Choose a sturdy board that’s easy to clean.

• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing and frying. I personally prefer stainless steel or cast-iron.

• Saucepan: Useful for boiling, simmering, and making sauces.

• Baking Sheet: Great for baking, roasting, or cooking sheet-pan meals.

• Measuring cups and spoons: Help keep recipes accurate.

• Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients or marinating.

• Spatula/Cooking Spoon/Thongs: Helpful to mix and flip all your food while cooking.

  
  

Investing in quality versions of these tools can last years is important. You can find highly rated options on Amazon that fit most budgets. You can read more about each of these tools in my upcoming blogs.

Plan Your Meals Ahead

Meal planning saves time and reduces stress during the week. Spend 10 to 15 minutes each weekend deciding what you’ll cook and making a shopping list. Planning helps you avoid last-minute takeout and ensures you have all ingredients on hand.

Tips for effective meal planning:

• Pick 3 to 4 recipes for the week

• Choose meals with overlapping ingredients to reduce waste

• Prep some ingredients in advance, like chopping vegetables or cooking grains

• Keep a list of your favorite simple recipes to rotate

  
  

Planning also helps you balance nutrition and variety without extra effort.

Use Time-Saving Techniques

Even with a busy schedule, you can cook from scratch by using shortcuts that don’t sacrifice quality. Here are some ideas:

• Batch cooking: Prepare large portions and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

• One-pot or sheet-pan meals: Cook everything together to save cleanup time.

• Pre-chopped vegetables: Buy fresh pre-cut veggies or frozen options to speed up prep.

• Slow cooker or Instant Pot: These appliances let you set it and forget it, perfect for busy days.

  
  

These methods help you enjoy homemade food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Learn Basic Cooking Skills

Building a foundation of simple cooking skills makes a big difference. Focus on mastering these:

• How to properly chop onions, garlic, and vegetables

• Cooking rice and pasta perfectly

• Sautéing proteins like chicken or tofu

• Making a basic sauce or dressing

  
  

You can find free tutorials on YouTube or cooking apps that break down these skills step-by-step. Practicing these basics will boost your confidence and speed.

Keep Your Pantry Stocked

A well-stocked pantry means you can whip up meals without a last-minute grocery run. Keep these staples on hand:

• Olive oil and Avocado oil

• Salt, pepper, and basic spices (paprika, cumin, oregano)

• Canned beans and tomatoes

• Rice, pasta, and grains like quinoa

• Flour and sugar for baking or thickening sauces

  
  

Having these ingredients ready allows you to adapt recipes and experiment with flavors.

Cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By starting with simple recipes, equipping your kitchen with essential tools, planning meals, and learning basic skills, you can create delicious homemade meals even on a tight schedule. The key is to take small steps and build your confidence gradually.