Cooking at home doesn’t have to be intimidating—especially with apps designed to make every step easier, from picking recipes to shopping for ingredients. Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking for meal ideas, these cooking apps offer easy-to-follow recipes, helpful tutorials, and even grocery lists.
Tasty
Tasty is known for its viral, step-by-step recipe videos, making it one of the most beginner-friendly cooking apps. From appetizers to full meals, Tasty’s recipes are designed to be straightforward and fun, and the video tutorials guide you through each step. The app also includes a “What’s in Your Pantry?” feature, allowing you to find recipes based on ingredients you already have at home.
Tasty makes cooking feel easy and fun, especially with its quick video guides. Even if you’re new to the kitchen, it’s a great way to dive in!
Yummly
Yummly offers thousands of recipes with an emphasis on customization, so you can find meals that match your tastes, dietary preferences, and cooking skill level. It includes a powerful search feature to filter by ingredients, cuisine, and prep time. Yummly also has a smart shopping list that automatically compiles ingredients based on your chosen recipes.
BigOven
BigOven is great for beginners who want a simple app that helps with meal planning and grocery lists. The app features over 1 million recipes and has a “Use Up Leftovers” tool, which helps you create meals from ingredients you already have on hand. You can also save and organize your favorite recipes, making it easier to find inspiration whenever you need it.
SideChef
SideChef offers step-by-step guided recipes with photos and voice instructions to make cooking as simple as possible. The app also has an integrated grocery list feature, and it can even send your list to grocery delivery services in certain areas. SideChef is a great option if you want to follow along at your own pace, with clear instructions for every step.
Mealime
Mealime is designed with busy beginners in mind, offering simple recipes that can be prepared in about 30 minutes. The app helps you plan meals for the week and creates a shopping list organized by grocery store aisle. Mealime also allows you to set dietary preferences and filter recipes to suit your lifestyle, making it easy to eat well without a ton of effort.
Find the Best Cooking App for Your Beginner Needs
Whether you’re a total newcomer to cooking or just looking to make the process easier, the right cooking app can be an invaluable tool to guide you through every step. From finding recipes to compiling shopping lists, these apps make it simple to plan, shop, and cook delicious meals. Each of the five apps we reviewed here offers unique features tailored to specific needs, so let’s recap what each one offers and who might benefit the most.
Tasty: Video-Based Recipes for Visual Learners
Tasty is an app that stands out for its video-driven, easy-to-follow recipes. Each recipe is broken down with step-by-step video tutorials, making it ideal for visual learners who need clear instructions. If you’re someone who finds traditional recipes overwhelming or confusing, Tasty’s straightforward approach will be a relief. Plus, the app’s “What’s in Your Pantry?” feature allows you to find recipes based on ingredients you already have on hand, so you can cook without needing to make extra trips to the store.
BigOven: Meal Planning and Reducing Food Waste
BigOven is perfect for those who want to streamline their meal planning while reducing food waste. Its unique “Use Up Leftovers” feature allows you to input the ingredients you have on hand, then it suggests recipes based on those ingredients, helping you use up what’s in your pantry. For beginners who are working on a budget or want to make the most out of grocery trips, BigOven offers both inspiration and practical solutions. You can also create grocery lists and organize meal plans within the app, making it easy to stay organized.
SideChef: Step-By-Step Guidance for Confidence in the Kitchen
SideChef is a great option for beginners who need clear, guided instructions for each step of a recipe. The app’s unique feature is its step-by-step guidance with photos and voice commands, so you’re never lost, even if the recipe is new or complex. Additionally, SideChef offers the convenience of grocery delivery in certain areas, allowing you to shop for ingredients directly through the app. With meal planning tools and a variety of recipes for all skill levels, SideChef provides a comprehensive approach to cooking that beginners will appreciate.
Mealime: Quick Meal Planning for Busy Beginners
Mealime is designed with time-crunched beginners in mind, offering recipes that take around 30 minutes or less to prepare. This app provides weekly meal plans, simplifying the process of deciding what to cook each day. Mealime also organizes your grocery list by section, making it easier to shop efficiently. Additionally, the app allows you to set dietary preferences, such as low-carb or vegetarian, and filter recipes accordingly. Mealime is especially useful if you’re looking to plan ahead and save time on weeknight dinners.
Choosing the Right Cooking App
Ultimately, the best app for you depends on your unique needs and preferences. If you’re new to cooking and want an easy entry point with visual guidance, Tasty is an excellent choice. Its approachable style and fun videos will help build your confidence quickly. Yummly is ideal if you have specific dietary needs and want tailored recipe recommendations, while BigOven offers a more practical solution for meal planning and minimizing food waste.
For those who need step-by-step help, SideChef provides clear, guided instructions with visuals, making it ideal for people who appreciate more detailed directions. Mealime is perfect for time-conscious beginners who want to plan meals in advance and keep things simple.
Each app is either free or offers a basic free version with optional premium upgrades, so you can test a few before committing to one. Whether your goal is to eat healthier, reduce food waste, or simply feel more comfortable in the kitchen, one of these apps is sure to be a fit. Give them a try and enjoy the journey to becoming a more confident cook!
