Eggs and green and orange vegetables cooking on a stovetop in a black frying pan.

7 Stovetop Recipes for Your New Apartment

November 13, 2025 Nutrition, Recipes, Spoonful

— By Brigette Williamson, Dietetic Intern, University of Maine Cooperative Extension & Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Moving into your first apartment is both exciting and scary. When it comes to planning what to cook, it can be intimidating if recipes require special utensils or tools. However, you don’t need a fancy kitchen setup to make delicious meals. Check out these seven stovetop meals from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for your new apartment that are perfect for busy weeknights, relaxing weekends, and everything in between.

Supreme Grilled Cheese

A grilled cheese with layers of sautéed onions, spinach, and bell peppers between slices of whole-grain bread, with mozzarella and a sprinkle of garlic powder.

A grilled cheese with layers of sautéed onions, spinach, and bell peppers between slices of whole-grain bread, with mozzarella and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Toast in a skillet until golden brown and gooey. It’s a simple way to add veggies and flavor to a comfort-food classic.

NOLA Red Beans and Rice

Cooked beans and rice in a pan.

In this NOLA Red Beans and Rice recipe, start by cooking onions, peppers, and celery with Cajun seasoning, then add red beans and a bit of broth. Simmer until the flavors meld and serve over warm white or brown rice for a hearty, Southern-inspired favorite, made entirely on the stove top. Use canned beans for a quicker version or dry beans for a weekend meal prep.

Brunching Burrito

Breakfast burrito with salsa.

This Brunching Burrito recipe is a tasty update to scrambled eggs with the addition of chopped onion and green peppers for flavor and texture, along with a bit of cheese for melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Everything cooks quickly in one pan, gets wrapped in a flour tortilla, and can be topped with salsa for more flavor. The Brunching Burrito is comfort food ready in minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ramen Noodle Skillet

Ramen skillet.

Upgrade your ramen noodles by sautéing onions, carrots, and broccoli in a pan with this Ramen Noodle Skillet. Add in a protein of your choice (shrimp, chicken, pork, or tofu), then toss in ramen noodles and broth – delish!

Pasta with Garlic, Spinach, and White Beans

Pasta with spinach and white beans.

Pasta with Garlic, Spinach, and White Beans is a delicious dinner that is high in protein and fiber. Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add a can of white beans and fresh spinach. Toss with cooked pasta and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and lemon juice.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup in a white bowl.

Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food made from scratch on the stovetop. Sauté garlic, onions, carrots, and celery, then add herbs, shredded cooked chicken, egg noodles, and broth. Simmer until the noodles are soft. To avoid waste and make quick meals, freeze portion-sized amounts into silicone molds or small containers. Ready to be pulled and reheated when needed.

Black Bean Squash Chili

Black bean and squash chili.

This Black Bean Squash Chili is perfect for cold, cozy nights. Cook diced onions and peppers, then add cubed winter squash, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chili spices. Simmer until the squash is tender and the flavors come together. This hearty chili is vegetarian, nutritious, and makes great leftovers. To make it even easier, use precut squash, canned beans, and canned tomatoes for busy weeknights.

One of the best things about stovetop recipes is their simplicity. They don’t need a lot of prep or expensive ingredients. With just oil, garlic, and a few spices, you can create dishes that taste fantastic and make your new apartment feel like home.