31 Five-Ingredient Dinners That Taste Like You Spent All Day Cooking

Five ingredient dinners can be a game-changer when you want something great without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes keep things simple but still feel like a meal you put serious effort into. With just a handful of ingredients, you get bold flavors and the kind of results that make people think you’ve been cooking all day. No shortcuts on taste—just smart, easy cooking that works every time.

Red plate filled with alfredo sauce and keto noodles.

Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side. — 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli cheese casserole needs just three ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes. A simple way to get a great side dish on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus keeps things easy with five ingredients and a quick cook time. A fresh side that works well for any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter. — Din Tai Fung Green Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Garlic green beans take only four ingredients for a no-hassle side. A quick, easy way to add veggies to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts come together in 20 minutes with just five ingredients. A simple side or crunchy salad topper without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)

A straight view of cooked jeera rice in a white plate. — Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Jeera rice is light, fragrant, and beginner-friendly with only a few ingredients. A fast, easy side that works with almost any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon. — Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a quick, classic pasta using just three ingredients. A simple way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs take just two ingredients for a bold, spicy meal. A fast and easy way to add some heat to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot mac and cheese needs only five ingredients and cooks in minutes. A simple, kid-friendly dinner that works for any casual night.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Blackstone Green Beans

Green beans cook in just 10 minutes on the Blackstone Griddle with five ingredients. A fast, no-hassle side that fits into any busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Green Beans

Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo comes together quickly with homemade noodles and five ingredients. A creamy pasta dish without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

Chicken Salad

This five-ingredient chicken salad is easy to make and can be adjusted to taste. A great option for quick lunches or light dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad

Squash Casserole

Yellow squash casserole bakes in 30 minutes with just a few ingredients. A simple, crowd-friendly dish for family meals.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Pesto Salmon

Pesto salmon bakes in under 25 minutes with only five ingredients. A fast way to get a great meal on the table without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter. — Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flank steak grills in just 20 minutes and is topped with chili butter. A five-ingredient meal that delivers big flavor without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

This slow cooker chicken dish takes just a few ingredients and practically cooks itself. A low-effort meal that’s great for busy days.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Lemon pepper chicken tenders need only three ingredients and cook in 15 minutes. A simple, no-hassle dinner packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Walnut sauce pasta comes together in under 30 minutes with just five ingredients. A fast, pantry-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Quinoa Flatbread Pizza Crust

This quinoa flatbread pizza crust is made with five ingredients and comes together easily. A simple way to enjoy homemade pizza without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Flatbread Pizza Crust

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

This Philly cheesesteak casserole delivers big flavor with just five ingredients. A quick, satisfying dinner that’s great for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

5-Ingredient Hash Brown Casserole

Hash brown casserole with sausage, eggs, and cheese takes only five ingredients. A hearty meal that’s easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Hash Brown Casserole

5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap

Leftover chicken tenders turn into an easy wrap with just five ingredients. A no-hassle lunch that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap

Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara cooks in under 30 minutes with only five ingredients. A rich, simple meal that feels like a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Plate of chicken nuggets on a wooden serving board. — Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These two-ingredient chicken nuggets come together quickly without any extra steps. A fast way to feed the family with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon takes just two ingredients and cooks in under 15 minutes. A simple way to get dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub

Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub need only two ingredients and cook quickly. A budget-friendly dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub

Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole

Zucchini and squash casserole bakes with five ingredients and works for gatherings. A colorful, easy side that fits into any meal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole

Easy Potato Soup

This four-ingredient potato soup comes together with simple pantry staples. A great way to make a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops

Crock Pot ranch pork chops need just three ingredients for a hands-off dinner. Toss them in the slow cooker and let them cook until tender.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops

Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese pasta takes five ingredients or less for an easy go-to meal. A great choice for dinners, potlucks, or next-day leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is made with just five fresh ingredients and comes together quickly. A light side or appetizer that’s always a good choice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Pork Chop Casserole

Pork chop casserole bakes with five ingredients for an easy, hands-off meal. A simple way to get dinner on the table without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chop Casserole