When you’re too drained to cook but still need to eat, five ingredient dinners are the way to go. These meals keep it simple without being boring. No complicated steps, no long grocery lists—just quick, great food that gets the job done with minimal effort. Because some nights, that’s all you need.
Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This broccoli cheese casserole uses just three ingredients and cooks in 30 minutes. It’s a quick and practical meal that’s perfect when you want to keep things simple but still enjoy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
With only three ingredients, this bucatini cacio e pepe is an easy way to enjoy a classic pasta dish. A fast choice when you want something that feels like it came from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Caprese Pasta Salad
This Caprese pasta requires five ingredients or less, making it perfect for any occasion. A quick and reliable option for dinners, potlucks, or leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad
Chicken Nuggets
These easy two-ingredient chicken nuggets come together in a flash. A quick and hassle-free option for feeding the family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets
5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap
Leftover chicken tenders turn into a simple wrap with just five ingredients. A quick and easy lunch choice that fits into a busy day.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap
Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Legs
These buffalo chicken legs cook in no time with just two ingredients. A low-effort way to enjoy a flavorful meal when you need dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Legs
Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon
This Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon is made with only two ingredients and cooks in under 15 minutes. A fast and simple way to have a perfectly cooked dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon
Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
This four-ingredient buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet comes together quickly with little prep. It’s also great for meal prepping ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub
With only two ingredients, this Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub recipe is both affordable and quick. A simple, fast dinner idea that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Flank steak is grilled in just 20 minutes and topped with chili butter. A flavorful, five-ingredient dinner that cooks up quickly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Easy Potato Soup
This four-ingredient potato soup is made with potatoes, broth, milk, and onion. A simple and comforting meal that comes together with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Three-ingredient mac and cheese cooks extra creamy in the slow cooker with only minutes of prep. A family-friendly option that makes busy weeknights easier.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo
This easy Fettuccine Alfredo uses five ingredients and comes with homemade noodles. A creamy pasta dish that’s ready quickly, without all the extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo
Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops
These Crock Pot ranch pork chops require only three ingredients for a hands-off dinner. Toss them in the slow cooker, and dinner is ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs come together with just two ingredients and cook fast. A quick, spicy meal for those who enjoy a little heat in their dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ground Beef Egg-in-a-Hole
Ground beef and eggs make a fun and quick twist on egg-in-a-hole, ready in five minutes. A high-protein breakfast option that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Egg-in-a-Hole
Pesto Salmon
This pesto salmon is a five-ingredient dish that bakes in under 25 minutes. A fast way to make a flavorful meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Easy Caprese Salad
Caprese salad, made with five fresh ingredients, works as an appetizer or a side dish. A simple, refreshing choice that’s quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad
Baked Scotch Eggs
Scotch eggs require only three ingredients and can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. A straightforward recipe that’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs
Chicken Salad
This five-ingredient chicken salad is quick to prepare and can be customized to your taste. A reliable option for light meals or lunches with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad
Pasta Carbonara
Pasta Carbonara uses only five ingredients and cooks in under 30 minutes. A rich, creamy dish that’s quick and simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
Slow Cooker Chicken
This slow cooker chicken dish is incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. A simple, flavorful meal that requires very little prep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken
Low-Carb Meat Pie
This meat pie with a coconut crust uses only four ingredients for the crust, and the filling is hearty and comforting. It’s perfect for meal prep and just as good for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Meat Pie
Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole
Zucchini and squash casserole is made with five ingredients and is perfect for gatherings. A colorful, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot mac and cheese comes together with just five ingredients and a few minutes of cooking. A quick, kid-friendly dinner for a laid-back evening.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
These lemon pepper chicken tenders from the air fryer use only three ingredients and cook in just 15 minutes. A no-fuss dinner that’s quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Walnut sauce pasta with just five ingredients is ready in under 30 minutes. A simple dish that combines pantry staples for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
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