Meals don’t have to be complicated, even when your pantry is looking a little empty. With a few basics and some smart swaps, you can still throw together something great. These recipes prove that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make food that actually works.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli cheese casserole comes together with just three ingredients in 30 minutes. A simple, no-stress option when you need an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus needs only five ingredients and cooks in 25 minutes. A quick way to add veggies to your plate without much effort.
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Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Garlic green beans use four ingredients and take minutes to make. A great side when you need something quick with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)
Jeera rice is light, fragrant, and made with just a few ingredients. It’s a fast, beginner-friendly side that pairs well with anything.
Get the Recipe: Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe takes just three ingredients for a quick, no-fuss pasta. A simple choice when you want something comforting without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air fryer Brussels sprouts crisp up in 20 minutes with only five ingredients. A fast and easy side that takes almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot mac and cheese cooks in minutes with just five ingredients. A go-to dinner for busy nights when you need something easy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Easy Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is made with five fresh ingredients for a simple, quick side. A great option when you want something fresh with no cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad
3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Three-ingredient mac and cheese turns out extra creamy in the slow cooker. A low-effort dinner that’s great for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Pesto Salmon
Pesto salmon bakes in under 25 minutes with just five ingredients. A simple way to make a flavorful meal without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Blackstone Green Beans
Green beans cook in just 10 minutes on the Blackstone Griddle with five ingredients. A fast, no-hassle side that works with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Green Beans
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs need only two ingredients and cook quickly. A bold, easy dinner when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
This slow cooker chicken dish takes just a few ingredients and cooks itself. A simple meal that’s ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon
Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon needs only two ingredients and is done in 15 minutes. A fast way to get dinner on the table with no effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon
Easy Potato Soup
Four-ingredient potato soup is easy to make with potatoes, broth, milk, and onion. A simple meal when you need something quick and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup
Pasta Carbonara
Pasta Carbonara comes together in under 30 minutes with just five ingredients. A classic, no-fuss dish that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
Pork Chop Casserole
Pork chop casserole bakes with five ingredients for a hands-off meal. A great choice when you need dinner to cook itself.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chop Casserole
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This Philly cheesesteak casserole uses five ingredients for a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner. An easy way to get big flavor with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
Buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet needs only four ingredients and cooks fast. A simple meal that works for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Lemon pepper chicken tenders use just three ingredients and cook in 15 minutes. A no-hassle dinner that’s easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Legs
Buffalo chicken legs need only two ingredients and cook up fast. A simple way to get a flavorful meal without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Legs
Quinoa Flatbread Pizza Crust
Quinoa flatbread pizza crust takes just five ingredients and comes together easily. A great way to make homemade pizza without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Flatbread Pizza Crust
Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole
Zucchini and squash casserole bakes with five ingredients for a simple dish. A colorful option that’s easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole
Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is made with five ingredients and homemade noodles. A creamy pasta that comes together fast.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Flank steak grills in 20 minutes and is topped with chili butter. A five-ingredient meal that’s full of flavor with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Chicken Salad
This five-ingredient chicken salad comes together fast and can be adjusted to taste. A quick meal that works for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad
Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops
Crock Pot ranch pork chops need just three ingredients for an easy, hands-off meal. Let them cook low and slow until tender.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops
Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets
These two-ingredient chicken nuggets cook up fast with almost no prep. A simple way to get dinner done when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets
5-Ingredient Hash Brown Casserole
Hash brown casserole with sausage, eggs, and cheese bakes with just five ingredients. A hearty meal that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Hash Brown Casserole
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub
Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub use only two ingredients and cook fast. A quick, budget-friendly dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub
5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap
Leftover chicken tenders turn into a wrap with just five ingredients. A fast, no-effort lunch for any busy day.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap
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