These 29 Recipes Are Proof That Less Really Is More

It might not seem like it, but these recipes are proof that less is more. When you strip things back and keep it simple, good food gets even better. No long ingredient lists, no complicated steps—just smart combos and solid flavor. These are the kinds of meals that don’t try too hard and still hit every time. They’re fast, fresh, and way easier to pull off than you’d think.

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon.

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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 takes just three ingredients and 30 minutes to bake. It’s an easy win when dinner needs to stay simple but still hit the mark.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

An overhead image of vegan white bean chili with toppings. — Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This chili comes together fast with canned beans and pantry staples. It’s a strong pick when you need something hearty that doesn’t take much thought.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

Blackstone Green Beans

Green beans on the Blackstone Griddle cook in 10 minutes with five ingredients. It’s a fast, low-effort side that works when time and options are tight.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Green Beans

Mexican Corn Salad

This corn salad uses basic ingredients and is quick to prep. It’s a reliable side for when you want something fresh without much work.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Just pasta, cheese, and pepper make this dish bold and fast. It’s great when your pantry’s limited but you still want something that tastes like more.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Avocado Toast

An overhead image of various slices of bread, some topped with avocado slices, others toasted with fork markings. — Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Avocado toast keeps things simple with crispy bread and mashed avocado. It’s perfect when brunch needs to be quick but still feel like a real meal.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Panzanella Salad

This quick salad uses crusty bread, a few vegetables, and vinaigrette. It’s a smart way to pull together something fresh with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Raw Carrot Salad

Carrot salad takes just 10 minutes and a handful of ingredients. It’s a clean, crisp option when the fridge is nearly empty.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

Pasta e Piselli

Peas and cheese come together fast in this quick stovetop meal. It’s a solid choice when you need something easy and there’s not much left to cook with.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Quinoa Flatbread Pizza Crust

Quinoa flatbread pizza crust takes just five ingredients and is easy to mix. It’s a low-lift option for pizza night when you want to keep things minimal.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Flatbread Pizza Crust

Pasta Fresca

This pasta is made with fresh ingredients and cooks quickly. It’s a good dinner choice when you want homemade flavor with no extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza. — Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

With a few fresh ingredients, this pizza is ready in 20 minutes. It’s great when you want something that feels complete without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

A bowl of vegan rasta pasta. — Vegan Rasta Pasta. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

This mildly spiced pasta uses everyday ingredients and takes about 30 minutes. It’s a great go-to when you want dinner fast and without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Easy Potato Soup

Four ingredients and a short cook time make this soup straightforward and easy. It’s a strong option when you want comfort without a big mess.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

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 cook fast with just four ingredients. They’re a simple side that fits right in when you need something easy and quick.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

4-Ingredient Guacamole

Two bowls of guacamole on tray with chips and various ingredients. — 4-Ingredient Guacamole. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Guacamole comes together in minutes with only four ingredients. It’s a quick dip that keeps things simple when snacks or sides are needed fast.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Guacamole

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon

Everything Bagel Salmon cooks in under 15 minutes with two ingredients. It’s a solid choice when dinner needs to be done without much thinking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon

Air Fryer Artichoke

A white plate with two grilled artichoke halves and a small stone bowl of dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Artichoke. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer artichokes take five ingredients and cook in 45 minutes. This side is an easy add-on when you're keeping things low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Artichoke

Pasta Carbonara

This creamy pasta needs just five ingredients and comes together quickly. It’s a great dinner solution when you want something solid with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

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.

This cumin rice is made from pantry basics and cooks up fast. It’s useful when you need a quick base or side without making a big deal of it.
Get the Recipe: Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)

Ethiopian Cabbage

This veggie stew uses one pot and cooks in about 30 minutes. It’s a practical option for a filling dinner when you don’t want to overcomplicate things.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Air Fryer Halloumi

Crispy air fryer halloumi is ready in 10 minutes. It’s a solid side or snack when you want something bold without needing much to pull it off.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halloumi

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Five ingredients and 20 minutes make this crispy side a fast win. It’s easy to pair with nearly any meal when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup is packed with vegetables and ready in 35 minutes. It’s a warm, easy dinner built from simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus comes together in 25 minutes with just five ingredients. It’s a quick side that works great when the fridge is looking light.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Squash Casserole

Yellow squash casserole bakes in 30 minutes with just a few basics. It’s a smart way to stretch what’s on hand into something everyone can eat.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Pesto Salmon

Pesto salmon takes five ingredients and cooks in under 25 minutes. It’s a low-effort dinner that still feels like a full plate.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of microwave mac and cheese in a bowl with a spoon. — Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mac and cheese cooks fast in the microwave with minimal ingredients. It’s a solid choice when you want something hot without turning on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

Roasted Oyster Mushrooms

These mushrooms roast in 30 minutes using just four ingredients. They’re an easy add-on for tacos, sandwiches, or plates when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Oyster Mushrooms