As a busy guy who loves to eat well but doesn’t always have the time or energy for elaborate meals, I’ve become something of an expert at whipping up quick, delicious dinners with minimal ingredients.
Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a mouth-watering meal with just a handful of items from your pantry or fridge. Today, I’m excited to share with you 9 super easy dinners that require 5 ingredients or less.
These recipes are perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a tasty, home-cooked meal.
Simple and Quick Meal Ideas
1. 3 Ingredient One Pot Sausage Pasta
This recipe is a game-changer for busy evenings. I remember discovering it during a particularly chaotic week at work, and it’s been a lifesaver ever since. With just sausage, pasta, and marinara sauce, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal in no time. The best part? It all comes together in one pot, meaning less cleanup afterwards.
Check out the full recipe here.
2. French Onion Pork Chops
If you’re a fan of French onion soup, you’ll love this simple twist on pork chops. I first tried this recipe when I had some friends over for an impromptu dinner, and it was a hit. The combination of pork chops, French onion soup mix, and butter creates a rich, flavorful dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Check out the full recipe here.
3. 3 Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Chicken
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. I’ve served it at everything from casual get-togethers to more formal dinner parties. The magic lies in the combination of chicken breasts, bacon, and brown sugar. The result is a sweet and savory dish that’s both easy to prepare and delicious to eat.
Check out the full recipe here.
4. 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
When I’m craving Asian-inspired flavors but don’t want to order takeout, this is my go-to recipe. With just chicken breasts, orange marmalade, and soy sauce, you can create a tangy, sweet dish that rivals any restaurant version. It’s become a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation.
Check out the full recipe here.
5. 3 Ingredient Taco Mac
This recipe combines two of my favorite comfort foods: tacos and mac and cheese. Using just macaroni, ground beef, and taco seasoning, you can whip up a hearty, flavorful meal in minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something filling and satisfying without much fuss.
Check out the full recipe here.
6. Kraft Mac n Cheese and Hot Dogs
Sometimes, you just need a taste of childhood comfort food. This simple combination of Kraft Mac n Cheese and hot dogs is my go-to when I’m feeling nostalgic or need a quick pick-me-up. It’s a budget-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Check out the full recipe here.
7. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
This hearty dish is perfect for cooler evenings or when you need something a bit more substantial. The combination of ham, potatoes, milk, butter, and flour creates a creamy, comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to throw together. It’s become one of my favorite ways to use up leftover ham.
Check out the full recipe here.
8. Mississippi Pot Roast
Don’t let the name fool you – this pot roast is incredibly simple to make. With just a pot roast, a packet of ranch seasoning, and a packet of au jus powder, you can create a tender, flavorful meal that tastes like it’s been slow-cooking all day. It’s my secret weapon for impressing dinner guests with minimal effort.
Check out the full recipe here.
9. Baked Chicken with Mayo and Parmesan
This recipe is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. The combination of chicken breasts, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasoning results in a crispy, flavorful chicken dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Check out the full recipe here.
Tips for Quick and Easy Meals
Using Pantry Staples
One of the keys to making quick, easy meals is having a well-stocked pantry. I always make sure to have pasta, marinara sauce, and taco seasoning on hand. These versatile ingredients can be the foundation for many quick meals. For example, on nights when I’m really pressed for time, I can whip up a simple pasta dish or throw together some quick tacos.
Leveraging Packaged Sauces
Don’t underestimate the power of packaged sauces and seasoning mixes. Items like French onion soup mix and taco seasoning can add a ton of flavor to your dishes without requiring you to measure out multiple spices. I’ve found that these shortcuts can significantly reduce preparation time without compromising on taste.
Preparing in Advance
One of my favorite time-saving tricks is to cook meals in bulk and freeze them for later use. On weekends when I have a bit more time, I’ll often make a big batch of something like the Mississippi Pot Roast or the 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken. I portion these out and freeze them, giving me quick and easy meal options for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
Cooking a delicious dinner doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task or require a long list of ingredients. These 9 super easy dinners with 5 ingredients or less prove that you can enjoy a satisfying meal even on the busiest of days.
Whether you’re using pantry staples, packaged sauces, or simple fresh ingredients, these recipes are designed to make your cooking life easier and more enjoyable.
Remember, the key to success with these recipes is to keep things simple and not overthink it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these recipes your own. Maybe you’ll discover a new family favorite or your own signature quick dish.
So the next time you find yourself short on time or energy, give one of these quick and easy dinner ideas a try. You might be surprised at how delicious and satisfying a meal made with just a handful of ingredients can be. Happy cooking!
