17 Easy 5-Ingredient Dishes That Won’t Waste Your Time

When you're short on time but still want a home-cooked meal, simplicity is key. These 5-ingredient dishes are perfect for those busy days when you just need something quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. I've gathered some of the best recipes that keep things simple, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.

A fork holding a bite of mini frittata with ham and broccoli, with the dish in the background. — Mini Frittata. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Sheet Pan Pancakes

A plate of square pancakes drizzled with syrup, next to strawberries and a cup of maple syrup on a white tablecloth. — Sheet Pan Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sheet pan pancakes offer a quick way to make breakfast without standing over the stove. With only 5 ingredients, this recipe saves you time in the kitchen while still feeding the whole family. It’s an easy solution for busy mornings or meal prep, cutting down on both effort and clean-up. Perfect for when you need a no-fuss breakfast. You can have a delicious batch ready to go in just one pan.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate. — Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer baby back ribs require just a few ingredients and cook in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. Using only 5 ingredients keeps things simple, but the flavor stays intact. Great for when you’re craving something hearty without the hours of prep. The air fryer does most of the work, making this an easy choice for busy nights. You get tender, juicy ribs with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This broccoli salad with bacon is a simple, quick side that’s perfect for any meal. With only 5 ingredients, it’s easy to throw together when you need something fresh and flavorful without a lot of prep. Ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings. You’ll appreciate how it delivers great taste without eating up your time. It’s a reliable option when you want something fast.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

Sheet pan with cooked eggs, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and bacon. — Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sheet pan eggs with bacon is a simple recipe that delivers a hearty breakfast with minimal ingredients and effort. Just 5 ingredients and you’ve got a meal that’s perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping. It’s an efficient way to make breakfast for the whole family without spending too much time. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and clean up. A smart choice when you need to get out the door quickly.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate. — Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef quesadillas are a fast and filling meal that’s ready in minutes. With only 5 ingredients, this recipe comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll get a satisfying, flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. A great option when you want a hearty lunch or dinner but don’t have much time to spare. It’s simple, quick, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleasing snack that takes just 5 ingredients to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just need a quick appetizer, this recipe keeps things simple without compromising on flavor. It’s perfect for those moments when you don’t want to spend too much time preparing but still need something everyone will love. A no-fuss dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background. — Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These maple-glazed carrots come together quickly with only 5 ingredients, making them an easy side dish option for any meal. The air fryer helps cut down on cooking time, so you can have a sweet and savory dish on the table fast. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a simple side that doesn’t require much effort. A great way to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Easy Pickled Red Onions

A bowl of pickled red onions garnished with black peppercorns, placed on a white surface. — Easy Pickled Red Onions. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy pickled red onions are a simple way to add flavor to any dish with just 5 ingredients. They’re quick to prepare and can be used on everything from salads to tacos. You’ll love how they brighten up meals without taking much time out of your day. A practical, fast solution for adding a burst of flavor. It’s a handy recipe that fits right into your routine.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans. — Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked stuffed pork chops deliver a hearty meal with only 5 ingredients, making them a perfect choice when you need a satisfying dinner without the fuss. They come together easily, saving you time on prep while still providing a filling, flavorful dish. Great for busy evenings when you want something simple yet special. It’s a meal that feels complete without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side. — Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer sweet potatoes are an easy side dish that requires just 5 ingredients and minimal prep. The air fryer speeds things up, so you can have a delicious side ready quickly. Great for when you want something healthy but don’t have a lot of time. Perfect for pairing with a variety of meals, this recipe is a go-to option for busy days. Fast, simple, and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Mini Frittata

These mini frittatas use only 5 ingredients, making them a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack. They cook up quickly, and you can customize them with whatever you have on hand. A perfect option when you need something nutritious but don’t want to spend much time preparing. Ideal for meal prepping or busy mornings. They’re easy, versatile, and save you time.
Get the Recipe: Mini Frittata

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted cabbage steaks are a simple, flavorful side dish that only requires 5 ingredients. With minimal prep and quick cooking time, they’re an easy way to add a healthy option to your meal. Great for when you need a no-fuss vegetable side that still delivers on taste. Perfect for busy days when you want to keep things simple. You’ll love how easy and quick they are.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Ground Pork Burgers

Close-up of grilled pork burger patties stacked on a white plate. — Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork burgers are a fast and easy way to enjoy homemade burgers without a lot of ingredients. With just 5 simple items, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. Perfect for weeknights when you don’t have hours to cook. These burgers are quick to prepare and full of flavor. A great choice for busy days or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

A plate of salmon on a white plate with lemon slices on it. — Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This lemon butter sauce is a quick and easy way to enhance your salmon with just 5 ingredients. It’s ready in minutes, making it a great choice when you want to add flavor without complicating your meal. Perfect for busy nights when you need something fast but still flavorful. A simple sauce that complements your dish without taking much time. Easy and effective.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon-wrapped onion rings are a fun, quick appetizer that only needs 5 ingredients. They’re easy to make and cook up fast, making them a great option for game days or casual snacks. You’ll love how the bacon adds extra flavor while keeping prep minimal. A tasty, no-hassle snack for any gathering. Perfect when you need something quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped cabbage in the air fryer is a fast, simple side dish that requires just 5 ingredients. The air fryer does most of the work, so you can enjoy a flavorful dish with minimal prep. Perfect for busy nights when you want something easy but still packed with flavor. A great way to keep things simple while still enjoying a hearty side. Quick and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Slow Cooker Rice

A spoonful of slow-cooked white rice held above a bowl, with a fresh green parsley leaf in the background. — Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker rice is the easiest way to prepare a batch of rice with just 5 ingredients. You can set it and forget it, making it a perfect option for busy days when you don’t want to babysit the stove. The slow cooker handles everything, so you can focus on other tasks. A no-fuss solution for perfectly cooked rice every time. Ideal for meal prep or as a simple side.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice