26 Easy Dishes with 5 Ingredients or Less—Promise

Dinner doesn’t have to come with a side of math. Dishes with 5 ingredients or less are built for the days when you’ve got more errands than energy. They skip the overcomplicated shopping list and still show up with flavor that feels like you tried harder than you did. These are the meals that leave your brain on low power mode and your sink mostly empty. Simplicity wins, and these picks don’t ask for much.

Plate with ground beef, green beans, and cauliflower rice. Fork on the plate, garlic cloves nearby, and a bowl of green beans in the background. — Green Beans and Ground Beef. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Braised Brussels Sprouts

Plate of roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon slices, served with a creamy sauce. A fork holds one sprout above the dish. — Braised Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish uses only a handful of ingredients to bring out the natural flavor of Brussels sprouts without much work. It comes together quickly on the stovetop and works well for weeknight dinners. It's a dependable choice when you're looking for something simple that doesn't take a lot of prep. Great for keeping meals easy and ingredient lists short.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

With just a few items needed, this recipe delivers a bold flavor without complicating your shopping list. It's cooked in either the oven or air fryer for convenience and minimal cleanup. The texture makes it a solid option for quick meals or as a side. A practical way to make something that feels special but is easy to put together.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

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.

These sweet potatoes cook fast and require very little to get started, making them great for quick meals or sides. The air fryer cuts down on time and keeps the process straightforward. It’s a helpful go-to when you want something easy and warm on the plate. This recipe keeps things simple while still being filling and flexible.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

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.

A small batch of ingredients turns into something that can be used across multiple meals with little effort. These onions add a sharp contrast to dishes without needing any complex prep. They store well and are quick to make, which helps when time is short. Perfect when you're looking for something easy that adds flavor fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

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.

This recipe uses minimal ingredients to turn cabbage into something hearty and warm. The roasting process is simple, and the cleanup is easy. It’s a good way to work a vegetable into your meal without needing to overthink it. Great for keeping meals straightforward and practical.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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 carrots need just a few things to come together and cook quickly in the air fryer. The glaze gives them a nice finish without adding extra steps. It's a solid option when you want to round out a meal fast. This one fits right in when you’re working with limited ingredients and want something warm on the table.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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.

This is a quick stovetop recipe that keeps the ingredients simple and the prep short. It's a good fit for nights when you don’t want to cook anything complicated. You’ll only need a few things to make it feel like a full meal. It’s ideal for quick dinners with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Baked Meatballs in Oven

A plate of zucchini noodles topped with tomato sauce, meatballs, and grated cheese, garnished with parsley. A fork rests on the plate. — Baked Meatballs in Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These meatballs are easy to form and toss in the oven with only a few basic ingredients. Baking keeps the cooking hands-off and makes cleanup easier. It’s a solid choice when you want to make enough for a group without spending all day. This recipe works well when you’re keeping things simple in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Meatballs in Oven

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 sauce only takes a few ingredients and a few minutes, which helps when time is limited. It pairs well with more than just salmon, making it a useful addition to a simple dinner. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand. A helpful way to bring extra flavor to a dish without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Bacon Green Beans

Close-up of a plate with sautéed green beans and bacon pieces, with a fork spearing a few beans. — Bacon Green Beans. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

You don’t need much to bring this one together, and it’s ready quickly on the stovetop or in the oven. The bacon adds depth without the need for extra seasoning. It’s a great side for busy nights or when you’re working with a short grocery list. This is one of those easy dishes that still brings something warm to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Tongs holding roasted asparagus with grated cheese on a white platter, surrounded by lemon slices. — Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This asparagus recipe keeps things simple while still bringing in a little texture with the cheese. It’s quick to bake and doesn't leave a mess behind. With only a few ingredients, it’s a solid side for most meals. A reliable pick when you’re keeping meals quick and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Mexican Cheese Dip

A wooden bowl of cheese dip topped with diced tomatoes and onions, surrounded by tortilla chips on a wooden platter. — Mexican Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Just a few pantry staples go into this dip, and it comes together fast on the stovetop or microwave. It’s good for snacks or as part of a larger meal with minimal cleanup. The texture works well with chips or veggies. Great when you're looking for something warm and simple.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cheese Dip

Marinated Lamb Chops

Plate of grilled lamb chops with asparagus, onions, parsley garnish, and a lemon wedge. A fork holds a piece of lamb. — Marinated Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These lamb chops are packed with flavor without requiring a long list of ingredients. Marinating ahead of time helps with planning and cuts down on last-minute prep. They cook quickly, making them practical for dinner when you're short on time. It's a strong option when you're keeping things minimal.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Lamb Chops

Mini Frittata

This recipe uses simple ingredients and bakes quickly in the oven, which makes it good for breakfast or light lunches. It can be made ahead and stored for a few days without losing texture. With only a few steps, it’s a reliable choice when you need to keep things low-effort. Easy to make in batches when needed.
Get the Recipe: Mini Frittata

Green Beans and Ground Beef

This stovetop meal uses only a few pantry and freezer items, making it practical for busy evenings. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and doesn’t leave much to clean up. The combination is filling without being complicated. Great when you need a quick meal using what's already in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Ground Beef

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.

Rice made in the slow cooker takes hardly any prep and frees up the stove for other things. With minimal ingredients, it’s useful for meal prepping or batch cooking. You can walk away while it cooks, which is helpful on busy days. It fits well when you're trying to keep cooking simple and hands-off.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

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.

This recipe is perfect for making breakfast in bulk without needing to stand by the stove. Just a few basic ingredients turn into a full tray of pancakes that cut easily into squares. It’s quick to throw together and even easier to clean up afterward. A solid pick when you want something warm and low effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

Spinach Bacon Salad

A fork holds a bite of spinach salad with chopped eggs, bacon, and cheese over a wooden bowl filled with the same salad. Two blurred bowls are in the background. — Spinach Bacon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This salad is quick to throw together using ingredients that don’t require much prep. The bacon adds a bit of crunch and flavor without needing any extra work. It’s useful when you want something fresh that still feels like a full plate. A go-to for lunches when you're short on time and groceries.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Bacon Salad

Ground Pork Burgers

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

With just a few items, these burgers come together fast and cook quickly on the stovetop or grill. They’re practical for weeknight dinners or weekend meals when you want something filling. The ingredients are easy to find and don’t require special equipment. A no-fuss option when you're trying to keep meals quick.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This cold salad keeps the ingredients list short but still offers a mix of textures. It can be made ahead and stored for easy lunches or dinners. There’s little cooking involved, which saves time. A helpful option when you want a side dish that doesn’t require much effort.
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.

This is a quick way to prep several servings of breakfast all at once. Using just a few ingredients, the sheet pan makes cleanup easy and keeps things efficient. It works well for busy mornings or making ahead for the week. A good solution when you're short on time but want a warm breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dip uses just a few ingredients and can be made quickly in the oven or slow cooker. It’s practical for gatherings or as a snack with little prep involved. You can make a batch and serve it warm with chips or bread. A reliable option when you want something that doesn’t need a long list.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

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 ribs take advantage of the air fryer for quicker cooking and a simple cleanup. The recipe sticks to a short ingredient list and doesn’t require much prep. It's a great way to make something hearty without turning on the oven. A solid choice when you want something easy but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Sliced ham with orange slices and grapes, garnished with parsley on a platter. — Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The glaze comes together fast and the ham cooks evenly in the air fryer without much mess. It’s a good pick for smaller meals or holiday leftovers when you don’t want a long process. You only need a few ingredients to get strong results. This recipe helps keep things easy but still brings something warm to the table.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

This recipe uses very few ingredients and cooks quickly in the air fryer, making it great for weeknight meals. The bacon adds flavor without the need for much seasoning. It’s simple to prepare and doesn’t take long from start to finish. Great when you want a warm dish with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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.

These pork chops keep the steps simple while offering a filling meal with just a few items. Baking makes cleanup easier and allows for hands-off cooking. They’re useful for dinners when you want something hearty but don’t want a complicated recipe. A smart option when you're working with fewer ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops