26 five-ingredient dishes that feel anything but basic

I love finding meals that come together quickly without skimping on flavor, and these five-ingredient dishes do just that. They're perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something simple that still feels thoughtful. I'm excited to share ideas that make cooking easy, approachable, and satisfying without overwhelming your kitchen or your schedule.

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

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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 cook quickly in the air fryer, giving a crisp exterior and tender interior without a long prep. Using just a few ingredients keeps the flavors bold and clean. It's a great option for a weekend dinner or casual gathering. The hands-on time is minimal, so you can focus on sides or relaxing while they cook.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Mini Frittata

Mini frittatas come together in minutes and can serve as breakfast or a light dinner. The simple ingredient list ensures each flavor is clear and fresh. They are easy to portion and perfect for using whatever you have on hand. Clean-up is quick, making them ideal for busy mornings or busy families.
Get the Recipe: Mini Frittata

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Wrapping cabbage in bacon adds flavor without requiring a long ingredient list. This recipe is quick in the air fryer and makes a hearty side dish. The combination of crisp bacon and tender cabbage feels more complex than the five ingredients suggest. It works well alongside meats or as a stand-alone snack.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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 brings together crisp spinach and savory bacon in a few simple steps. It's ready in minutes, which makes it a good weeknight lunch or side. Each bite has texture and flavor that feels thoughtful without extra effort. The dressing uses minimal components but ties everything together neatly.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Bacon Salad

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.

Roasting asparagus with a touch of Parmesan turns a few ingredients into an impressive side. It cooks quickly and pairs well with many main dishes. The simplicity allows the natural flavors to shine. Minimal prep makes it a practical option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

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.

Green beans tossed with bacon cook fast and require few ingredients. The result is a side that feels rich and flavorful with minimal effort. It's ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads. Cleanup is simple, and the dish holds well if made ahead.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

These onion rings are crisp, flavorful, and require only a handful of ingredients. They make a great appetizer or side with minimal prep. Each bite has texture and depth that feels more involved than it is. The air fryer or oven keeps things easy and quick.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

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.

These quesadillas are fast to make and need only a few ingredients for a complete meal. The combination of beef and cheese creates rich flavor without extra work. They're perfect for lunch, dinner, or a casual snack. Cooking time is short, making them practical for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

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.

Sweet potatoes cook quickly in the air fryer and require very little to taste full. They can be a side or a main dish, depending on the portion. The simple seasoning highlights the natural sweetness. Cleanup is minimal, which makes them convenient for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

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 cooked in the slow cooker frees up stove space and keeps things simple. Minimal ingredients make it adaptable for many meals. The slow cooker locks in flavor with little attention required. It's practical for busy days or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

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.

Cooking eggs and bacon together on one sheet pan saves time and dishes. The few ingredients work together for a balanced breakfast. It's ideal for family mornings or brunch gatherings. Cleanup is fast, and the portioning is easy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

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.

Baking pancakes on a sheet pan allows you to serve several at once. The recipe uses only a few ingredients but produces a fluffy, uniform result. Perfect for weekend breakfasts or brunch. The hands-on time is minimal, giving you a stress-free start to the day.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

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.

Pickled red onions add a tangy punch with just a few pantry staples. They're ready to use in hours and keep well in the fridge. This simple prep transforms dishes with minimal effort. The bright flavor works on salads, tacos, or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

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.

Braising Brussels sprouts with a few ingredients brings out natural sweetness. The method is hands-off and keeps them tender without overcomplicating. It's a good side for any weeknight or holiday meal. Prep time is short, and flavor comes through easily.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

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 come together with a short list of ingredients and bake quickly. They're versatile for pastas, sandwiches, or standalone bites. The flavors are clean and well-balanced without extra seasoning. Cooking in the oven makes it simple to prepare a full batch at once.
Get the Recipe: Baked Meatballs in Oven

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.

A quick marinade brings rich flavor to lamb chops using just a few items. Cooking time is short, which keeps the meat tender and juicy. It works well for a special dinner or casual meal. The approach highlights natural flavors without overcomplication.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Lamb Chops

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.

Roasting cabbage transforms it into a tender, flavorful side using few ingredients. It's quick in the oven and easy to serve alongside proteins. The caramelization brings depth that feels beyond the simplicity of the ingredients. Minimal hands-on time makes it practical for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dip comes together with just a few ingredients and is ready quickly. The flavors are bold without needing extra components. It's ideal for game days or casual gatherings. Simple prep keeps it stress-free while still impressive.
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.

Air frying carrots with maple syrup brings a sweet-savory balance using minimal ingredients. They cook quickly and develop caramelized edges naturally. The dish works as a side or part of a holiday spread. Cleanup is easy, making it practical for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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.

Stuffing pork chops is simple with a few core ingredients. Baking keeps them juicy and flavorful. They make a complete meal without extra sides or sauces. Prep and cook time are manageable for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

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.

This cheese dip comes together quickly and requires only a few ingredients. It's perfect for parties or casual snacks. The flavors are rich and layered despite the simplicity. Preparation is easy, and cleanup is minimal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cheese Dip

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.

A quick lemon butter sauce enhances salmon without needing many ingredients. It adds brightness and richness in minutes. The simplicity highlights the fish's natural flavor. The recipe is practical for busy weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli and bacon come together with a handful of ingredients for a crunchy, flavorful salad. It's ready in minutes and works well for lunches or side dishes. The combination feels thoughtful without extra steps. Minimal prep keeps it approachable for any cook.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Ground Pork Burgers

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

These burgers are easy to form and cook with only a few ingredients. They're juicy and flavorful without complicated seasoning. Perfect for quick dinners or cookouts. Prep and cook times are short, making them practical for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

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.

Glazing ham with orange adds flavor using minimal ingredients. Air frying keeps the meat moist and quick to serve. It's a simple way to bring a festive touch to any meal. Cleanup and prep are easy, making it practical for busy cooks.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Green Beans and Ground Beef

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.

This dish combines green beans and ground beef in a quick, straightforward meal. Only a few ingredients create a balanced, hearty result. It's perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal prep. Cooking time is short, leaving more time for other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Ground Beef

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