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    Home / Collections

    17 Recipes That Cut Back Ingredients, Not Flavor

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Oct 9, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    If you're always looking for ways to make delicious meals without a long list of ingredients, I've got some ideas for you. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but simple. Each recipe cuts back on ingredients but never on flavor, making your cooking easier and more enjoyable.

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

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    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.

    These pickled red onions are a quick and simple way to add a burst of flavor to any dish. Made with just a handful of ingredients, they offer a sharp and tangy addition that pairs well with various meals. Perfect for tacos, salads, or sandwiches, this recipe is a practical choice for those looking to cut back on ingredients while enhancing taste. Easy to prepare and ready in no time, these onions are a versatile staple in any kitchen. Their vibrant color also adds an appealing visual element to your dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

    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 sheet pan eggs with bacon recipe is an excellent way to make a hearty breakfast with minimal fuss. Combining eggs and bacon in a single pan, it simplifies your morning routine without compromising on flavor. Ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish cuts back on extra ingredients while delivering a satisfying meal. The convenience of cooking everything together saves time and cleanup. Perfect for busy mornings, this recipe ensures you start your day right.
    Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    A hand holding a tortilla chip dipped in creamy Buffalo chicken dip, garnished with slices of green onion.
    Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors in one dish. Made with a few simple ingredients, this dip is perfect for parties, game days, or as a savory snack. Its rich and bold taste doesn't require a long list of components, making it an easy yet flavorful option. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a quick fix for those last-minute gatherings. Serve with chips, veggies, or crackers for a delightful experience.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

    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 offer a tasty alternative to traditional beef burgers with a unique twist. Using ground pork as the base, these burgers are juicy and full of flavor with minimal seasoning needed. This recipe keeps the ingredient list short while ensuring a satisfying and hearty meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues, these burgers are easy to prepare and cook quickly. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings and sides.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Bacon wrapped onion rings bring together two beloved ingredients in a fun and flavorful snack. With only a few components needed, this recipe is a great choice for those looking to impress with minimal effort. The smoky bacon and sweet onion create a delightful combination that is hard to resist. Easy to make and perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these onion rings are sure to be a hit. They cook up quickly, making them a convenient option for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage offers a unique and flavorful way to enjoy cabbage. This simple recipe uses just a few ingredients, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to keep things easy in the kitchen. The air fryer ensures the cabbage is tender and the bacon crispy without needing much attention. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this dish is both practical and delicious. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to please.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    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 quick and satisfying meal that can be made with just a few ingredients. Using ground beef and cheese as the main components, these quesadillas are both filling and flavorful. Ideal for a fast weeknight dinner or a casual lunch, this recipe keeps things simple while delivering great taste. The preparation and cooking time are minimal, making it a convenient option for busy days. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added enjoyment.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

    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 a hassle-free way to prepare perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort. Using the slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, freeing up time for other tasks. This recipe is a practical choice for those looking to streamline their cooking process without sacrificing quality. Whether you're making a large batch for meal prep or a side dish for dinner, this method ensures consistent results. Simple and effective, it's a must-have in any kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

    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 and healthy side dish that requires only a few ingredients. The air fryer cooks them to perfection, giving them a crispy exterior and tender interior without the need for excess oil. This recipe is perfect for those looking to simplify their cooking while still enjoying great flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, these sweet potatoes are a convenient option for busy weeknights. They pair well with a variety of main dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

    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.

    Maple glazed carrots in the air fryer offer a sweet and savory side dish that is both easy to prepare and delicious. With minimal ingredients required, this recipe is a great way to enjoy carrots with enhanced flavor. The air fryer ensures they are cooked evenly and quickly, making it a practical choice for busy dinners. The combination of maple syrup and carrots provides a delightful taste experience. Perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners, these carrots are sure to be a hit.
    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.

    Baked stuffed pork chops are a hearty and flavorful main dish that can be made with a simple stuffing. This recipe keeps the ingredient list short while delivering a rich and satisfying meal. The stuffing adds a burst of flavor to the pork chops, making them a standout dish for any dinner. Easy to prepare and bake, these pork chops are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    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.

    Lemon butter sauce for salmon is a quick and easy way to add a burst of flavor to your fish. Made with just a few ingredients, this sauce complements the natural taste of salmon without overwhelming it. Ideal for a fast and elegant dinner, this recipe keeps things simple while enhancing the overall dish. The combination of lemon and butter creates a rich and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon. Ready in minutes, it's a convenient option for any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

    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 are a convenient way to make breakfast for a crowd with minimal effort. This recipe uses a simple batter and bakes it in a sheet pan, saving time and hassle compared to traditional pancakes. Perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, these pancakes cut back on ingredients while delivering a satisfying meal. The ease of preparation and cleanup makes them a practical choice for any occasion. Serve with your favorite toppings for a complete breakfast experience.
    Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

    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 yet flavorful side dish that requires only a few ingredients. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage while keeping it tender. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add a healthy and easy-to-make dish to their meal rotation. With minimal preparation and cooking time, these cabbage steaks are a convenient option for any dinner. They pair well with a variety of main courses.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    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.

    Air fryer baby back ribs offer a quick and easy way to enjoy tender and flavorful ribs without the need for a grill. This recipe uses a few simple ingredients to create a delicious main dish that cooks up in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meals, these ribs cut back on preparation while delivering great taste. The air fryer ensures they are cooked evenly and to perfection. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

    Mini Frittata

    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.

    Mini frittatas are a versatile and easy breakfast or brunch option that can be made with a variety of ingredients. This recipe uses a few basic components to create individual-sized frittatas that are perfect for meal prep or a quick meal. The simplicity of the ingredients and preparation makes this dish a practical choice for any occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes, these frittatas are both convenient and flavorful. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Frittata

    Broccoli Salad with Bacon

    Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.
    Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Broccoli salad with bacon is a refreshing and hearty side dish that combines the crunch of fresh broccoli with the savory flavor of bacon. This recipe keeps the ingredient list short while delivering a balanced and enjoyable dish. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side for dinner, this salad is easy to prepare and sure to be a hit. The addition of a simple dressing ties everything together. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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