17 Recipes That Don't Need More Than 5 Ingredients

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying, and that’s exactly what these recipes prove. With no more than five ingredients, they’re perfect for busy days, tight budgets, or simply when you want to keep things simple without sacrificing flavor. I love how these dishes let you make something impressive with minimal effort—because sometimes, less really is more.

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.

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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.

This recipe simplifies rice cooking with just a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for busy days. The slow cooker does the work, so you don’t have to. It’s a practical side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. With minimal effort, it delivers reliable results every time. Ideal for when you need a quick, no-fuss option.
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.

These pancakes take the hassle out of flipping and keep things straightforward with only a few ingredients. Perfect for feeding a small group or simplifying a weekend breakfast. The sheet pan method ensures even cooking and easy cleanup. Great for mornings when time is short but you still want something warm and comforting. A smart choice for anyone looking for a convenient breakfast solution.
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.

Tender and flavorful, these ribs require only a few ingredients and come together quickly in the air fryer. Perfect for satisfying a craving without firing up the grill. They’re a great option for a no-fuss dinner or game-day snack. The air fryer ensures they cook evenly and develop a nice texture. A must-try for rib lovers who appreciate simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

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 deliver big flavor with just a few ingredients, making them a quick and easy option for dinner. Perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty without the hassle. They’re versatile enough to pair with various toppings or sides. With minimal prep, they’re ready in no time and sure to please. A solid choice for anyone craving a simple, homemade burger.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

With only a handful of ingredients, these cabbage steaks are a quick and easy side dish or light meal. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates a slightly crisp texture. Perfect for adding variety to your vegetable routine without much effort. They’re simple yet satisfying enough to enjoy on their own. A go-to recipe for busy nights or healthy meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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 recipe keeps breakfast straightforward by baking everything on one sheet pan. It’s a practical way to prepare eggs and bacon for a group or for meal prep. The minimal ingredients mean less time spent in the kitchen. A great choice for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Cleanup is quick, and the results are always consistent.
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.

These quesadillas come together quickly with just a few pantry staples, making them a go-to meal for any night of the week. Perfect for when you need something warm and filling in a hurry. The combination of beef and melted cheese is hard to resist. Great for a quick lunch or easy dinner with minimal effort. A reliable recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

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 simple sauce adds a bright and buttery flavor to salmon with just a few ingredients. It’s an easy way to enhance your seafood without complicating the preparation. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special meal at home. The balance of tangy and rich flavors makes it versatile enough for other dishes too. A practical recipe that takes your salmon to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

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 deliver a satisfying meal with minimal ingredients and prep time. The stuffing adds both flavor and texture, making them a standout option for dinner. Ideal for busy evenings or when you want something comforting without too much effort. The oven does most of the work, so you can focus on other tasks. A great choice for keeping things simple yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

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.

This recipe makes it easy to create a tangy and versatile topping with just a few ingredients. Perfect for adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches, salads, or tacos. The preparation is quick, and they keep well for multiple meals. A practical way to enhance dishes without much effort. An easy addition to your meal prep routine that adds a fresh twist.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This creamy dip requires just a handful of ingredients and is perfect for game days or gatherings. It’s quick to prepare and a hit with any crowd. Serve it with chips, veggies, or bread for an easy snack or appetizer. The bold flavors make it stand out while keeping the preparation simple. A must-have recipe for casual entertaining.
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 carrots come together quickly in the air fryer with a simple maple glaze. Perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your meal without overcomplicating things. The air fryer ensures they cook evenly and develop a tender texture. A versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. A practical option for busy weeknights or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Mini Frittata

These bite-sized frittatas are a simple way to make breakfast or brunch more fun and manageable. With just a few ingredients, they’re perfect for meal prep or serving a small group. The individual portions make them easy to customize for different tastes. They cook quickly and are great for busy mornings or on-the-go meals. A clever recipe that keeps things efficient without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mini Frittata

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

This recipe turns a few simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. The bacon adds a savory twist, making them hard to resist. They’re quick to prepare and cook evenly in the air fryer. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings. A creative option when you want something different but not too complicated.
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.

Sweet potatoes cook to perfection in the air fryer with just a few ingredients. They’re a versatile side dish that works for almost any meal. The minimal prep and hands-off cooking make them a practical choice for busy days. Great for adding a nutritious and flavorful option to your table. A reliable recipe that keeps things simple and effective.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This salad combines crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, and a few other ingredients for a quick side dish. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches. The minimal prep time means you can throw it together in no time. A great way to add variety to your meals without too much effort. A straightforward recipe that’s both fresh and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

This unique recipe turns cabbage into a savory side or snack with just a few ingredients. The air fryer ensures even cooking and a slightly crispy texture. Perfect for adding something unexpected to your meal rotation. Quick to prepare and cook, it’s great for weeknights or casual entertaining. A simple yet creative way to enjoy cabbage.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage