Recipes With 5-Ingredients (or Less) That Are Impossible to Mess Up

When life gets busy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the kitchen, but recipes with five ingredients or fewer can make cooking easy. I love how these simple dishes not only save time but also allow me to create delicious meals without the stress of complicated prep. Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings, these recipes are designed for anyone who wants to enjoy flavorful food with minimal effort.

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

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Ground Pork Burgers

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

These pork burgers are a fantastic option for anyone looking to whip up a quick and easy meal. With just a few ingredients, they come together in no time and offer a juicy flavor that pairs perfectly with your favorite toppings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these burgers are sure to impress without the fuss. Just grill or pan-fry them for a simple yet satisfying dish. They bring a fresh twist to your typical burger night.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Mini Frittata

Mini frittatas are a wonderful choice for a quick breakfast or brunch that requires minimal effort. Using just a handful of ingredients, these egg bites can be customized with your favorite veggies or meats, making them versatile and fun. Bake them in a muffin tin for easy portioning and serving. They cook up in about 20 minutes, providing a nutritious start to your day. These little delights are a great way to use up leftover ingredients, too.
Get the Recipe: Mini Frittata

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This broccoli salad with bacon is a tasty side that elevates any meal while being incredibly easy to prepare. Featuring just five ingredients, it combines the crunch of fresh broccoli with crispy bacon and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. It can be made in advance, making it a perfect dish for potlucks or barbecues. The contrasting textures and flavors are sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy it as a refreshing side with any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped cabbage is an unexpected and delicious side that’s simple to make and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that combines crispy bacon with tender cabbage for a fantastic combination. Cooking it in the air fryer makes it even easier, resulting in a dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for complementing any meal, bringing a smoky richness that pairs well with a variety of proteins. This dish is sure to impress your family and guests alike.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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 game-changer for breakfast, allowing you to whip up a big batch with minimal effort. Using just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious breakfast ready for the whole family in no time. Bake them in the oven, and you’ll have fluffy pancakes that are easy to slice and serve. This method is perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, as it takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings for a fun and convenient meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a fantastic party appetizer that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together quickly and can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile choice. This creamy dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, veggies, or crackers, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s ideal for game days or casual get-togethers, and it takes just 30 minutes to prepare and bake. Your guests will love this spicy twist on a classic.
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.

Maple glazed carrots in the air fryer offer a sweet and savory side that’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that highlights the natural sweetness of the carrots. The air fryer cooks them to tender perfection in about 15 minutes, giving you a quick and flavorful side. This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, adding a touch of elegance to your meal. It’s a great way to get your veggies in without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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 creative and straightforward side dish that highlights the vegetable’s unique flavor. With just a few ingredients, these steaks are seasoned and roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and tenderness. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal, cooking up in about 25 minutes. Serve them alongside your favorite protein for a satisfying dinner. This dish is an excellent way to enjoy cabbage in a new way.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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 quick and tasty way to add a punch of flavor to any dish. With just five ingredients, you can create a tangy condiment that complements everything from tacos to salads. The pickling process takes only about an hour, making it a simple addition to your meal prep routine. These vibrant onions not only taste great but also add a lovely color to your plates. Enjoy them as a refreshing topping that brightens up any dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

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 effortless and healthy side that packs a lot of flavor. Using only a few ingredients, these sweet potatoes cook up crispy on the outside and soft on the inside in about 25 minutes. They make a great accompaniment to any protein or can be enjoyed as a snack on their own. The air fryer method keeps things simple and mess-free, so you can focus on enjoying your meal. This dish is a fantastic way to add some sweetness to your table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon-wrapped onion rings are a fun and tasty appetizer that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. These crispy bites combine the sweetness of onions with the salty goodness of bacon for a crowd-pleasing treat. Cooking them in the oven or air fryer creates a crunchy exterior while keeping the onion tender. They’re perfect for game day or as a snack while watching a movie. Enjoy these bites for a savory addition to any gathering.
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.

Beef quesadillas are a fantastic option for a quick and hearty meal with minimal effort. Made with just a few ingredients, these cheesy tortillas come together in about 20 minutes and can be filled with your favorite toppings. They’re great for lunch or dinner, providing a satisfying way to use up leftover beef. Pair them with salsa or guacamole for an extra kick. This dish is a surefire hit for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

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 are a simple yet satisfying breakfast option that feeds a crowd. Using only a handful of ingredients, you can have fluffy eggs and crispy bacon ready in about 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches, as it allows you to serve everyone with ease. Slice it up and enjoy it with your favorite breakfast sides. It’s an effortless way to start your day right.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

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 convenient side dish that takes the hassle out of cooking grains. With just a few ingredients, you can set it and forget it, allowing your slow cooker to do all the work. This method yields perfectly cooked rice every time, making it an ideal base for your favorite stir-fries or curries. It’s an effortless way to add a wholesome component to your meals. Enjoy the convenience of hands-off cooking while still getting a hearty side.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

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 are a delicious and straightforward way to enjoy tender ribs without all the fuss. With just a few ingredients, they cook quickly and develop a beautiful caramelization. Ready in about an hour, these ribs are perfect for a casual family dinner or a weekend gathering. The air fryer locks in flavor while keeping things simple and mess-free. Enjoy them with your favorite barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

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 fantastic dish that combines simplicity with flavor. Using just a handful of ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. These chops bake up beautifully in about 30 minutes, making them a quick option for family dinners. Serve them with your favorite sides for a well-rounded meal. This dish is sure to impress without requiring a lot of effort.
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 bright and flavorful addition that enhances any seafood dish. With just a few ingredients, this sauce comes together quickly and complements the rich flavor of salmon beautifully. It takes only minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Drizzle it over your cooked fish for a burst of freshness that will elevate your meal. This simple sauce is an excellent way to bring brightness to your table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon