These 5-Ingredient Recipes Are Too Easy to Pass Up

I know how busy life can get, and sometimes the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m excited to share a collection of 5-ingredient recipes that make cooking quick and enjoyable without sacrificing flavor. These simple meals are perfect for anyone looking to whip up something delicious with minimal effort, leaving you with more time to focus on what really matters.

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.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potatoes 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 air fryer sweet potatoes are an easy side dish made with only a handful of ingredients. The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. This recipe is perfect for when you need a fast and effortless side to complete your meal. With just five ingredients, you’ll love how quickly this dish comes together. A simple, versatile option that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

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 lemon butter sauce is a quick and flavorful way to enhance salmon. Made with only a few ingredients, it adds a bright and rich touch to your meal. It’s perfect for when you want to create a delicious dish without spending too much time or effort. You can whip up this sauce in just minutes, making it an easy choice for busy days. An effortless yet flavorful addition to any salmon dish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleaser that requires just a few simple ingredients. It’s a quick snack or appetizer that’s perfect for game days or casual gatherings. With minimal prep, you can throw it together in no time. The bold flavors make it a hit, while the ease of preparation ensures you won’t be spending all day in the kitchen. A go-to dish when you need something quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This broccoli salad with bacon is a simple, crunchy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, it comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy days. The combination of fresh broccoli and crispy bacon adds texture and flavor without much work. It’s a great option when you need a quick, fresh dish to accompany your meal. A simple salad that’s both easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

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 air fryer baby back ribs are a fast and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs. With only five ingredients, you can have them ready in a fraction of the time it takes to grill or bake. The air fryer ensures the ribs are cooked to perfection with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend meal. A hassle-free way to enjoy ribs anytime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage is a simple dish that combines crispy bacon with tender cabbage. With just five ingredients, it’s a quick and easy side dish that’s full of flavor. The air fryer does most of the work, giving you a tasty dish in no time. This recipe is ideal for when you want something different but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. A flavorful side that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Mini Frittata

Mini frittatas are a quick and easy breakfast option that only require a few ingredients. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you need something you can prepare ahead of time. The individual servings make them convenient for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks. With just five ingredients, they’re a simple, nutritious option. A fast and versatile breakfast that fits into any busy routine.
Get the Recipe: Mini Frittata

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks are a simple and flavorful side dish that only takes a few ingredients. They’re quick to prepare and require minimal effort, making them perfect for busy nights. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage, giving it a delicious flavor without much work. This recipe is great for when you need a fast and easy side to complete your meal. A healthy and convenient option.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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 dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. With only five ingredients, this meal comes together quickly while still delivering on flavor. The stuffing adds a delicious touch without adding complexity to the recipe. It’s perfect for weeknights when you need a filling meal but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. A satisfying dinner option that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

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 an easy and convenient way to make breakfast for a crowd. With just a few ingredients, you can have a batch of fluffy pancakes ready without standing over the stove. It’s a time-saving recipe perfect for busy mornings or family breakfasts. This simple recipe allows you to enjoy pancakes with minimal effort. A quick breakfast option that makes mornings easier.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

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 breakfast that requires just five ingredients. The sheet pan method makes it easy to prepare breakfast for multiple people with minimal effort. It’s a great option for busy mornings when you need to feed the whole family. The eggs and bacon cook together, saving you time and cleanup. A no-fuss breakfast that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs 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.

Ground pork burgers are a quick and easy meal that only takes five ingredients to make. Perfect for weeknights when you want something simple and hearty. These burgers come together fast, making them a go-to when time is short. The minimal ingredients keep the recipe straightforward without sacrificing flavor. An easy dinner option that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

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 an easy, hands-off way to prepare a large batch of rice. With just a few ingredients, you can set it up and let the slow cooker do the work. It’s perfect for when you need a simple side dish without having to watch the stove. This recipe is ideal for busy days when you need to multitask. A convenient and fuss-free way to cook rice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

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 easy pickled red onions require only five ingredients and take minutes to prepare. They’re a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or tacos, adding a tangy flavor that complements many dishes. The simple recipe makes them an ideal option for quick meal prep. You can make a batch in no time and enjoy them throughout the week. A simple and flavorful topping you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon-wrapped onion rings are a quick and easy appetizer that combines two favorite ingredients. With only five ingredients, this recipe is simple to make and perfect for game days or casual gatherings. The bacon adds a smoky flavor to the crispy onion rings, making them a crowd-pleaser. It’s a fast snack that’s both easy and fun to make. A no-fuss recipe that’s sure to be a hit.
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 fast and easy dinner option that require just a few ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, these quesadillas come together quickly with minimal effort. The beef adds heartiness to the dish, while the simple ingredients make it a go-to meal. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare with only five ingredients. A quick and flavorful dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

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 are a sweet and savory side dish that’s ready in minutes. With just a handful of ingredients, they’re an easy addition to any meal. The air fryer helps caramelize the carrots, giving them a delicious flavor without much work. This recipe is perfect for when you need a quick and simple side. A fast and flavorful option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer