5-ingredient meals prove that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to hit the spot. With just a few items, you can turn what’s on hand into something satisfying. These recipes save time, reduce stress, and prevent last-minute grocery runs. They work perfectly for busy nights or when the fridge looks bare. Simple, quick, and practical, they make dinner feel effortless.
Beef and Broccoli
This beef and broccoli recipe comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal. Tender beef cooks in a savory sauce while the broccoli stays crisp. Serve it with rice or noodles for a full dinner. It’s a strong pick for 5-ingredient meals without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
These pumpkin dinner rolls are soft and fluffy, made with a simple Greek yogurt dough. They include just a few ingredients to bring in seasonal flavor. They bake quickly and work well alongside any dinner or as a snack. You can freeze extras for an easy option later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Chicken stuffed peppers use only five ingredients and are ready in about 30 minutes. The peppers hold their shape while baking, keeping the filling contained. You can prepare them ahead of time and reheat when needed. This is a solid choice for 5-ingredient meals that feel fresh and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Penne Pasta
Penne pasta combines sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and portobello mushrooms for a flavorful, meat-free dish. It cooks in under 30 minutes, making it great for quick lunches or dinners. This recipe works well for plant-based 5-ingredient meals.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta
Hamburgers
These broiled hamburgers stay juicy and cook quickly indoors, without needing a grill. You can top them simply with cheese or get creative with your favorite condiments. Cleanup is easy since everything is cooked in the oven. It’s a classic 5-ingredient beef recipe that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Hamburgers
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Air fryer chicken fajitas cook chicken, peppers, and onions evenly and quickly. The seasoning adds bold flavor with almost no extra steps. They’re ready in under 20 minutes and go perfectly in tortillas or over rice. This is a practical weeknight meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches
Chicken bacon ranch sandwiches layer tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning for a flavorful meal. With just five ingredients and a slow cooker, it’s mostly hands-off. They reheat well and work for lunch or dinner. This is a 5-ingredient meal that you’ll want to repeat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches
Chili Dog Sliders
Chili dog sliders shrink the classic into bite-sized portions perfect for sharing. They’re fun to customize with your favorite toppings and cook quickly. Kids and adults alike enjoy them at casual gatherings. This recipe is simple but feels special.
Get the Recipe: Chili Dog Sliders
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Stove Top stuffing adds flavor and texture to a moist meatloaf using just five ingredients. You can add a topping like ketchup or barbecue sauce before baking. It comes together fast without compromising on comfort. This is a clever 5-ingredient beef recipe for easy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
Flaky puff pastry wraps around bold sausage and melty cheese for a quick and simple dish. You only need a handful of ingredients and a short prep time. They work for breakfast, lunch, or as finger foods for gatherings. Serve with mustard or eat them straight from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
Bean Soup
This bean soup comes together with just five ingredients and one pot. White beans, bacon, and vegetables simmer in a warm, flavorful broth. The soup is hearty enough to enjoy on its own or pair with bread. Cleanup stays simple since everything cooks together.
Get the Recipe: Bean Soup
Pork Chop Pizzaiola
Tender pork chops cook in a tomato-based sauce with only a few pantry staples. Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, which helps when time is tight. You can serve it with rice or crusty bread to complete the plate. The recipe keeps prep easy while still tasting satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chop Pizzaiola
Copycat Costco Stuffed Peppers
These peppers fill up with ground beef, cooked rice, tomatoes, and a touch of cheese. They taste just like the Costco version but come together at home anytime. The ingredients are simple, and the instructions are easy to follow. It’s a hearty meal that works well on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Costco Stuffed Peppers
Hamburger Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs mix with cooked ground beef for a quick breakfast or lunch. The protein-packed combo cooks in minutes and pairs nicely with ketchup or hot sauce. You can whip it up on busy mornings without skipping flavor. It’s also a smart way to use leftover beef.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Scrambled Eggs
Smoking A Brisket
Smoking a brisket takes patience, but this guide walks you through every step. The beef comes out tender with rich, smoky flavor. You’ll learn how to prep, season, and smoke for the best texture. It’s not fast, but it’s worth the time if you enjoy hands-on cooking.
Get the Recipe: Smoking A Brisket
Slow Cooker French Beef Tips
This slow cooker recipe turns beef into tender, flavorful bites with minimal effort. Everything goes into the pot, then cooks while you handle other things. The result is a comforting, ready-to-eat meal at the end of the day. It’s a solid pick for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Beef Tips
Carnivore Meatballs
These meatballs pack flavor with just a few ingredients. They work for low-carb meals but are great for anyone looking for a simple, hearty option. Serve with roasted veggies or a side salad to round out the plate. With only five main ingredients, it’s a quick and easy beef recipe.
Get the Recipe: Carnivore Meatballs
Meatball Sub Casserole
This casserole keeps all the flavor of a meatball sub without the sandwich hassle. The top turns golden and cheesy while the inside stays saucy and soft. It only takes five ingredients and comes together fast. This one beats most takeout when you want comfort in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sub Casserole
