3-Ingredient Recipes That Don’t Require a Trip to the Store
Updated: Apr. 15, 2020These simple 3-ingredient recipes that come together in a snap! (Note: We did not include basics into the ingredient count like salt, pepper, and oil).
Cooking at home
If you like cooking but hate complicated recipes and long trips to the grocery store, you’re in luck. These 3-ingredient recipes give you the opportunity to create delicious yet straightforward meals. No need to go to the store either, as you probably already have these ingredients at home! Make sure to check out 9 quick kitchen cleaning tips when you move onto the dishes!
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
“When my mother (who’s now a great-grandmother) gave me this no-flour, gluten-free peanut butter cookie recipe about 15 years ago, I was skeptical, because it calls for only three ingredients (and no flour?!). But since then I’ve never had a failure. For these gluten-free peanut butter cookies—3 ingredients are all you need!” —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Make sure to check out 9 quick kitchen cleaning tips when you move onto the dishes!
Quick Biscuits
“These biscuits make a satisfying accompaniment to any meal. I never made biscuits until I tried this two-ingredient recipe, now my husband wants them all the time! ” —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Special Pork Chops
“I work 9 hours a day, so I need delicious and simple recipes like this one. My husband thinks I work hard fixing meals, but these chops are good and easy. In summer, I can my own salsa and use some to top these chops.” —LaDane Wilson, Alexander City, Alabama. If Ree Drummond had to choose a last meal, this would be it.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
In the kitchen, it’s important to start with something simple, like how to cook hard-boiled eggs. Use this egg recipe in plenty of dishes, or eat them plain for a quick protein fix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Glazed Baby Carrots
“For a zippy side dish, try this recipe. These brown sugar-glazed carrots come together in no time at all.” —Anita Foster, Fairmount, Georgia. Yes, you can freeze milk. Here’s how.
Baked Vidalia Onions
“Vidalia onion recipes are some of my favorites to whip up. Served alongside any of a variety of fish and meats, these tender onions are a nice change of pace. Folks find it a fun and flavorful side dish.” —Norma Durham, Rogersville, Tennessee
No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
I have to be super careful when cooking for my daughter because of food sensitivities, so I make these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars with certified gluten-free oats. Everyone loves these bars when we go to picnics or potlucks, and I know there will be a dessert for my daughter! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
I’m a busy school teacher and pastor’s wife. I wouldn’t dare show my face at a church dinner or bake sale without these tempting peanut butter treats. They’re quick, easy to make and always a hit. —Kristi Tackett, Banner, Kentucky
Cold-Brew Coffee
“Cold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Are you a coffee lover? These are the best coffee shops in all 50 states.
Cast-Iron Skillet Steak
“If you’ve never cooked steak at home before, it can be a little intimidating. That’s why I came up with this simple steak recipe that’s so easy, you could make it any day of the week.” —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Roasted Rosemary Cauliflower
Roasting the cauliflower really brings out its flavor in this side dish. Even folks who aren’t cauliflower lovers like it this way. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico
Salsa Corn
“All you’ll need for this corn salsa recipe is corn and pico de gallo—a simple and effective solution for last-minute guests.” —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania
Home Fries
“When I was little, my dad and I would get up early on Sundays and make these for the family. The rest of the gang would be awakened by the tempting aroma.” —Teresa Koide, Manchester, Connecticut
Grilled Garlic Naan
Indian food is my all-time favorite and no meal is complete without some naan. I like to brush grilled or baked naan with lots of butter, garlic and a little chopped cilantro.—Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Clarified Butter
We make clarified butter to remove the milk solids, which are what burn when cooking with high heat. Keep a jar in the fridge to use for pan frying, or to drizzle over veggies, rice and, of course, seafood! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Pretzel Rings
If you like chocolate-covered pretzels, you’ll love these simple snacks. They’re fun to make any time of year because you can color-coordinate the M&M’s to each holiday. —Kim Scurio, Carol Stream, Illinois
Grilled Ribeyes with Browned Garlic Butter
Use the smoke of the grill to flavor the ribeyes, then pass them with garlicky butter for a standout entree your friends and family always remember. —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey
Fry Bread
While taking a trip to the Grand Canyon, my family drove through the Navajo reservation and stopped at a little cafe for dinner. I complimented the young waiter on the delicious Indian fry bread and he gave me the recipe. It is very easy to make. —Mildred Stephenson, Hartselle, Alabama
Parmesan Baked Potatoes
It always amazed me that this simple recipe could make potatoes taste so good. Mom liked to make them for Easter because they were more special than ordinary baked potatoes. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Salsa Rice
It’s a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It’s a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina
Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter
Roasting fresh-picked corn is as old as the Ozark hills where I was raised. My Grandpa Mitchell always salted and peppered his butter on the edge of his plate before spreading it on his corn, and I did the same as a kid. Today, I continue the tradition by serving lemon-pepper butter with roasted corn—it’s a favorite! —Allene Bary-Cooper, Wichita Falls, Texas
Pecan Caramel Candies
Salty and sweet, these candies are the perfect little snack. Form a kitchen assembly line with your kids, and the making becomes just as fun as the eating. —Julie Wemhoff, Angola, Indiana
Southwest Pork Tenderloin
“When living in Europe, I missed classic Southwestern flavors. Using what I had, I made spicy pork tenderloin and it’s been a staple ever since.” —John Cox, Seguin, Texas
Old-Fashioned Applesauce
“We had all kinds of apple trees in the yard when I was growing up, so I don’t know for sure which ones Mother liked best for applesauce. (Today I use Cortlands.) I do know that her applesauce was very white. The secret, she said, was to keep the apples in saltwater while she peeled them so that they wouldn’t darken.” —Doris Natvig, Jesup, Iowa
Roasted Carrots with Thyme
“These roasted carrots are so simple but always a hit. Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty.” —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Slow-Cooked Potatoes with Spring Onions
“I love the simplicity of this recipe, as well as the ease of preparation with my slow cooker. And everyone always likes roasted potatoes, even my pickiest child! If desired, top with shredded or crumbled cheese.” —Theresa Gomez, Stuart, Florida
Bacon-Wrapped Corn
“After one bite of this grilled corn on the cob, you’ll never go back to your old way of preparing it. The incredible flavor of roasted corn combined with bacon and chili powder is sure to please your palate and bring rave reviews at your next backyard barbecue.” —Lori Bramble, Omaha, Nebraska
Peanut Butter Fudge
“This peanut butter fudge is a favorite “never fail” quickie recipe.” —Eleanore Peterson, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
“The super-fast marinade for this salmon recipe combines maple syrup and teriyaki sauce which also creates a delicious sweet-and-sour glaze. The salmon stays extremely moist and is really yummy.” —Lenita Schafer, Ormond Beach, Florida
Slow-Cooked Cajun Corn
“My husband loves corn on the cob, and I love this slow cooker recipe because I don’t have to stand at a hot stove. We like a little spice, so the Cajun seasoning works well for us, but any spice blend works.” —Audra Rorick, Scott City, Kansas
Snickers Cookies
“Though you wouldn’t know by looking, you’ll find a sweet surprise inside these Snickers cookies. My mother got this recipe from a fellow teacher at her school. It’s a great way to dress up refrigerated cookie dough.” —Kari Pease, Conconully, Washington
