60 Simple Dinner Ideas with 5 Ingredients (or Less!)
Updated: Oct. 27, 2022
Dinner doesn't have to be a hassle. Put these simple meals together with just a few ingredients you probably already have!
Tasty Onion Chicken
The secret to this French onion chicken is the yummy, crunchy coating that keeps the meat juicy and tender. Round out your meal with green beans and buttermilk biscuits. —Jennifer Hoeft, Thorndale, TX
Want more? You’ll love these chicken sandwich recipes.
One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Who likes cleaning up after making mac and cheese? Not this girl. This one-pot mac and cheese is a family favorite, and my 3-year-old is thrilled to see it coming to the dinner table. We love to add sliced smoked sausage to this creamy mac recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, WI
You’ve got to try this viral Kraft Mac & Cheese hack.
Shrimp Pasta Alfredo
My son loves any recipe with Alfredo sauce. As a bachelor, shrimp pasta was one of the first recipes he learned to prepare. Now his children ask for it regularly. —Gail Lucas, Olive Branch, MS
Need a good laugh? Check out these hilarious pasta puns.
Easy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak
Friends shared this three-ingredient marinade years ago, and it’s been a favorite since. Serve the steak with salad and grilled potatoes for a quick meal. —Beverly Dietz, Surprise, AZ
Here are the most common mistakes people make when marinating meat.
Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You’ll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, DE
This is the best way to store fresh herbs.
Breaded Pork Chops
These traditional pork chops have a wonderful home-cooked flavor like the ones Mom used to make. The breading makes them crispy outside and tender and juicy inside. Why not treat your family to some breaded pork chops tonight? —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, MI
Here’s how to know if pink pork is safe to eat.
Fast Baked Fish
We always have a good supply of fresh fish, so I make fish recipes often. This recipe is my favorite because it is moist, tender and flavorful. —Judie Anglen, Riverton, WY
If you see white stuff on your salmon, here’s what it is.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
I got the idea for these Buffalo chicken sliders from my mom and dad, who’d made a similar version for a family get-together. It’s a versatile recipe, and I sometimes use several different styles of Buffalo sauce and let guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, OH
Here are seven easy chicken wing recipes you’ll want to try ASAP.
Taco Pizza Squares
Everyone will come running the minute you take this fun twist on pizza out of the oven. I top convenient refrigerated pizza dough with leftover taco meat, tomatoes and cheese, bringing a full-flavored fiesta to the table in under half an hour. —Sarah Vovos, Middleton, WI
If you need a good laugh, check out these hilarious taco puns.
Fruited Pot Roast
This is a wonderful variation on classic pot roast. My family really enjoys it. The fruit is a nice change from the usual vegetables that normally accompany this dish. —Linda South, Pineville, NC
Here’s the best slow cooker you can buy.
Crispy Dill Tilapia
Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, AL
Nutty Cheese Tortellini
I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. —Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, NY
Orange Pomegranate Salmon
A colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your holiday table—and it is as delicious as it is beautiful. What will no one guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a showstopping meal that is wonderful for special occasions. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, NJ
Artichoke Chicken Pesto Pizza
Make pizza night an upscale affair with this fun twist on the traditional pie. A prebaked crust and prepared pesto keep things quick and easy. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, ID
Peppered Pork with Mushroom Sauce
Using preseasoned pork tenderloin gives us flavorful, quick and satisfying meals without a big mess or leftovers. I have used all flavors of pork tenderloin for this recipe. Making the sauce doesn’t take much extra time and the results are well worth it. —Jolene Roszel, Helena, MT
Sausage and Sauerkraut
I created this tasty, quick and easy sauerkraut and sausage dish so I can throw it together in no time on those extra-busy nights. —Mary Lyon, Spotsylvania, VA
Sausage Hash
We always have plenty of pork sausage around, so when I need a quick supper, I use this handy recipe. The colorful vegetables give the hash a bold look to match its flavor. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, OH
Black Bean and Beef Tostadas
You only need a handful of ingredients to make one of our family’s favorites. It’s also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, KS
Herbed Pork Chops
Herbs are a fast and flavorful way to dress up pork. Plus, they make the chops look so pretty on a platter. I prepare these year-round as a way to capture the taste of summer. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, OH
Ravioli Lasagna
When you taste this casserole, you’ll think it came from a complicated, from-scratch recipe. Really, though, it starts with frozen ravioli and has only three other ingredients. —Patricia Smith, Asheboro, NC
Grilled Maple Pork Chops
Pork chops on the grill are hard to beat. The marinade is simple, and so good. —Nicholas King, Duluth, MN
Tangy Beef Turnovers
My mom’s recipe for these flavorful pockets called for dough to be made from scratch, but I streamlined it by using crescent rolls. My children love them plain or dipped in ketchup—mustard works too. —Claudia Bodeker, Ash Flat, AR
Chicken Cordon Bleu in Pastry
Baking chicken breasts in a flaky dough makes them turn out moist and delicious every time. This fancy dish is nice to serve family as well as guests. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, OH
Cranberry Maple Chicken
Cranberries and a hint of maple syrup make a sweet sauce for these easy chicken breast halves. They’re a quick but lovely main course for weeknights and other occasions. —Kim Pettipas of Oromocto, New Brunswick
Buttery Parmesan Chicken
A rich, cheesy breading locks in this chicken’s natural juices, making it moist and tempting every time. Because it can be made in advance, I rely on it often during the week and when entertaining. —Kathie Landmann, Lexington Park, MD
Garlic Herbed Grilled Tuna Steaks
Grilled tuna steak recipes aren’t limited to restaurants. After enjoying yellowfin tuna in southwest Florida, I came up with this recipe so I could enjoy the flavor of my favorite fish at home. —Jan Huntington, Painesville, OH
Apricot-Orange Salsa Chicken
Sweet oranges and apricots blend perfectly with zippy salsa in this five-ingredient entree. Keep the heat to your liking with mild, medium or hot salsa. Served over rice, it’s a dinner we’ve enjoyed time and again. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, OK
Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, IN
Beef in Mushroom Gravy
This is one of the best and easiest meals I’ve ever made. It has only four ingredients, and they all go into the pot at once. The meat is nicely seasoned and makes its own gravy—it tastes wonderful when you serve it over mashed potatoes. —Margery Bryan, Royal City, WA
Skillet Mac & Cheese
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids always go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, TX
Fiesta Ravioli
I adapted this recipe to suit our taste for spicy food. The ravioli taste like mini enchiladas. I serve them with a Mexican-inspired salad and pineapple sherbet for dessert. —Debbie Purdue, Freeland, MI
BBQ Meat Loaf Minis
Kids can have fun helping to prepare these mini meat loaves in muffin cups. For extra spice, we sometimes add 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1 cup of salsa. —Linda Call, Falun, KS
Saucy Grilled Pork Chops
My mamaw in Kentucky used this “dip,” as she called it, on many grilled meats including chicken and steak. —Misty Schneider, Bayport, MN
Pressure-Cooked Mesquite Ribs
When we’re missing the taste of grilled food during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue flavor we love. They’re so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, MI
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
I try to make foods that are not only kid-friendly but are also easy to reheat, since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, MN
Pork Chops with Dijon Sauce
Here’s a main course that tastes rich yet isn’t high in saturated fat. It’s easy for weeknights, but the creamy sauce makes it special enough for weekends. —Bonnie Brown-Watson, Houston
Quick Tater Tots Bake
I like to make this Tater Tot casserole when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13-by-9-inch pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, CA
Easy Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak
I let my slow cooker simmer up this fuss-free and flavorful Swiss steak. Perfect for busy spring days … the longer it cooks, the better it tastes! —Sarah Burks, Wathena, KS
Sunday’s Best Chicken
I am a busy mom of four and a nursing student, so weeknight dinners are often rushed. Sunday dinners are very important to our family, and everyone loves when I make this old-fashioned chicken recipe. —Amy Jenkins, Mesa, AZ
Maple Pork Ribs
A luscious maple-mustard sauce will take your next plate of ribs to a new level. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, KS
Grilled Peppered Steaks
I once wanted a peppered steak for supper, so I tossed some spices together and came up with this recipe. My family thoroughly enjoyed it. —Stephanie Moon, Boise, ID
Salmon with Honey Pecan Sauce
I love the explosion of sweet and buttery flavors in every bite of this salmon dinner. —Alice Stanko, Warren, MI
Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes
A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all you’ll need for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Aloha Pizza
This pizza came together on the fly. I had to take something to a gathering, but had no time to shop. I raided the fridge for inspiration and discovered this happy combo. —Wendy Huffman, Bloomington, IL
Green Chile Posole
This recipe combines parts of my nanny’s recipe and my mother’s. I learned both of them when I was very young. An optional sprinkling of queso fresco over the top is an absolute delight, in my opinion. —Jaime Love, Las Vegas
Maple Mustard Chicken
My husband loves this chicken dish. It calls for only five ingredients, and we try to have them all on hand for a delicious and cozy dinner anytime. —Jennifer Seidel, Midland, MI
Curry Shrimp Linguine
Curry, cilantro and coconut milk make this dish an exciting change of pace. It’s also good with Thai rice noodles or spaghetti. —Jana Rippee, Casa Grande, AZ
Mediterranean Tilapia
I recently became a fan of tilapia. The mild taste makes it easy to top with our favorite ingredients. And it’s low in calories and fat. What’s not to love? —Robin Brenneman, Hilliard, OH
Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
For my busy family, a partly homemade one-pot meal is the best way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Heart’s Desire Pizza
Sweethearts of all ages will have a delightful time sprinkling these fun personal heart pizzas with whatever tasty toppings they love most. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ham & Spinach Casserole
This is down-home cooking at its best! Ham and veggies join forces with a creamy sauce and pretty topping to create a hearty meal-in-one. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sausage Florentine Shepherd’s Pie
In this Italian take on traditional shepherd’s pie, sausage takes the place of ground beef (or lamb), and spinach replaces the green veggies. Zesty tomatoes, Italian cheese blend and garlicky mashed potatoes make this dish incredibly long on flavor, even though the ingredient list is short. —Leah Lyon, Ada, OK
Saucy Raspberry Chicken
I first had this as a teenage babysitter, when the children’s mom prepared it for us to eat while she was out. The kids loved it, and so did I! Now I make it for my own kids. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Pressure-Cooker Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. —Ramona Parris, Acworth, GA
Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Chicken
My husband and I have created many wonderful memories by sharing this meal with our friends. In the winter, we bake it indoors; in the summer, it works well on the grill too! Either way, the chicken pretty much cooks itself, leaving you plenty of time to visit with friends and family. —Ashlie Delshad, West Lafayette, IN
Asian Salmon Tacos
This Asian-Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to the pan. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps
We love this easy slow-cooker recipe on Sunday afternoons. It’s equally comforting and light for lunch or dinner. We serve ours with sweet potato oven fries and roasted green beans. —Arlene Rakoczy, Gilbert, AZ
Slammin’ Lamb
This meat is easy, flavorful and best when marinated overnight. You can even mix it up and freeze it until you want to throw it in the crock! Make sure you have lots of pita bread on hand to soak up the juices. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, CT
Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts
These open-faced steak sandwiches play up the popular combo of steak and garlic bread. The salsa, sour cream and garnish elevate it into a quick, satisfying meal. Substitute chopped green onions or chives for the cilantro, if desired. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, IL
Tuscan Grapes and Sausages
This recipe is one of my go-to’s when entertaining. It’s simple, elegant and you can entertain your guests instead of spending the entire time in the kitchen. It is always a crowd pleaser and everyone always asks for the recipe. The whole pieces of garlic in this dish become so sweet, a lovely complement to the sweet grapes and spicy sausage. I serve this over rustic hand-mashed red potatoes. —Melissa Zienter, Las Vegas
