From creamy skillet mac and cheese to crispy baked tilapia, these 5-ingredient dinners keep prep low and flavor high.
56 Easy 5-Ingredient Dinners for Simple Weeknight Meals
1/56
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the idea for these sliders from my mom and dad, who’d made a similar recipe for a family get-together. To make it special, I sometimes use several types of Buffalo sauce and let my guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 396 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
2/56
Tasty Onion Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 460 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
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, Texas
3/56
Orange Pomegranate Salmon
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked salmon: 307 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
4/56
Ravioli Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you taste this dish, you’ll think it’s a from-scratch recipe—but it starts with frozen ravioli! —Patricia Smith, Asheboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 401 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
5/56
One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This one-pot mac and cheese is a family favorite, and my 3-year-old is always 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, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
6/56
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Aromatics and lemon lend pleasant flavor to this garlic butter shrimp recipe. I like to serve it over wild rice mix from a box. —Sheryll Hughes-Smith, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked shrimp: 203 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
7/56
Shrimp Alfredo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of buying a jar of sauce, make it from scratch for this easy shrimp Alfredo recipe. The garlic aroma will call your family to the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 788 calories, 51g fat (31g saturated fat), 317mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
8/56
Grilled Flank Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 186 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
9/56
Chicken with Rosemary Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 411 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
10/56
Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is not crazy about chicken, but one of his favorite snacks is jalapeno poppers. So I created this fast dinnertime recipe to give the chicken plenty of flavor. He loves it cooked this way, and best of all is the quick cooking with little cleanup! —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast: 518 calories, 33g fat (15g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 1150mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 51g protein.
11/56
Breaded Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 405 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein.
12/56
Baked Fish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 270 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
13/56
Fruited Pot Roast
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a wonderful variation of 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, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup fruit mixture: 394 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
14/56
Crispy Dill Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 256 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
15/56
Nutty Cheese Tortellini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 48g fat (25g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
16/56
Chicken Artichoke Pizza
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 381 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 880mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
17/56
Sausage and Sauerkraut
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 567 calories, 38g fat (14g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 2043mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
18/56
Sausage Hash
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 245 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 519mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
19/56
Black Bean and Beef Tostadas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 392 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1011mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 10g fiber), 23g protein.
20/56
Herbed Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 154 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
21/56
Grilled Maple Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork chops on the grill are hard to beat. The marinade is simple, and so good. —Nicholas King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 509 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 65g protein.
22/56
Tangy Beef Turnovers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 turnovers: 634 calories, 35g fat (7g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1426mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
23/56
Cranberry Maple Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3 tablespoons sauce: 236 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
24/56
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The savory coating on this chicken has the satisfying flavor of Parmesan cheese. It's easy enough to be a family weekday meal yet impressive enough to serve to guests. When I make this baked parmesan crusted chicken for dinner, we never have leftovers. —Schelby Thompson, Camden Wyoming, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 270 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
25/56
Grilled Tuna Steak
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 218 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
26/56
Apricot-Orange Salsa Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup rice: 427 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
27/56
French Fry Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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 a few ingredients and little prep time. It's a win-win for all! —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 352 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
28/56
Beef in Mushroom Gravy
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Reports Margery Bryan of Royal City, Washington, "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."
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 241 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
29/56
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
30/56
Fiesta Ravioli
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 470 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1342mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.
31/56
Mini Barbecue Meat Loaves
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini meat loaves: 330 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
32/56
Saucy Grilled Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mamaw in Kentucky used this "dip," as she called it, on many grilled meats including chicken and steak. —Misty Schneider, Bayport, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 476 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein.
33/56
Instant Pot Ribs
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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 they're fall-off-the-bone delicious too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 329 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
34/56
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 389 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
35/56
Pork Chops with Dijon Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 283 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 432mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat.
36/56
Tater Tot Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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 13x9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 570 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
37/56
Slow-Cooker Swiss Steak
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite recipes to make because I can flour and season the steaks and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, I just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and I have a delicious dinner waiting when I arrive home from work. —Sarah Burks, Wathena, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 171 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
38/56
Roast Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 281 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
39/56
Maple Pork Ribs
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A luscious maple-mustard sauce will take your next plate of ribs to a new level. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 428 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 272mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
40/56
Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all you need for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 538 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 740mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
41/56
Aloha Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 351 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 985mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
42/56
Green Chile Posole
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings (2 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe combines parts of my nanny's and mother's recipes that were taught to me when I was young. An optional sprinkling of queso fresco on the top is an absolute delight in my opinion. —Jaime Love, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 173 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1457mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
43/56
Maple Mustard Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 289 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
44/56
Curry Shrimp Linguine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 406 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
45/56
Mediterranean Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 197 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
46/56
Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the easiest 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 273 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
47/56
Heart’s Desire Pizza
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 individual pizzas
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 342 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 925mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
48/56
Ham & Spinach Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is down-home cooking at its best! Ham and veggies join forces with a creamy sauce and pretty topping to create a hearty one-dish meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 2334mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein.
49/56
Saucy Raspberry Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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.
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken leg quarter with 1/3 cup sauce: 337 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
50/56
Pressure-Cooker Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in Georgia but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. —Ramona Parris, Acworth, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup (calculated without buns): 135 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
51/56
Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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 Lafayett, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked chicken: 462 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 43g protein.
52/56
Asian Salmon Tacos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Asian/Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes—perfect when time is tight! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and continue cooking. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 335 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
53/56
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 430 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
54/56
Slammin’ Lamb
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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 cooker! Make sure you have lots of pita bread on hand to soak up the juices. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 323 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
55/56
Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These open-faced steak sandwiches play up the popular combo of steak and garlic bread. The salsa, sour cream and garnish elevate it into quick, satisfying meal. Substitute chopped green onions or chives for the cilantro if desired. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 garlic toast with 3/4 cup steak mixture: 375 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
56/56
Tuscan Grapes and Sausages
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 498 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
5-Ingredient Dinners FAQ
What easy weeknight meals use minimal, inexpensive ingredients?
For dinners made from just a few inexpensive ingredients, use a combination of flavorful shortcuts and pantry staples, like pasta, rice, canned or frozen vegetables and tomato sauce, plus a few fresh items or meats for skillet pastas, sheet-pan chicken and baked casseroles. These meals come together quickly and often call for just one pan or baking dish, keeping prep and cleanup light.
What time-saving dinners can I make with only five ingredients?
Stuffed chicken, quesadillas and stir-fry meals are some of the fastest dinners you can make with just five ingredients because they need little prep and cook quickly. Quick one-pan dinners like cheesy sausage and pepper skillet or lemon-garlic chicken thighs use shortcut ingredients like frozen vegetables or jarred sauces to build bold flavors without long simmering or roasting times. If you’re skipping meat, try an easy five-ingredient vegetarian recipe, like cheesy baked potatoes or vegetable curry.
What minimal ingredient dinner ideas can I store in the freezer?
Baked pasta, saucy meatballs and cheesy enchiladas are some of the best minimal ingredient dinners to freeze for future meals. These make-ahead freezer meals reheat beautifully, making them perfect for simple home-cooked dinners on hectic nights. Try freezing shredded, cooked meat like pulled pork or chicken to use in casseroles, soups or sandwiches, giving dinner a huge headstart when you have little time. To keep meals fresh, use airtight containers or double-wrap individual portions in foil and freezer bags, labeling each with the date and reheating instructions.
Lucy Wang
Lucy is a first-generation Asian American mom and influencer who loves creating fun, approachable recipes.
