When time is short, the last thing anyone wants is a long ingredient list and a complicated recipe. That’s why I love meals that keep it simple—fewer ingredients mean less prep, less cleanup, and more time to enjoy what really matters. These recipes prove that you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make something that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
This broccoli salad with bacon is a simple way to bring fresh flavors to the table without much prep. The combination of crisp broccoli and smoky bacon makes it a great side for any meal. With just a few ingredients, it comes together in minutes and stays fresh in the fridge. It’s a practical option when you need something quick but homemade. A great choice for when you want to keep things easy without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Slow Cooker Rice
This slow cooker rice takes the guesswork out of making a perfect batch every time. With just a few ingredients, it cooks hands-free, freeing you up to focus on other parts of your meal. It’s a simple way to ensure you always have a side ready without watching the stove. Whether for meal prep or a last-minute addition, this method makes things effortless. A reliable way to get rice done without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice
Mini Frittata
These mini frittatas are a quick way to get a protein-packed meal on the table with minimal effort. They come together using just a handful of ingredients and bake up perfectly in a short amount of time. Since they’re made in small portions, they’re great for meal prep or a grab-and-go option. They work for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick snack. A simple way to keep mealtime stress-free while still feeling homemade.
Get the Recipe: Mini Frittata
Sheet Pan Pancakes
Sheet pan pancakes take all the effort out of making breakfast by cooking everything at once. With only a few ingredients, they bake up fluffy and golden without the need for flipping. This method makes it easy to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week ahead. It’s a hassle-free way to get a homemade breakfast without standing over the stove. A great option for when you want something quick but still made from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted cabbage steaks are a simple way to bring out deep flavors with minimal effort. With just a few basic ingredients, they cook up tender and slightly crisp around the edges. They work as a side or a light main dish, making them a flexible option for any meal. Since everything comes together on a single pan, cleanup is quick and easy. A straightforward way to prepare vegetables without any extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
These baked stuffed pork chops make a flavorful meal with just a few ingredients. The filling keeps them moist while adding a hearty texture that pairs well with any side. Everything cooks in the oven, making it an easy hands-off option for dinner. It’s a practical way to turn simple ingredients into a filling meal without much effort. A great choice for when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend all evening cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer
These maple-glazed carrots cook up quickly in the air fryer with just a few simple ingredients. The glaze gives them a touch of sweetness while allowing them to caramelize perfectly. Since they cook in minutes, they’re a great side for any meal when time is short. With no need for constant stirring or monitoring, it’s an easy way to get a vegetable dish on the table. A quick and effortless option for adding something fresh to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage
This bacon-wrapped cabbage comes together fast with just a few ingredients and an air fryer. The bacon crisps up perfectly while keeping the cabbage tender on the inside. It’s a great way to add bold flavors to a simple vegetable with almost no extra effort. With minimal prep and quick cooking time, it’s a side that fits into any meal plan. A practical choice when you need something quick but still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage
Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings
These bacon-wrapped onion rings are an easy way to make a bold-flavored side or snack with minimal ingredients. The onions soften slightly while the bacon gets crispy, creating a great balance of textures. Since they cook quickly, they’re perfect when you need something fast without much prep. The air fryer keeps everything simple while delivering a great crunch. A quick and easy option for when you want something homemade without the work.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings
Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon
This sheet pan egg and bacon dish makes breakfast easy by cooking everything at once. With just a few ingredients, it’s a no-fuss way to serve a crowd or meal prep for the week. The eggs bake up evenly, and the bacon gets crispy without extra steps. Since everything cooks together on one pan, cleanup is simple. A stress-free way to start the morning without extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
These air fryer sweet potatoes cook up fast with just a handful of ingredients. They come out tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside without needing much oil. Since they cook quickly, they’re a great side for any meal without adding extra time. With no need for constant checking, they’re an easy way to get something fresh on the table. A simple and reliable option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon
This lemon butter sauce is a quick way to add big flavor to salmon with minimal effort. It comes together in just minutes using a few simple ingredients. The rich, smooth texture pairs perfectly with salmon without overpowering it. Since it cooks fast in a skillet, it’s an easy way to upgrade your meal without extra work. A no-fuss way to bring fresh flavors to dinner without overcomplicating things.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
These baby back ribs cook up fast in the air fryer using just a few ingredients. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a crispy exterior, making them feel like they took hours to cook. With no need for constant monitoring, they’re a simple way to prepare ribs on a busy day. The result is tender meat without the long wait of traditional methods. A quick and easy option for a homemade meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
Easy Pickled Red Onions
These pickled red onions come together fast with just a handful of ingredients. They add a fresh, tangy flavor to sandwiches, salads, or anything that needs a little extra kick. Since they require minimal prep, they’re an easy way to keep something flavorful on hand. They store well in the fridge, making them a practical addition to any meal plan. A simple way to bring more depth to dishes without any effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions
Beef Quesadillas
These beef quesadillas are a quick and practical way to put together a filling meal with minimal ingredients. The beef cooks up fast, and everything melts together in just minutes. Since they require only a handful of items, they’re a great choice when time is short. They work for lunch, dinner, or even a last-minute snack. A reliable option for when you need something quick and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas
Ground Pork Burgers
These ground pork burgers come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients. The pork stays juicy while developing a great crust on the outside. Since they cook fast, they’re a practical option for busy weeknights. Whether on a bun or served with a side, they make a filling meal without much effort. A simple way to enjoy a homemade burger without extra prep.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This buffalo chicken dip is a quick way to put together a bold-flavored appetizer with minimal ingredients. It bakes up creamy and rich, making it perfect for dipping with chips or vegetables. Since everything combines in one dish, it’s easy to prepare and serve. It’s a go-to for game days, parties, or a quick snack when you need something fast. A simple way to make something flavorful without a long list of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip