17 super simple recipes that only need 5 ingredients or less

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Looking for easy meal solutions that won’t weigh you down with a long list of ingredients? I’ve put together a collection of super simple recipes that use just five ingredients or less, making meal prep easy. These dishes are perfect for busy days when you want something quick, delicious, and straightforward.

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground Pork Burgers

Close-up of  grilled pork burger patties stacked on a white plate.
Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These ground pork burgers are a fantastic choice for quick and easy meals with minimal ingredients. With just five basic items, they come together quickly and provide a flavorful, satisfying option for dinner. Their simplicity makes them ideal for busy nights or casual gatherings. Enjoy a juicy burger without the fuss of complicated preparation.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted cabbage steaks are a perfect example of how a few ingredients can create a delicious side dish. With just five elements, this recipe transforms cabbage into a savory, easy-to-make treat. The straightforward approach allows for a low-maintenance addition to any meal. These steaks offer a flavorful option that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This broccoli salad with bacon is a great pick for a refreshing side that’s also simple to prepare. Using only a handful of ingredients, it delivers a crunchy and savory addition to your meal. Its ease of preparation and bold flavors make it a go-to choice for busy days. This salad brings a touch of crunch and satisfaction with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate.
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer baby back ribs offer a straightforward way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without the need for extensive ingredients. With just a few components, these ribs cook up quickly and are perfect for a hassle-free meal. The air fryer simplifies the process, making it easier to achieve a delicious result. This recipe is ideal for a speedy and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

Sheet pan with cooked eggs, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and bacon.
Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sheet pan eggs with bacon are a practical choice for a quick, hearty breakfast or brunch with minimal ingredients. This dish combines eggs and bacon on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a time-saver for busy mornings and provides a straightforward, satisfying start to your day. Enjoy a complete meal with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

Mini Frittata

A fork holding a bite of mini frittata with ham and broccoli, with the dish in the background.
Mini Frittata. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Mini frittatas are perfect for an easy, versatile meal that requires just a few ingredients. They are quick to assemble and bake, offering a customizable option that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their simplicity and small size make them ideal for portion control and meal prep. These frittatas deliver flavor and convenience in one bite-sized package.
Get the Recipe: Mini Frittata

Easy Pickled Red Onions

A bowl of pickled red onions garnished with black peppercorns, placed on a white surface.
Easy Pickled Red Onions. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy pickled red onions are a simple way to add a tangy, flavorful twist to any dish with just a few ingredients. This recipe requires minimal effort and transforms onions into a vibrant, versatile condiment. Their ease of preparation makes them a great addition to sandwiches, salads, and more. Enjoy the fresh taste of pickles without the complexity.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage is a quick, flavorful dish that uses just a few ingredients for a satisfying side. This recipe wraps cabbage in bacon and cooks it in the air fryer for a crispy, savory treat. It’s an easy way to prepare a vegetable side with a touch of indulgence. The result is a deliciously simple dish that complements any meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Slow Cooker Rice

A spoonful of slow-cooked white rice held above a bowl, with a fresh green parsley leaf in the background.
Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker rice is an excellent option for a no-fuss, reliable side dish with minimal ingredients. This recipe simplifies rice cooking, allowing you to set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection. It’s a great choice for busy days when you need a hearty, hands-off side. Enjoy perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

A plate of salmon on a white plate with lemon slices on it.
Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Lemon butter sauce for salmon is a great choice for a flavorful yet easy addition to your meal. With just a few ingredients, this sauce enhances the natural taste of salmon with a simple, elegant touch. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for adding a burst of flavor without extra hassle. This recipe is ideal for a delicious and straightforward dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand holding a tortilla chip dipped in creamy Buffalo chicken dip, garnished with slices of green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buffalo chicken dip is an easy, crowd-pleasing choice that comes together with just a few key ingredients. It’s perfect for parties or casual get-togethers, providing a spicy and creamy dip with minimal prep. This recipe offers a flavorful snack or appetizer without the complexity. Enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with ease.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Sheet Pan Pancakes

A plate of square pancakes drizzled with syrup, next to strawberries and a cup of maple syrup on a white tablecloth.
Sheet Pan Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sheet pan pancakes make breakfast a breeze with their simple preparation and minimal ingredients. This recipe allows you to bake a large batch of pancakes in one go, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead. It’s a convenient way to enjoy fluffy pancakes without the need for constant flipping. Perfect for a hassle-free morning meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate.
Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef quesadillas are a fantastic option for a quick, flavorful meal using only a few ingredients. These quesadillas come together easily, offering a satisfying and simple dinner solution. Their ease of preparation and tasty filling make them a go-to for busy nights. Enjoy a hearty meal with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer sweet potatoes are a great choice for a quick and easy side dish with just a few ingredients. The air fryer makes preparing sweet potatoes simple and efficient, resulting in crispy, tender pieces. This recipe is perfect for a speedy addition to any meal. Enjoy a nutritious and delicious side without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background.
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Maple glazed carrots in the air fryer offer a sweet and savory side dish that’s both simple and quick to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy tender, caramelized carrots that complement any main course. The air fryer streamlines the cooking process, making it easy to achieve a flavorful result. Ideal for a convenient and satisfying side.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon wrapped onion rings are a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic snack with just a few ingredients. Wrapping bacon around onion rings adds a savory twist to this simple recipe. The air fryer ensures crispy results without much hassle. Perfect for a quick appetizer or side that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans.
Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked stuffed pork chops are a great choice for a hearty meal with minimal ingredients. This recipe combines pork chops with a flavorful stuffing, all cooked together for an easy, satisfying dinner. It’s perfect for a filling meal that doesn’t require complex preparation. Enjoy a classic dish with straightforward steps.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

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