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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    14 5-Ingredient Dinners That Save You Time and Stress

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 21, 2024, updated October 17, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking dinner can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially on busy nights. These 14 easy recipes use just five ingredients each, making it simple to whip up a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a home-cooked dinner without the stress.

    Meatloaf

    Meatloaf.
    Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This lighter version of meatloaf skips the breadcrumbs and keeps things simple. With only a handful of ingredients, it comes together quickly for a classic dinner that everyone will love.

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    Miso-Sesame Chickpeas

    Easy Miso-Sesame Chickpeas
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    Miso-sesame chickpeas are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With just five ingredients, this dish makes weeknight dinners quick and stress-free.

    Get the recipe

    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A simple burger can be made using just ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Add your favorite toppings to create a satisfying meal.

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    Southern Oven-Fried Chicken

    SOUTHERN OVEN-FRIED CHICKEN.
    Photo credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    This baked chicken offers the crispy texture of fried chicken without the added grease, making it a healthier choice that's still delicious and filling. It's a simple and satisfying meal that won't take up too much of your time.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy pesto pasta is super easy to whip up with just three ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to prepare. The combination of bright pesto sauce and Greek yogurt makes for a simple and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    3-Ingredient Beef Stroganoff

    Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo credit: Feast for a Fraction.

    This easy ground beef stroganoff is a great dinner choice that won't take much time or money. With just five ingredients, it's perfect for a hassle-free meal.

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    Pasta with Pancetta & Peas

    Pasta with peas and pancetta.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This is a simple and tasty dinner that you can whip up in less than 20 minutes. With crispy pancetta, fresh green peas, orecchiette pasta, and a sprinkle of parmesan, it's a very satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Brown Butter & Sage Chicken

    BROWN BUTTER AND SAGE CHICKEN.
    Photo credit: Through the Fibro Fog.

    This chicken dish features brown butter and sage, bringing together great flavors in a simple stovetop recipe. It's quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy nights.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is easy to make, cheesy, and really tasty, making it a great choice for a comforting dinner at home. With just five ingredients, it helps you save time and keep things stress-free.

    Get the recipe

    Italian Herb Chicken

    ITALIAN HERB CHICKEN.
    Photo credit: Two Pink Peonies.

    This easy chicken dish requires just a handful of ingredients and goes great with different sides or a creamy alfredo sauce and fettuccine. It's a quick and stress-free option for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Alfredo sauce gets a fun upgrade with some simple seasonings. It's an easy and affordable way to add flavor without breaking the bank.

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    Slow Cooker Maple Balsamic Chicken

    Maple Balsamic Slow Cooker Chicken.
    Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear.

    This recipe features juicy chicken breasts that come together in just 5 minutes. It's an easy option for a busy weeknight dinner.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make a tasty dinner using just 5 ingredients, one pot, and 12 minutes. This simple method takes the hassle out of cooking and lets you enjoy a great meal without the stress.

    Get the recipe

    Southern Baked Chicken Thighs

    SOUTHERN BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS.
    Photo credit: Healthy Mom Healthy Family.

    This easy chicken dish uses just three main ingredients to achieve a superbly crispy texture. It's a quick and hassle-free way to enjoy a delicious meal.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      22 Dump-and-Bake Dinners That Will Revolutionize Your Weeknight Meals
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      21 Vegetarian Casseroles That Will Change Your Dinner Game
    • Instant Pot French Onion Soup.
      18 Elegant Lunch Ideas to Impress Mom This Mother’s Day
    • Cheesburger sliders.
      18 Cheap Ground Beef Recipes That Are Perfect for Spring

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN  and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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