Skip spending tons of time in the kitchen prepping dinner. These easy recipes are ready to cook in a mere five minutes!
28 Dinner Recipes You Can Prep in Just 5 Minutes
Updated on Aug. 21, 2024
Favorite Grilled Pork Chops
This recipe is my favorite out of all my grilled pork chop recipes. I start preparing this entree the night before I plan to grill it.—Erica Svejda, Janesville, Wisconsin
1/28
2/28
Slow-Cooker Bone-In Chicken Breast
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken in a Crock Pot many days a week.—Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 211 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
3/28
Beef Barley Lentil Soup
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings (about 3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 232 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 603mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
4/28
Glazed Cornish Hens
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your holiday dinner table, our Test Kitchen experts suggest these Cornish game hens topped with a sweet apricot glaze. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 hen: 402 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
5/28
Shredded Buffalo Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow cooker dump dinner is one of my go-to's. The lighter chicken is a nice alternative to pulled pork. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup chicken mixture: 147 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1288mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
6/28
Baked Chicken and Mushrooms
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this dish years ago, and it still remains the family's favorite healthy baked chicken recipes. It's a fast weeknight meal, but the fresh mushrooms and sherry make it special enough for a weekend dinner party. —Lise Prestine of South Bend, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 215 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/28
Savory Pork Roast
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this herbed roast so much that I make it as often as I can. It's wonderful for special occasions, particularly when served with sweet potatoes and corn muffins. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 188 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
8/28
Slow-Cooked Coffee Pot Roast
Total Time
9 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family raves about my gravy when I prepare this recipe. Whenever I'm fishing for compliments, this pot roast is a sure hit! —Janet Dominick, Bagley, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounce-weight: 248 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
9/28
Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love buffalo chicken wings, so we created a soup with the same zippy flavor. It’s very popular with guests. Start with a small amount of hot sauce, then add more if needed to suit your family’s tastes.
—Pat Farmer, Falconer, New York
—Pat Farmer, Falconer, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 1/3 cups: 572 calories, 29g fat (11g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 1308mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 57g protein.
10/28
How to Cook a Ham
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-fashioned ham glaze gives a pretty golden brown coating—just like Grandma used to make. The mustard and vinegar complement the brown sugar which adds a tangy flavor to this glazed ham recipe. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Carol Strong Battle, Heathville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces ham: 284 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 1110mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
11/28
Dinner in a Bag
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 289 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 858mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
12/28
Texas Black Bean Soup
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty meatless stew made with convenient canned items is perfect for spicing up a family gathering on a cool day. It tastes as if it's made with love and yet it requires so little time and attention. —Pamela Scott, Garland, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
13/28
No-Fuss Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe could hardly be simpler to prepare. The chicken gets a wonderful tangy taste, and no one will know you used convenient ingredients like a bottle of salad dressing and onion soup mix...unless you tell them. —Marilyn Dick, Centralia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 275 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
14/28
Hearty Skillet Supper
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When the weather starts turning cooler, I start to hear requests for this dish. The light soy, onion and garlic flavors blend nicely with fresh carrots and potatoes in this budget-minded recipe. —Pat Jensen, Cottonwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 329 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1140mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
15/28
Buttery Onion Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this recipe when I once had an abundance of sweet onions. I like making it for guests, but sometimes I'll halve the recipe and make some just for me! —Sharon Berthelote, Sunburst, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 294 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 600mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
16/28
Spanish Rice Dinner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spanish Rice Dinner has been a family favorite since I discovered it in our church cookbook. I always have the ingredients on hand, and it reheats very well in the microwave. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 319 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1197mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
17/28
Moist Cranberry Pork Roast
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this tender, flavorful pork to guests. You don’t have to toil away in the kitchen to prepare it, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. —Kimberley Scasny, Douglasville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 289 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
18/28
Beef Barbecue
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We like to keep our freezer stocked with plenty of beef roasts. When we’re not in the mood for pot roast, I fix these satisfying sandwiches instead. The meat cooks in a tasty sauce while I’m at work. Then I just shred the beef and serve it on rolls. —Karen Walker, Sterling, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 218 calories, 7g fat, 78mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
19/28
How to Grill Ribs
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 647 calories, 41g fat (13g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 2345mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
20/28
Maple-Peach Glazed Ham
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
16 servings (about 2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. He makes it regularly for his group of friends on the weekends because it's so good and easy. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked ham with 2 tablespoons sauce: 294 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1040mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
21/28
Oven-Barbecued Pork Tenderloins
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family still savors and prepares this luscious heirloom recipe. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounce-weight: 151 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
22/28
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.
23/28
Plum-Glazed Lamb
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruity and flavorful, this wonderful glaze is simple to prepare, and its hint of garlic really complements the lamb. The recipe makes enough glaze to baste the lamb during roasting and leaves plenty to pass when serving.
—Ann Eastman
Greenville, California
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked lamb: 338 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
24/28
Baby Back Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 555 calories, 39g fat (14g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
25/28
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.
26/28
Sausage and Lentil Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
During the cooler months of the year, this soup makes regular appearances on our dinner table. It is approved by all, including my picky 6-year-old. —Kalyn Gensic, Ardmore, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 390 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 1242mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 22g protein.
27/28
Pork Loin with Raspberry Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Raspberries add rub red color and fruity sweetness to the sauce that enhances this savory pork roast. This is an easy way to transform everyday pork into a special-occasion main dish. —Florence Nurczyk, Toronto, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 322 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
28/28
Grilled Lemon Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret behind the flavor of this poultry dish is a citrusy one. I use lemonade concentrate! —Linda Nilsen, Anoka, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 320 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 504mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
