92 Five-Ingredient Recipes to Make in a Pinch

From the Recipe Creator: I’m a busy student, and this spicy-sweet pasta makes a perfect quick dinner. Even better, it works on a bigger scale to feed a bunch of friends. —Christine Yang, Syracuse, New York

From the Recipe Creator: When I make this tangy buffalo chicken breast, I have to double this baked buffalo chicken recipe because it disappears so fast. Better to have leftovers, especially since they make great sandwiches and salads. —Beth Zimmerman, Willingboro, New Jersey

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

From the Recipe Creator: This delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and taste that makes it vanish fast. Our family of four can't get enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider it when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas

From the Recipe Creator: My Italian lasagna roll-ups are not complicated; they require only five basic ingredients to assemble. Prepared spaghetti sauce helps me save time and get dinner on the table sooner. —Mary Lee Thomas, Logansport, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: This simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: My sister-in-law always made this delicious breakfast dish when we were camping and had to come up with good, easy breakfast ideas. Served with toast, juice and milk or coffee, it’s a sure hit with the breakfast crowd! One-dish casseroles like this were a big help while I was raising my nine children. Now I’ve passed this recipe on to them. —Pauletta Bushnell, Albany, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids always 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

From the Recipe Creator: Whenever I serve this easy mash, the bowl is always scraped clean. Before holiday feasts, I make it early and keep it warm in a slow cooker so I can focus on last-minute details. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: A neighbor served this light, wonderful dish at a summer barbecue. I’ve since tried it with many ingredient combinations, but this five ingredient salad draws the most compliments. —Lisa Lesinski-Topp, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I recreated a favorite red curry chicken dish from a restaurant, and now I cook it almost weekly for my family. On a busy night, frozen stir-fry veggies really speed things up. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois

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. Best part is that it’s only a five ingredient recipe! —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: My son’s favorite dish uses homegrown spaghetti squash, kielbasa, and pico de gallo or salsa. It’s almost too easy! —Pam Mascarenas, Taylorsville, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: When my family is planning a get-together, I can count on three or four people to ask if I'm bringing this dessert. If you don't have a chocolate cake mix, use a white or yellow one and stir in 3 tablespoons baking cocoa. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I was raised on a farm, so a warm soup with homey ingredients, like this corn chowder with bacon, was always a treat after a chilly day outside. My hearty chowder nourishes the family. —Katie Lillo, Big Lake, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: Let's face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: My son and I eat this five ingredient peanut butter oatmeal recipe every day for breakfast. It’s a hearty, healthy way to jump start our morning. — Elisabeth Reitenbach, Terryville, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: We take this spicy soup to rodeos on cool nights or sip it by a campfire. For toppings, try onions, avocado, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. —Gloria Huse, Simpsonville, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: This is a super easy five ingredient recipe full of sweet fall flavor. The maple really shines through. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Since I’m from Wisconsin, I thought it was only logical to put together a vegetable and a cheese—two of the foods my state produces in abundance. This cheesy asparagus dip fits the bill. —Sandra Baratka, Phillips, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: It is amazing how much flavor is in these simple 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies without brown sugar. I make them very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese make a classic pasta sauce that’s absolutely heavenly. It’s a delightful option for company! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: My father loves lamb, so I make this rosemary lamb chop recipe whenever he visits. It's the perfect main course for holidays or get-togethers. —Kristina Mitchell, Clearwater, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: When you taste this casserole, you’ll think it came from a complicated, from-scratch recipe. Really, though, it starts with frozen ravioli and has only three other ingredients. —Patricia Smith, Asheboro, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: Kids won’t think twice about eating their vegetables after tasting this cheesy soup. —LaVonne Lundgren, Sioux City, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: These are so easy to make and take no time at all. They’re great to package up for those college kids looking for something from home. Everyone will want this recipe. —Elaine Grimme, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: Convenient frozen veggies and hash browns make this meaty soup a snap to mix up. Simply brown the ground beef, then stir everything together to simmer all day. It’s wonderful served with bread and a salad. —Carol Calhoun, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: Beets, nectarines and feta cheese make for scrumptious additions to mixed greens. While the combination of ingredients may seem unlikely, I guarantee it will become a favorite salad on your home menu. —Nicole Werner, Ann Arbor, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Refrigerated crescent rolls let you make these fruit-filled pastries in a hurry. My family loves these turnovers for breakfast, but they’re so delicious, they’d be welcome any time of the day. Feel free to experiment with other pie fillings as well. —Elleen Oberrueter, Danbury, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: When I crave Italian comfort food on a busy night and don’t have a lot of time to cook, this simple sausage tortellini skillet recipe is fast and yummy. You can have it on the table in less time than a takeout order. —Gerry Vance, Millbrae, California

From the Recipe Creator: Zap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you’ll stave off hunger all morning. This five ingredient recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: Looking for a new chicken idea? Save yourself a trip to the store and check the fridge first. I found out chili sauce, mustard and apricot preserves for a sweet, hot flavor. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

From the Recipe Creator: No need to buy premade pilaf mix when you can easily make your own in 20 minutes. The lemon zest adds a welcome burst of tang. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California

From the Recipe Creator: Because these sweet treats are so easy, I'm almost embarrassed when people ask me for the recipe. They're a snap to make with refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, sugar, cinnamon and your favorite fruit preserves. —Ione Burham, Washington, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: We devour these golden chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia

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

From the Recipe Creator: These little pizza pockets put together using the waffle maker are a fun mashup. Try your favorite toppings or even breakfast fillings like ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: Thanks to frozen pound cake and a can of pie filling, this torte is easy to make. If layers slide, keep them in place with toothpicks around the edges as you build. Just remove them before serving. —Joan Causey, Greenwood, Arkansas

From the Recipe Creator: At our house, we love to combine fresh ingredients with a pantry product. This version starts with beef, onions, peppers and mushrooms, since we always have them on hand, but make the dish your own—bring out your inner chef! —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: For a satisfying brunch, try some sausage and potatoes! I never have to worry about leftovers with these tasty potatoes—everyone loves them and the pan always empties. You can also serve these as a side dish at Sunday supper or for potlucks. —Linda Hill, Marseilles, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: Indulging in this creamy dessert is like eating cheesecake out of a bowl. Light and luscious, it’s a pleasing finish to any meal. —Inge Schermerhorn, Kingston, New Hampshire

From the Recipe Creator: On hectic days, this is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a sauce worthy of a fall-apart roast. For a filling meal-in-one, serve with mashed potatoes and ladle the juices over top.
—Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: This side dish goes well with any meat you might also be grilling. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This pizza starts with a prepared bread shell and barbecue sauce, plus leftover cooked chicken. I simply assemble and bake. Often, I cut the pizza into small bite-size pieces and serve it as an appetizer at parties or potluck dinners.—Patricia Richardson, Verona, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It’s so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: A tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt, this is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: Kids love this cheeseburger french fry casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: This is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks or other fun get-togethers. My daughter took some of these to work and by noon was emailing me for the recipe. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here's how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: Golden brown and buttery, these crispy smashed potatoes live up to their tantalizing name. A sprinkle of fresh herbs when they’re hot out of the oven maximizes the flavor…and the pretty. —Althea Dye, Howard, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: It's a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It's a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: We eat a lot of chicken at our house, and figuring out different ways to serve it gets challenging. My family went nuts for the cozy maple flavors in this recipe, so now I share it at potlucks, too. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: I used to make this bacon breakfast pizza for my morning drivers when I worked at a delivery place. And they just loved it. Breakfast pizza is a quick and easy eye-opener that appeals to all ages. —Cathy Shortall, Easton, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: I always like a little extra chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you're out of crab, water-packed tuna works well too. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: Browned potatoes are a simple but perfect side for country ham. Not only do the potatoes pick up the flavor of the ham, but they look beautiful! Just add veggies or a salad and dinner’s done. —Helen Bridges, Washington, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: I have eggs every morning, and this is a delightful change from the classic scrambled egg meal. I like to add sliced peppers on top if I have them on hand. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: The heartwarming taste of apples with cinnamon is the perfect accompaniment to tender pork chops. This dish is always a winner with my family. Because it calls for only four ingredients, it’s a main course that I can serve with little preparation. —Joan Hamilton, Worcester, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: Sometimes I want a nice meal without a ton of effort or wait time. Thankfully, I have this lemony, buttery fish that's super fast and totally tasty. —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: These cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: I always have the ingredients for this cheesy bean burrito recipe on hand. Shredding the cheese while cooking the rice the night before saves precious minutes at dinnertime. —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: Pair any entree with this fresh side dish for a truly succulent meal. With subtle garlic, melted butter and a hint of Parmesan cheese, what’s not to love? —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: Canned soup, white wine, Swiss cheese and crushed croutons dress up the chicken breasts in this elegant entree. Ideal for unexpected guests, it requires only a few ingredients. The creamy sauce is excellent with garlic mashed potatoes or rice. —Beverly Roberge, Bristol, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: For me, soup is love, comfort, happiness and memories. With all its veggies and beans, this one appeals to my kitchen-sink style of cooking. —Annette Palermo, Beach Haven, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: On busy weeknights, I don’t want to spend more than 30 minutes preparing dinner, nor do I want to wash a towering pile of dishes. This five ingredient recipe delivers without having to sacrifice flavor! —Olivia Cruz, Greenville, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: My husband grew up in Southern California and loves chorizo. We use the spicy sausage in these chorizo and egg wraps that our children call Daddy's Eggs.—April Nissen, Yankton, South Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: The sauce on these honey garlic pork chops is so good, I sometimes double it so there's extra for dipping whatever veggie we have on the side. —Michelle Smith, Eldersburg, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: My favorite meals show a love of family and food. This zucchini dish with tomatoes is like a scaled-down ratatouille. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California

From the Recipe Creator: On days when I don't feel like spending much time in the kitchen, I reach for shrimp. I can have a hot meal in the table in 10 minutes. —Tami Penunuri, League City, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: You'll love my quick version of classic beef macaroni soup. Loaded with veggies and pasta, it’s just as good as if you made it all from scratch. —Debra Baker, Greenville, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: Filled with sausage, sweet pepper and cream cheese, these roll-ups are excellent for unexpected visitors, a cocktail party or a halftime snack. Besides being easy to make, they can be done way ahead and kept in the freezer. All you have to do is pop them into a hot oven! —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California

From the Recipe Creator: This tasty pizza offers a new way to experience Mexican cuisine. Serve it at your next party and watch it disappear before your eyes. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Since getting this recipe from our 4-H club, it's been a regular after-school snack. We like to dunk these bite-sized pizza treats, made with refrigerated crescent rolls, in spaghetti sauce. —Donna Klettke, Wheatland, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: Looking to do something a little different with grilled sirloin? Add smoky heat and chocolaty rich color with this easy five-ingredient rub. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it’s really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: I made this tasty sausage and crescent roll breakfast casserole for a baby shower. It saved the day: Preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

From the Recipe Creator: I’ve made this creamy noodle side for years. Since kids and adults go for it, I keep the ingredients on hand at all times. —Anita Groff, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: The first bite of creamy filling lets you know this isn’t any old omelet. Make it once, and we suspect you’ll be fixing it often. —Anne Troise, Manalapan, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real quick and easy comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: Save your leftover stuffing to make shells for holding baked eggs. This is a hearty breakfast that keeps us going for the marathon shopping trips. —Karen Deaver, Babylon, New York

From the Recipe Creator: I love to serve this family-favorite tenderloin—maybe because of the compliments that come with it! When the weather warms up, we grill it instead. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: Sausage with peppers was always on the table when I was growing up. Here's how to do it the easy way: Just grab a sheet pan and the ingredients, then let the oven do the work. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas

From the Recipe Creator: I could eat jalapeno poppers all day long, but who wants to say they had seven stuffed peppers for dinner? For this meal-in-one, I use poblanos for my husband and son, and hotter peppers for my daughter and me. —Sherri Jerzyk, Tucson, Arizona