The best things in life are often the simplest. Take these no-frills recipes, for instance. From slow cooker dinners to 30-minute meals, they all come together with just five ingredients (or fewer).
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One Pan Happy Plate (Queso Chicken and Rice)
Peyton Beckwith
“This one pan happy plate is a Mexican-inspired queso chicken and rice dish that really does make everyone happy. Simmered in a skillet, and topped with warm queso and taco toppings, this is an easy, family-friendly dinner.” —Nicole McLaughlin
Chicken Caesar Smashed Tacos
Peyton Beckwith
“This was SO good! Everyone in my family loved it. I didn’t make a single change to the recipe.” —fabeveryday
Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles
Peyton Beckwith
“These slow cooker Asian zing chicken noodles are amazing—so much flavor with so little effort. Chicken thighs, slow-cooked in sweet spicy chili-soy-ginger zing sauce, are shredded and tossed with quick-cooking fresh lo mein noodles. If your comfort food tends to the spicy, this is for you.” —Natalie Gravois
4-Ingredient Pesto Tortellini Bake
Allrecipes / Qi Ai
“This 4-ingredient pesto tortellini bake packs a lot of flavor for very little effort—a package of tri-color cheese tortellini, a smidge of prosciutto, prepared pesto, and shredded mozzarella are all you need. It’s a nice weeknight baked pasta to serve with a green salad.” —LaDonna Langwell, Allrecipes Allstars
Tater Tot Casserole
ALLRECIPES/VICTORIA JEMPTY
“One of all time favorites. It’s easy, low budget, and filling.” —OutlawRebel420
4-Ingredient Cauliflower Alfredo Bake
Allrecipes / Julia Hartbeck
“This creamy, savory 4-ingredient cauliflower Alfredo bake is an easy side dish that will go very well with almost any main entree, whether pork tenderloin, grilled chicken breast, or cooked salmon.” —TheDailyGourmet, Allrecipes Allstar
5 Ingredient Taco Soup
CookingWithShelia
“I liked the soup. It was easy to make. I did add some pinto beans and chopped onions. I also added garlic and onion powder. As a matter of personal preference, I think next time I will blend the salsa.” —Lela, Allrecipes Allstar
Pizza Breadstick Casserole
Bailey Fink
“The casserole is served as almost an upside-down pizza with the meat and sauce on the bottom of the baking dish topped with Pillsbury breadstick dough and melty, browned cheese. And, I promise, it’s worth bringing the fork and knife out for at your next tailgate.” —Bailey Fink, News & Trending Editor
Ground Beef and Cabbage
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This ground beef and cabbage recipe was my mother’s. She was a country cook, plain and simple. But as I have traveled and worked and experienced foods from around the world, I look back and realize that many of the dishes she prepared, while simple, were perfect for that moment. Sometimes we have to put emotion and love in a dish to make it extra-special.” —mtgraham2
Chicken Cordon Bleu
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“Great recipe to make ahead and freeze too! I dip the rolled up chicken in melted butter before rolling in bread crumbs.” —Kristen
I Don’t Know
fabeveryday
“I love this title!! Perfect casserole for hard working MOMS. I had 2 boxes of scalloped potatoes and canned milk. I added the cheese sauce mix and the milk to make up for my lack of cream of mushroom soup. This was tasty and rib sticking.” —PATTY CAKES
3-Ingredient Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Strips
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
“This recipe was amazing! I doubled it because I had an inkling that my family was going to like it. I vastly underestimated how much they would absolutely adore it, and they begged me for more after all was gone. Super simple, completely delicious.” —Jen Zielinski
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“I just returned from Italy —made this as is—and it is legit! The kids loved it, the adults loved it – so simple and delicious. Thank you for sharing!” —Nicole21
Easy Tuna Casserole
Allrecipes
“My family has loved this for years! In fact, all five of my children are married and out of the house, but this recipe has been asked for by every one of them.” —Baking mom of 5
Sour Cream Burgers
France C
“Love it, my go to recipe! Super moist, even 6 and 8 year olds love.” —Karen Mundie Dexter
Easy 5-Ingredient Chili
Paula
“I have been making this recipe for years. Quick and easy and very good, I add shredded Cheddar cheese and sour cream to top it off. A staple for our family.” —SpiffyBoba3669
Baked Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“These baked pork chops with cream of mushroom soup are fork-tender and great comfort food for cold days! The cream of mushroom soup gravy is great on both the pork chops and mashed potatoes.” —CANDYLOTUS
Air Fryer Quesadillas
Yolanda Gutierrez
“These air fryer quesadillas are golden and crispy, quick and easy to make, and there are no skillets to wash. Both flour and corn tortillas work for this recipe and the choice of cheese is up to you.” —Yolanda Gutierrez, Allrecipes Allstar
Salsa Chicken
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This salsa chicken recipe is very easy and quick! Someone gave me this recipe a few years back, and it has become a household favorite. Depending on your taste, you can use mild, medium, or hot salsa. I usually serve it with Spanish rice and Mexican-style canned corn.” —Faye
Kielbasa with Peppers and Potatoes
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“Fast, yummy, and easy to make.” —ak_sourdough
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
“A five-ingredient hamburger rice casserole topped with melty cheese. My grandma used to make this and it was always a hit. She uses American cheese, but I make it with mozzarella. Very easy and yummy!” —MARIAHPIE
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This is a foolproof recipe that’s easy, delicious, and an economical way to feed a crowd. I’ve made it twice now with great results.” —Joel Soukup
