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Don’t be limited by a lack of ingredients! These 5 ingredient recipes include everything from breakfast, dinner, sides, and treats.

Collage of 5 ingredient recipes.

Spare a Trip to The Store!

Keep your grocery list short, or skip the trip altogether. These delicious 5 ingredient recipes are perfect for a weekday meal. As a bonus, many of these recipes use items and supplies you probably already have in your pantry. From breakfast to dinner to a late-night dessert, I know you’ll be able to find something delicious you can easily whip up.

  • For 5 ingredient meal tips & tricks, scroll to the bottom of this post!

Disclaimer: Some recipes may have more than 5 ingredients listed. Either the extra ingredients are optional and are not required in making a completed dish, or they are basic kitchen staples like salt and oil.


5 Ingredient Breakfast Recipes

Keep these easy breakfast ideas on hand for busy mornings or company!

1 Easy Biscuits and Gravy

Easy Biscuits and Gravy
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

Easy Biscuits and gravy is a classic comfort food duo, flavorful, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes – the perfect breakfast or brunch!
5 from 30 votes
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2 Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast Casserole
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

This easy breakfast casserole is loaded with biscuits, eggs, and sausage for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal—ready in just 30 minutes!
4.98 from 721 votes
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3 Buttermilk Syrup

Buttermilk Syrup
Total Time: 10 minutes
Pour this delicious homemade buttermilk syrup over pancakes, waffles, and crepes. It only takes 5 ingredients, and 5 minutes to make!
5 from 49 votes
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4 Breakfast Burrito Recipe

Breakfast Burrito Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

This delicious breakfast burrito recipe is the perfect on-the-go breakfast! Load them with all your favorite fixings.
5 from 19 votes
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5 Bacon Breakfast Pizza Recipe

Bacon Breakfast Pizza Recipe
Total Time: 21 minutes

Recipe Video

This Bacon Breakfast Pizza is a cheesy breakfast recipe topped with eggs, bacon and your favorite breakfast ingredients! It’s simple, quick and is easily customized based off of your favorite morning ingredients.
4.91 from 10 votes
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6 Potato Egg Casserole

Potato Egg Casserole
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

Easily feed a crowd with this 5-minute prep breakfast potato egg casserole – a family favorite and the perfect make-ahead meal!
4.99 from 270 votes
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7 Bisquick Waffle Recipe

Bisquick Waffle Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

Quick and easy Bisquick Waffle Recipe uses a shortcut on a breakfast favorite, but doesn't skimp on flavor!
5 from 7 votes
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8 Breakfast Sandwich Recipe

Breakfast Sandwich Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Smooth morning with quick and simple breakfast sandwiches filled with egg, cheese, sausage, and bacon in a fluffy English muffin.
5 from 3 votes
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9 Egg Cup Recipe

Egg Cup Recipe
Total Time: 26 minutes
Deliciously cheesy Breakfast Egg Cups have a crispy crescent roll bottom layered with eggs, bacon and cheese on top!
4.90 from 39 votes
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10 German Pancakes Recipe

German Pancakes Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

Light, fluffy, eggy German pancakes are a family favorite. They're EASY to make, and use 5 simple ingredients!
4.98 from 162 votes
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11 Avocado Egg Recipe

Avocado Egg Recipe
Total Time: 19 minutes

Recipe Video

Avocado Bacon and eggs – one of our favorite breakfast recipes. They’re topped with cheese and so delicious!
4.91 from 93 votes
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12 Egg Muffins Recipe

Egg Muffins Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
This egg muffins recipe is quick and simple, it's ready in only 20 minutes! Customize them with your favorite ingredients.
4.97 from 28 votes
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13 Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie
Total Time: 3 minutes

Recipe Video

Salty & sweet peanut butter and banana smoothie makes a satisfying breakfast or afternoon snack, packed with protein and flavor!
5 from 16 votes
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14 Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe

Dutch Baby Pancake Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Made in a rounded skillet, a dutch baby pancake is flavorful and delicious. It can be made sweet or savory!
5 from 1 vote
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15 Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
This Strawberry Banana Smoothie is delicious and made with ingredients you probably have on hand – bananas, strawberries, yogurt and milk!
5 from 28 votes
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16 Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

Flaky cinnamon twists are buttery and sweet. They take only 15 min. to make, and will disappear in minutes!!
4.98 from 41 votes
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17 Peach Mango Smoothie Recipe

Peach Mango Smoothie Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
A tasty 5-ingredient smoothie, perfect for breakfast or a cool refreshing drink on a hot summer day. With peaches, mangos, peach yogurt, and Orange Peach Mango juice, the flavor is undeniably delicious!
5 from 9 votes
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18 Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie is quick, delicious and so refreshing. With only 4 ingredients, it makes for a healthy meal or snack!
4.98 from 44 votes
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19 Protein Pancakes

Protein Pancakes
Total Time: 18 minutes

Recipe Video

Fluffy, healthy, and incredibly delicious 4-ingredient protein pancakes are your new favorite breakfast recipe.
4.89 from 170 votes
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5 Ingredient Dinners

These five-ingredient recipes include a slow cooker favorite and some crunchy tacos perfect for pairing with our Homemade Salsa! Keep these easy dinner ideas on hand when you need a tasty no-brainer.

20 Easy Prime Rib Recipe

Easy Prime Rib Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Recipe Video

This perfect prime rib recipe is cooked in the oven with a secret trick that gives you the most tender meat ever!
5 from 22 votes
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21 Pizza Casserole Recipe

Pizza Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

Easy cheesy pizza casserole is prepped in under 10 minutes and only requires 5 ingredients for a dinner win!
5 from 116 votes
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22 Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Flavorful and tender Lemon Pepper Chicken is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Served on its own or over rice, this buttery chicken dish is perfect any night of the week for a simple, quick dinner idea.
5 from 1 vote
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23 Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

Ground Beef Tacos are fried to golden perfection and filled with lettuce and tomatoes. They are a family favorite!!
5 from 19 votes
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24 Mini Corn Dog Muffins Recipe

Mini Corn Dog Muffins Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Mini corn dog muffins are yummy and kid friendly. These tasty bite-size snacks are ready in under 20 minutes!
5 from 10 votes
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25 Honey Glazed Ham

Honey Glazed Ham
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Tender and juicy honey glazed ham is smothered in our simple 5-ingredient glaze creating our favorite recipe for holiday ham!
5 from 31 votes
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26 Crock Pot Pot Roast

Crock Pot Pot Roast
Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

This melt-in-your-mouth crock pot pot roast is tender and flavorful. It takes just 5 minutes of prep before your slow cooker works its magic.
4.99 from 120 votes
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27 Bruschetta Chicken Recipe

Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Baked Bruschetta Chicken is marinated in Italian dressing and topped with cheese. It is simple and delicious!!
5 from 6 votes
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28 Green Chili Chicken Recipe

Green Chili Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Green chili chicken is easy and delicious. Topped with cheese and green chili sauce guarantees it will become a new favorite in no time!!
5 from 17 votes
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29 Flautas

Flautas
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

These crispy beef flautas have been enjoyed for generations – they're fried to perfection and ready to eat in under 30 minutes!
5 from 65 votes
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30 Cafe Rio Chicken Recipe

Cafe Rio Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken – a simple and delicious chicken recipe that is perfect for salads, burritos, quesadillas and tacos!
5 from 112 votes
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31 Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe

Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

This Baked Pesto Chicken takes just minutes to prep, is simple, tasty, and the perfect meal to add to your dinner rotation.
5 from 19 votes
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32 Sopa de Fideo

Sopa de Fideo
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

Mom's famous sopa de fideo (Mexican noodle soup) has been a quick and simple family favorite for generations!
4.99 from 272 votes
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33 Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Total Time: 34 minutes

Recipe Video

Chicken stuffed crescent rolls use a flaky crescent shortcut filled with a creamy chicken mixture for one of our favorite 30-minute meals!
4.94 from 215 votes
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34 How to Bake Chicken

How to Bake Chicken
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

Learn how to bake chicken like a pro! This easy no-fail method yields juicy, tender results every single time.
5 from 34 votes
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35 Crock Pot Brisket

Crock Pot Brisket
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Try this effortless crock pot brisket recipe for delectably juicy and tender meat that will melt in your mouth.
5 from 304 votes
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36 Cheese Crisp

Cheese Crisp
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

A cheese crisp is a crunchy open-face quesadilla that is an Arizona favorite!! They are quick, easy, and perfectly dippable.
5 from 34 votes
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37 Pizza Roll Ups Recipe

Pizza Roll Ups Recipe
Total Time: 22 minutes
Crazy fast and easy to make, these Pizza Roll Ups are oozing with cheese and pepperoni. They are tiny pockets of big flavor!
5 from 12 votes
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38 Steak Marinade

Steak Marinade
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Our all-time favorite steak marinade requires only four ingredients and makes mouth-watering steak that tastes amazing!
4.97 from 82 votes
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39 Fry Bread

Fry Bread
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes

Recipe Video

Crispy, golden fry bread—also known as Navajo Tacos—is a versatile treat perfect for sweet or savory toppings. This easy, authentic recipe delivers light, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious fried dough!
4.99 from 702 votes
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5 Ingredient Side Dishes

Keep it effortless with a simple green salad, or try any of these easy side dishes.

40 Baked Beans Recipe

Baked Beans Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Easy Homemade Baked Beans is a must-have at all of our BBQ's. Everyone who tries it agrees it's the best baked beans recipe!
4.98 from 41 votes
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41 Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

Simple, flavorful, and healthy Oven roasted vegetables take less than 10 minutes of prep work! Nothing beats yummy veggies roasted in the oven!
4.97 from 31 votes
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42 Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied Sweet Potatoes
Total Time: 18 minutes

Recipe Video

Simply tasty candied sweet potatoes are caramelized in butter and brown sugar, making them a favorite side dish.
5 from 20 votes
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43 Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Total Time: 22 minutes

Recipe Video

This golden flaky buttermilk biscuits recipe is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Enjoy them on their own, with jam, or smothered in gravy!
5 from 29 votes
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44 Easy Yeast Roll Recipe

Easy Yeast Roll Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
These easy yeast rolls can be made in under an hour with just 4 ingredients! With how quick and simple they are, they will become your new go-to dinner rolls.
4.93 from 26 votes
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45 Parmesan Potatoes Recipe

Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Simple and delicious baked parmesan potatoes are the perfect side dish, made from cubed potatoes coated in parmesan and a few simple seasonings.
4.91 from 11 votes
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46 Glazed Carrots

Glazed Carrots
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

Tender, tasty, and ready in a flash, sweet glazed carrots are a four-ingredient side dish that's always a crowd-pleaser.
5 from 1525 votes
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47 Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus
Total Time: 8 minutes
Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of parmesan cheese, grilled asparagus brings a touch of freshness to any dinner.
5 from 10 votes
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48 Coconut Rice Recipe

Coconut Rice Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
This easy, restaurant-style Coconut Rice is perfect for pairing with your favorite Asian dishes. Best of all, it's ready in 20 minutes!
5 from 4 votes
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49 No Knead Bread

No Knead Bread
Total Time: 3 hours 14 minutes

Recipe Video

Perfect for beginning bread makers, this no knead bread has only four ingredients, and could not be simpler to make!
4.85 from 13 votes
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50 Cheddar Bay Biscuit Recipe

Cheddar Bay Biscuit Recipe
Total Time: 14 minutes

Recipe Video

These addicting copycat cheddar bay biscuits whip up in under 15 minutes, and they taste even better than the real thing!
5 from 5 votes
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51 Best Mashed Potatoes

Best Mashed Potatoes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

These buttery smooth BEST mashed potatoes are our go-to potato side dish for every dinner and holiday get-together. They're my FAVORITE!!
5 from 121 votes
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52 Canned Refried Beans

Canned Refried Beans
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Get perfectly creamy restaurant-style beans by adding just THREE extra ingredients to your canned refried beans!
5 from 49 votes
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53 Green Bean Bundles

Green Bean Bundles
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

Mouth-watering green bean bundles are wrapped in bacon and glazed in brown sugar for the ultimate side dish!
5 from 19 votes
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5 Ingredient Desserts

Don’t forget the sweets! These easy dessert recipes are favorites and all are simple.

54 Peanut Butter No Bake Cookie Recipe

Peanut Butter No Bake Cookie Recipe
Total Time: 41 minutes
Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies combine two cookie classics – No Bake Cookies + Peanut Butter Cookies. The combo of the two make a delicious, simple cookie recipe that is perfect for anyone who loves peanut butter treats.
4.92 from 24 votes
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55 Puppy Chow

Puppy Chow
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

This quick and easy puppy chow recipe, made with chocolate and peanut butter, is a no-bake favorite—ready in just 15 minutes!
5 from 164 votes
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56 Candied Pecans Recipe

Candied Pecans Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Want your house to smell like a big holiday hug? Make these candied pecans and get ready for the tastiest smell to fill your home!
5 from 11 votes
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57 Jello Poke Cake

Jello Poke Cake
Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Recipe Video

Jello poke cake is cool, creamy, and perfect for any get-together. With a cake mix shortcut, it's extra easy and preps in minutes!
5 from 682 votes
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58 Flourless Chocolate Cake

Flourless Chocolate Cake
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Recipe Video

This flourless chocolate cake is a rich, fudgy dream that's simple to make and guaranteed to impress any crowd.
5 from 129 votes
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59 Buckeyes Recipe

Buckeyes Recipe
Total Time: 43 minutes

Recipe Video

Buckeyes combine peanut butter and chocolate for a perfect bite. With only 5 ingredients they are easy and delicious!
5 from 7 votes
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60 Rice Krispie Treat Recipe

Rice Krispie Treat Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Gooey rice krispie treats are made in minutes. This classic recipe is so scrumptious you can't eat just one!!
5 from 34 votes
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61 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Total Time: 6 minutes
Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups! Made with peanut butter, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and chocolate candy quick, you’ll love this version made at home.
4.94 from 15 votes
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62 Orange Julius

Orange Julius
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

This refreshing, nostalgic Orange Julius recipe tastes just like the original and whips up in only 5 minutes with a few simple ingredients!
4.98 from 192 votes
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63 Cake Mix Snickerdoodles Recipe

Cake Mix Snickerdoodles Recipe
Total Time: 12 minutes
Create your favorite cookie in a pinch using a cake mix! Chewy cake mix Snickerdoodles are quick, easy & delicious.
5 from 42 votes
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64 Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Total Time: 48 minutes
Whether studded with white chocolate chips or dusted with powdered sugar, these festive Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are delicious!
5 from 9 votes
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65 Chocolate Dipped Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Dipped Cookies Recipe
Total Time: 28 minutes
Simple Chocolate Dipped Cookies are literally melt-in-your-mouth delicious! With only 3 ingredients, they're perfect any time of the year.
5 from 10 votes
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66 Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Recipe Video

Fresh and creamy homemade vanilla ice cream is a simple four-ingredient dessert that is incredibly delicious!
5 from 19 votes
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67 Easy Shortbread Cookies

Easy Shortbread Cookies
Total Time: 48 minutes
Our 3-ingredient easy shortbread cookies are ready to bake in only 30 minutes and are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
4.99 from 65 votes
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68 Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
Total Time: 48 minutes
Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies take a shortcut on ingredients but not on flavor! They are packed with chocolate flavor.
5 from 6 votes
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69 Andes Mint Cookies

Andes Mint Cookies
Total Time: 11 minutes
Our 4 ingredient Andes Mint cookies start with a cake mix base and are filled with crushed candies for chocolate and mint perfection!
5 from 12 votes
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70 Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

Studded with pops of fruit and crunchy walnuts, this cherry dump cake recipe is a perfect last-minute dessert!
5 from 4 votes
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Using What You Have on Hand

With supplies on hand, you most likely have the needed ingredients to make easy and delicious 5 ingredient dinner ideas. These main ingredient ideas may help:

  1. Soups. For a basic soup, use a combination of broth, protein, veggies, and spices.
    • broth – chicken, beef, or vegetable or make some using water and a bouillon cube.
    • protein – chicken thighs, beef, sausage, ham, shrimp, or beans.
    • vegetables – carrots, celery, green beans, onion, and potato.
    • seasoning – garlic, black paper, parsley, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Stir fry. The main ingredients for stir fry include: 
    • protein – chicken breast, beef tofu, pork, seafood, or tempeh.
    • vegetables – any you have on hand, cut the same size.
    • aromatics – ginger, shallot, garlic, red peppers, green onions.
    • stir fry sauce – premade sauce or make one using soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
  3. Casserole. Most casseroles have the following ingredients in common:
    • protein – ground beef, chicken, sausage, and beans.
    • starch – potato, pasta, rice, or a breadcrumb topping. 
    • vegetables – broccoli or cauliflower florets, chopped asparagus, corn, peas, or bell peppers.
    • soups or sauces – cream-based soups or tomato-based sauces.
  4. Pastas.
    • pasta – any type of noodle.
    • sauce – use a jar or whip up your own Alfredo Sauce or Homemade Marinara Sauce
    • protein – often an optional ingredient and can include grilled chicken breast, seasoned ground beef, or slices of sausage. 
    • veggies – mushrooms and shredded carrots or zucchini.

For More 5 Ingredient Recipes:

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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3 Comments

  1. charles heineke says:

    thank you for some fun and easy recipes

    1. Lil' Luna Team says:

      I’m happy to hear you enjoy them as much as I do!

  2. anna says:

    Anna