10 Simple Dinners You Can Prepare with 5 Ingredients or Fewer

If you’re feeling exhausted from cooking every night, Nicole McLaughlin, also known as NicoleMcmom, has got you covered with 10 quick meals that only require 5 ingredients (or less). She’s taking a shortcut by using convenient store-bought options.

Let’s be honest: Convenience foods like pre-made sauces and boxed rice pilaf already come packed with flavor, while a bag of frozen veggies gives you a variety of produce in one go (and still counts as one ingredient). What doesn’t count? Basics like salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Keep scrolling for 10 easy family dinner ideas that only need 5 ingredients each, thanks to some clever shortcuts. And don’t forget to check out the video above for all of Nicole’s helpful tips.

1. Air-fried breaded pork chops with mashed potatoes and green beans

pork chops + croutons + green beans + mashed potatoes + eggs

Crispy, garlic-infused croutons create a delicious crust for Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops (without the Cajun seasoning). Paired with quick mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans, this meal comes together effortlessly.

2. Dijon-glazed salmon with asparagus and rice pilaf

salmon + asparagus + breadcrumbs + rice pilaf + Dijon mustard

This simple recipe for Baked Salmon Fillets Dijon features the tang of Dijon mustard and crunchy seasoned breadcrumbs, all baked on a sheet pan with asparagus (add the asparagus halfway through). The original recipe calls for butter, but Nicole swaps it for olive oil. While the salmon bakes, just prepare the rice pilaf — everything you need is in the box.

3. Sliced ribeye and arugula on Texas toast with roasted carrots

steak + carrots + arugula + lemon + Texas toast

Looking for a simple date night dinner? Season a steak with salt and pepper, then cook it using your preferred method (Nicole opts for a cast iron skillet). Slice the steak into strips. For the carrots, toss them in olive oil, season, and roast in the oven. Toss arugula with lemon juice and olive oil. Serve the steak and arugula on top of Texas toast, with roasted carrots on the side.

4. Spaghetti squash casserole

spaghetti squash + Cheddar cheese + tomatoes + ground beef + frozen pepper stir-fry mix

Nicole simplifies this Baked Spaghetti Squash with Beef and Veggies dish by using Italian-style canned tomatoes and a frozen pepper stir-fry mix to cut down on prep time.

5. Easy enchiladas

ground beef + salsa con queso + salsa + tortillas + Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese

This Easy Enchiladas recipe is as simple as it gets. Salsa con queso adds creaminess and flavor to the ground beef, which you then roll up in tortillas and bake with tomato salsa and a layer of melted cheese on top.

6. Tomato feta pasta

cherry tomatoes + feta cheese + basil + garlic + pasta

This viral TikTok recipe is a breeze to make. Simply toss cherry tomatoes in oil, season with salt and pepper, and place a block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes. Once done, stir in minced garlic and chopped basil, then mix in your cooked pasta to bring it all together.

7. Buffalo chicken lettuce wraps

chicken breasts + ranch seasoning + Buffalo hot sauce + lettuce + blue cheese

In just 30 seconds, you can prepare the chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, and hot sauce in your slow cooker for these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Once the chicken is shredded, serve it in lettuce leaves and top with crumbled blue cheese and a dash more hot sauce.

8. BBQ chicken pizza

pizza dough + rotisserie chicken + mozzarella cheese + BBQ sauce + red onion

So easy! Switch up your pizza by using a different sauce or swapping out the red onion for another vegetable of your choice.

9. Chorizo street tacos

chorizo + corn tortillas + onion + cilantro + wild card

Packed with flavor, these Easy Chorizo Street Tacos don't need many ingredients to make a delicious meal. While the recipe calls for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, Nicole chose to serve roasted sweet potatoes on the side for a tasty addition.

10. Thai Coconut Pork Curry

pork + Thai coconut curry stir-fry sauce + rice + bell pepper + sugar snap peas

The secret to this Thai Coconut Pork Curry is the ready-to-use stir-fry sauce. Just toss in bell peppers and snap peas, serve it over rice, and you've got a delicious 5-ingredient dinner in no time.

You can connect with Nicole as NicoleMcmom on Dinogo and Instagram @nicolemcmom.

Additional tips, tricks, and ideas from Nicole:

• 8 Easy Ways To Make Budget-Friendly Chicken Thighs
• How To Turn Plain Chicken Breast Into 5 Completely Different Dishes
• How To Use and Care for a Cast Iron Skillet
• Create Easy One-Pot Meals With This Simple Formula