:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/83557-juicy-roast-chicken-mfs495-4x3-b619cb42e7ee434db25dcb0a7e8d057d.jpg)
Some nights, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where these recipes come in handy. With just a handful of ingredients (sometimes five or less!) and minimal steps, they’re the kind of entrées, sides, and even desserts you can throw together without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just yourself, these 15 easy recipes are here to save the day.
Save to MyRecipes
Love any of these recipes? Tap “Save” to add them to MyRecipes, your new, free recipe box for Allrecipes.
Three-Ingredient Baked Chicken Breasts
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Since I was roasting this with asparagus I increased the temperature to 400 degrees and baked for 25 minutes. Moist and fork tender. Also, since I was making this as the entrée rather than as simply cooking it for another purpose, I added dill, garlic salt, and paprika for rich color. Easiest, quickest dinner I’ve made in awhile. Good too.” —naples34102
Buttery Garlic Green Beans
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“This is one of my most favorite ways to make green beans. I like to add a little finely minced onion to the skillet with the garlic as well. I usually double this recipe because my family inhales it.” —Sarah Jo
Quick and Easy Taco Soup
“This taco soup is delicious. I didn’t have the vegetable juice cocktail on hand, so I used tomato sauce instead. Also, I didn’t add the full amount of taco seasoning as I like my soup on the milder side. My husband loved it and added some pequin peppers to his as we live in Texas and they grow in our backyard. Will definitely make again.” —Peggy Ann
Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“So simple is seemed not possible, but my God, was it good! I added butter to it as well, just a pinch (about 1 teaspoon). And I made it without, and it makes a difference.” —Leah
The Best Easy Pork Tenderloin
fabeverday
“I transferred the meat to a metal 9 x13 and roasted it covered for 15 minutes, rested it for a full ten minutes. The roast was truly butter tender and moist. This is going to be a go-to dish, especially when friends come over for dinner. I served it with fresh green salad and fried polenta disks.” —Lynne
Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
“Very quick and easy to use with the Instapot. Also, the chicken bouillon adds an amazing umami to this. Incredible!” —Kevin
E-Z Drop Biscuits
“I have tried many so-called easy drop biscuit recipes that were really very fussy. The results were inconsistent. When I did make a great batch, i could never replicate the results. This recipe is actually the easiest easy drop biscuit recipe, and it’s the best one I’ve tried.” —ZanySalad1521
Sirloin Steak with Garlic Butter
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I made this as a treat dinner after work. I added garlic paste and a little bit of seeded mustard to melted butter and drizzled over medium rare steak, boiled potatoes, and veg. Chefs kiss!” —StrongYolk1948
Juicy Roasted Chicken
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This was super easy and delicious just as written. However, it you are one that wants to add your own signature to this it is certainly a recipe that makes it easy to do so. I am busy but prefer home cooked meals and am always on the look out for a recipe with a short ingredient list that minimizes prep time and delivers flavor and this recipe does.” —Kathy S
“Everything” Seasoning Air Fryer Asparagus
“I liked this very much and it came out like I was hoping. I did use thick asparagus and thought that it probably would be better with the thicker spears. Thank you!” —CollieFlowerWV
Coconut Rice
lutzflcat
“Rice was cooked in 15 minutes, and it turned out very well. Served with some grilled sriracha soy chicken thighs and cucumbers with dill.” —lutzflcat
Mississippi Pot Roast
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This tastes just like Italian Beef sandwich meat! I made it using the slow cooker function on my Instant Pot. It tends to burn things, so I added about 2/3 cup of water. I also seared the meat. Turned out perfect! Yum!!!!!” —Karue4U
5-Ingredient Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies
“This recipe is WILD. My housemates and I wanted to make cookies but got something much more unique than that. These are not cookies–let’s make that clear–but these scone-like concoctions are addictive. They’re a house favorite for sure.” -—Madison Fraitag
Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze
Chef Mo
“I made this salmon last night and my husband and I were amazed by the delicious flavor. It was cooked in my toaster oven on broil for 12 minutes. We can’t wait to have it again!” —Maria Giorgio
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I think this recipe makes the perfect comfort food! The ingredients are so simple, but are magic when combined. I did omit the cheese. The only addition I made was to reduce the water when boiling the chicken, and to add a generous helping of minced onion to give the chicken some extra flavor while cooking. I kept it covered and it steamed/boiled without the need for submerging it. I serve it over white rice and it is fantastic!” — Heather Campbell Fife