Previously, we shared a slew of fantastic dinner ideas that can be made with 5 ingredients or less, and you all loved it!
Now, we have 19 more incredible meals that will fill the tummies of your families and last-minute guests. The best part is that most of these ingredients are already in your pantry.
In addition, we share some of the best gadgets for making dinners without breaking a sweat. See below for all this and more, and as a reminder, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Gadgets For Quicker Lunch, Breakfast, and Dinners
While there are many meals that can be made with 5 or fewer ingredients, there are also handy gadgets that can make all of your food prep fast and simple. Here are a few highly-rated cooking devices.
This pressure cooker is one of the most popular cooking devices on Amazon, and it comes in small, medium, and large sizes. It combines 7 devices so you can cook soups, poultry, rice, desserts, and more by pressing one button. Plan meals up to 24 hours in advance.
The included manual tells you how to cook everything from seafood stir fry to steamed vegetables fast. You can slow cook, steam, saute, and more and again it takes the press of a button. Highly rated and comes with Amazon tech support.
Make breakfast a breeze with this Chefman egg maker which can prepare your eggs in a number of ways, including hard boiled, soft boiled, poached and more. Plus it has an omelet tray built in so you can finish your eggs with one device.
More than just a gimmick, this fast pasta cooker can allow you to prepare a pasta dinner of all sorts in the microwave. It tastes the same as when cooked in a pot. No mess, sticking, or waiting to boil.
When you have work, school, and errands, breakfast often becomes an afterthought. However, there is a way to make quick breakfasts with one device, and this highly-rated fixture from Hamilton Beach does the trick.
Cook low-carb, healthy meals, or a double-decker bacon sandwich by just adding the ingredients and letting the machine do the work.
Making dinner can be a bit of a hassle, but in addition to the quick recipes below, you can make a tasty Italian dish with this pizza maker. Cook them like Chef Ramsey and have a happy family after a long day.
You want your family to eat healthy, and they can do so quickly with the Health Food Steamer from Bella. This steamer is very affordable and can give you delicious healthy food with a timer that you can run while you do other things. Cook vegetables, fish, chicken and more.
Cooking Tools
Here are a few other inexpensive tools that you should have in your kitchen for quick meal prep.
19 Dinners with 4 or Fewer Ingredients
Without further ado, here is our list of incredible dinners that you can make in 30 minutes or less and with ingredients you have at home.
1. Salsa Chicken Dish
With just 3 ingredients and a lime wedge, you can create an awesome salsa chicken dish for several people, and you can cook most of it in a slow cooker while you are out for the day.
You can see the recipe here.
2. Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole
What sounds ambitious is easy with only 4 ingredients, including a couple cans of soup and some fries. Only 10 minutes of active prep time needed.
You can see the recipe here.
3. Baked Pesto Chicken Parmesan
Use some chicken and a bit of sauce to create a meal for a family of 4 with just 20 minutes of baking time. Add some potato skins on the side for a great dinner.
You can see the recipe here.
4. Thai Broiled Salmon
If you love fish, then you will love this memorable salmon dish with a sweet chili sauce that you won't easily forget. Ingredients are easy to find and prepare.
You can see the recipe here.
5. Garlic Toast Pizzas
Everyone loves pizza, and when you can make your own from scratch with just 4 ingredients, which you likely already have in your pantry. You'll get addicted!
You can see the recipe here.
6. Ham and Cheese Pockets
You can make a higher quality version of what you see in the supermarket with 4 ingredients. With a 15 minute cook time, this is an easy meal to make after a long day at work.
You can see the recipe here.
7. Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas
Salsa, chicken, cheese, and a few store-bought flour tortillas are all you need to make this unique dish that will keep them coming back for more. Only 5 mins of prep time!
You can see the recipe here.
8. Zesty Grilled Ham
In just 2 steps, you can make a ham dish unlike any other. It is amazing what a little horseradish can do, and this recipe is ready to serve in under 10 minutes.
You can see the recipe here.
9. Baked Crispy Ranch Chicken
This is a chicken dish that cost $20 at your favorite restaurant, but you can make it with only 4 ingredients, including the ranch dressing and corn flakes that you already have at home.
You can see the recipe here.
10. Upside-Down Pizza Casserole
A full casserole with just 4 ingredients?! You bet! And this fantastic meal only takes 15 minutes of baking time. This meal serves five and will lead to leftovers.
You can see the recipe here.
11. Chicken & Spinach Dish
A fast dish can also be a healthy dish with this chicken and spinach meal that uses only 4 ingredients and a bit of butter. Salsa adds a real spark to this dish.
You can see the recipe here.
12. Healthy Chicken Wings with Herbs and Honey
This is a restaurant-quality dish with only 3 ingredients, and it will be a new addition to your weekly routine. Some honey and Italian seasoning make all the difference.
You can see the recipe here.
13. Easy Stuffed Shells
This is an epic Italian dish that requires minimum shopping and preparation. This is a great meal to make for guests and family alike. Mouth Watering!
You can see the receipt here.
14. Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Put your crock pot to work and cook these finger-licking chicken sliders with only 3 ingredients. Cook while this is at work and be eating in five minutes.
You can see the recipe here.
15. Grilled Skirt Steak with Poblano-Corn Sauce
Salt, pepper, and 4 other ingredients will get you this awesome dinner with only 30 minutes of cook time. A good mix of spice and fresh flavor.
You can see the recipe here.
16. Spinach and Turkey Pinwheels
This is a great and simple meal for lunch or dinner, and a low calorie count makes them great for the whole family. Only 4 ingredients, including the tortillas.
You can see the recipe here.
17. Easy 3-Ingredient Chili
The recipe name says it itself, and you can make a tasty bowl of chili for everyone in your brood. Mix the toppings, boil, and add toppings, and you are ready to go.
You can see the recipe here.
18. Saucy Grilled Pork Chops
This is a delicious and savory meal with 4 ingredients and lemon wedges for extra zest. It is the perfect dish for the hungry family and only about 10 minutes of cook time.
You can see the recipe here.
19. Cacio e Pepe Pasta
The incredible pasta dish that you never even knew you wanted with 10 minutes of cook time and ingredients you likely already have at home. Asiago cheese brings this to another level!
You can see the recipe here.
This is just the tip of the iceberg!
Previously, I shared a slew of other recipes, desserts, and family meals that used 5 or fewer ingredients. You can see that here.
Basic Ingredients Every Kitchen Should Have
Below is a list of very basic ingredients and food items that every kitchen should have, and many are used in the recipes above. These are inexpensive products that can be used in 100s of dishes. They are also inexpensive and you can get them on Amazon (links below).
Flour - If you have flour at home, then you can make an almost endless number of desserts. There are many different varieties of flour, and they all add something different to your after-dinner treat.
Seasonings - When you have a dinner with minimal ingredients, or you want to add a flavor punch, then include these basic seasonings. All can be bought online.
Cooking Oil - The right oil adds flavor in addition to health benefits to your simple family dinners. There are a wide variety of oils from standard vegetable oil to avocado oil.
Herbs - The right herbs can add a touch of flavor to your recipe, especially when it is one with few ingredients. Each one adds its own personal touch.
Rosemary - Rosemary adds a lemon-pine flavor to pizza and pork.
Thyme - Add a lemony taste and provides vitamin C.
Sage - Great with turkey and dressing. Also helps with digestive problems.
Basil - Basil adds a flavorful punch to almost any pasta or sauce.
Oregano - The ideal spark for the best pasta, poultry, and seafood.
Mint - Mint is a great addition to ice cream.
Proteins - Every good dinner has a protein. So you will want to have these basics in your refrigerator:
Chicken
Beef
Pork
What about you? What recipes do you turn to whenever you are pressed for time and the kids are going crazy?
Share your favorite recipes in the comments.
Great article printed out three recipes