We’d love to cook at home more often, but it seems like every recipe needs two hours or an entire grocery list of ingredients. Well, the good news is you don’t need Gordon Ramsay to cook a simple, hearty meal in less than five ingredients! (Though, we wish we could afford him.)
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1. Avocado Toast
This tasty dish doesn’t require more than a slice of bread and mashed avocado, though you can always toss in a few extras for more oomph. Best of all, even with extra ingredients, you can still put together a healthy breakfast with a little salt, pepper, and olive oil drizzle.
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2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This crowd-pleaser uses bread, cheese of your choice, and a touch of butter. Add a slice of tomato if the mood strikes, but even if you don’t, you can get away with a delicious sandwich regardless.
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3. Baked Salmon
In need of a healthy dinner option? Baked salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, and adding steamed veggies only provides more vitamins! Season the fish to your tastes, but salmon goes great with dill or lemon slices.
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4. Tomato Basil Soup
This comforting soup is made with nothing more than tomatoes, fresh basil, a little garlic, and vegetable broth. It’s a simple yet hearty meal that’s ready in under an hour and can be enjoyed any time of the year.
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5. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Shrimp doesn’t get enough credit for being delicious and healthy! Sauté them with garlic and butter, then top it all off with a squeeze of lemon juice. You’re left with a flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with rice or pasta.
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6. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed peppers are as simple as you make them, and the perfect go-to dinner for anyone lacking ingredients. With a fuss-free mixture of rice, lean protein, and cheese, you have filling dinner ready in just half an hour.
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7. Egg Fried Rice
Eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil stir-fried in rice? Count us in! Not only is this a delicious meal, but it’s the kind of dinner that uses up leftover rice and is ready in just minutes. Hard to believe that so few ingredients can make something this good.
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8. Turkey Lettuce Wraps
If you’re watching carbs but need the protein, indulge in turkey lettuce wraps. Lettuce leaves are the shells this time around, filled with spoonfuls of ground turkey, soy sauce, and garlic. You can also top them with shredded carrots or cucumber.
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9. BLTs
Nothing beats a classic BLT for breakfast…or lunch…or dinner. Really, it’s the perfect sandwich that only needs four ingredients to satisfy pallets. Throw in an egg for extra protein or squirt in some fat-free mayo to keep it authentic.
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10. Mac and Cheese
Don’t even think about the boxed stuff because homemade mac and cheese is far tastier! All you really need are elbow noodles, butter, milk, and cheese for a gooey dinner the whole family will enjoy. You can also throw in a handful of seasoning like cayenne pepper and onion powder to kick things up a notch.
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11. Shrimp Alfredo
If chicken fettuccine has gotten a little stale, swap the breasts for shrimp instead. It’s just as good for you, tastes delicious, and pairs well with traditional Alfredo sauce. Just make sure to grate some fresh parm on top for that finishing touch.
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12. Chicken Thighs
Coat them in sauce or sprinkle on a dry rub—there’s no wrong way to enjoy chicken thighs. That said, we just can’t resist the delectable blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh rosemary. Talk about a juicy main dish.
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13. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Let’s face it: cheese is the only thing that makes broccoli tolerable. But blended with chicken and seasoned with a little salt and pepper? That’s a comforting soup we can get behind.
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14. Pasta Carbonara
Carbonara might sound like a fancy restaurant dish, but don’t let that stop you from making it yourself. It’s actually a pretty simple dish that only needs noodles, cheese, beaten eggs, and savory bacon pieces. Our favorite part? It’s ready in 20 minutes.
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15. Grilled Veggie Skewers
This simple side dish only requires bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Brush them with olive oil and grill until tender for a healthy skewer ready in no time—you can also add chicken pieces to make a main dish!
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16. Chicken Wings
Homemade chicken wings are more affordable than pub food, so don’t be afraid to make them yourself. All you need is a bottle of sauce or a simple rub to make them your own, all without spending $30.00.
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17. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are nutritious and naturally sweet, and this simple side only makes them better. With a touch of butter, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey, this dish is both healthy and tasty.
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18. Omelettes
The best thing about omelettes is how versatile they are—whether it’s spinach and cheese or onion and tomato, this classic breakfast has it all. Don’t be afraid to try different seasoning either!
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19. Tacos
Ground beef, shredded cheese, crispy lettuce…what’s not to love? Traditional tacos are easy to make and never need more than a handful of ingredients. Even if you added salsa or hot sauce, you’re still looking at one of the simplest dinner options.
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20. Caprese Salad
We don’t know about you, but a Caprese salad is an app we beeline towards. It’s a refreshing dish made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, so can you really blame us? The only thing that makes this app even better is that you can make it at home.
