Some days you want good food without spending time chopping, measuring, and washing piles of dishes. That’s where 5-ingredient recipes come in. With just a handful of ingredients, you can make satisfying meals that are quick, simple, and perfect for lazy cooking days.
Here are easy recipe ideas that prove less really is more.
Why 5-Ingredient Recipes Are a Game-Changer
- Less prep and cleanup
- Budget-friendly meals
- Perfect for beginners
- Great for busy or low-energy days
1. Garlic Butter Chicken
Chicken breasts cooked in butter with garlic and herbs.
Ingredients: Chicken, butter, garlic, salt, herbs
Why it works: Rich flavor with minimal effort.
2. One-Pot Tomato Pasta
Pasta cooked with canned tomatoes and olive oil.
Ingredients: Pasta, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt
Why it works: Comfort food made simple.
3. Baked Salmon with Lemon
Salmon baked with lemon slices and seasoning.
Ingredients: Salmon, lemon, olive oil, salt, pepper
Why it works: Healthy and almost hands-free.
4. Egg Fried Rice
Rice stir-fried with eggs and soy sauce.
Ingredients: Rice, eggs, soy sauce, oil, green onions
Why it works: Perfect for leftovers.
5. Cheese Quesadillas
Tortillas filled with melted cheese and toasted.
Ingredients: Tortillas, cheese, butter, salt, salsa
Why it works: Ready in minutes and very satisfying.
6. Creamy Pasta
Pasta tossed with cream and cheese.
Ingredients: Pasta, cream, cheese, butter, pepper
Why it works: Simple comfort food.
7. Sausage & Veggie Skillet
Sausages cooked with vegetables in one pan.
Ingredients: Sausage, peppers, onions, oil, salt
Why it works: Hearty meal with minimal prep.
8. Tuna Salad
Tuna mixed with mayo and seasoning.
Ingredients: Tuna, mayonnaise, lemon, salt, pepper
Why it works: No cooking required.
9. Avocado Toast
Toasted bread topped with mashed avocado.
Ingredients: Bread, avocado, salt, olive oil, lemon
Why it works: Simple, fast, and nutritious.
10. No-Bake Energy Balls
Rolled bites made with oats and nut butter.
Ingredients: Oats, peanut butter, honey, cocoa, vanilla
Why it works: Sweet snack with no cooking.
Final Tip
Keep your pantry stocked with versatile staples like pasta, rice, eggs, canned fish, and sauces. With these basics, lazy-day cooking becomes effortless.
