39 Easy Family Dinners with 5 Basic Ingredients

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. We’re all about making your evenings a breeze with recipes that are easy to prepare and satisfying to the last bite. So we’ve put together a collection of recipes with 5 basic ingredients (not counting salt, pepper, or garnish) that are incredibly delicious.

We’ve got everything from a quick Bang Bang Chicken that’s seriously better (and cheaper!) than takeout to our incredibly mouthwatering delicious Air Fryer Lobster Tails.

Lazy Lasagna

Our cheesy Lazy Lasagna is easy to make, perfect when you need a last-minute delicious comfort meal the entire family will love.

Get the Recipe: Lazy Lasagna

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Enjoy our flavorful, easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken with this recipe. Perfectly air-fried, juicy chicken tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. It doesn’t get much easier or delicious than that.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Bacon BBQ Hasselback Chicken

A chicken breast topped with bacon and lettuce on a white plate. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Easy, flavorful BBQ Hasselback Chicken recipe with juicy chicken, tangy sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.

Get the Recipe: Bacon BBQ Hasselback Chicken

TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

This Baked Feta Pasta went viral on TikTok. With 7 ingredients and easy prep, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing, delicious pasta dinner!

Get the Recipe: TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlet recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Craving crispy, juicy chicken cutlets? This easy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets recipe delivers in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Ham & Noodle Casserole

Ham and cheese casserole in a white baking dish. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

We love this quick and easy Ham & Noodle Casserole. Tender pasta, topped with a simple egg and cream sauce and finished with Swiss cheese.

Get the Recipe: Ham & Noodle Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers

Try our easy Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers recipe for a quick, delicious dinner that the whole family will love!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Try this delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken recipe that is perfect for busy nights. It’s quick, flavorful, and easy to make.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe with a Garlic Lemon Marinade

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in our simple Air Fryer Salmon recipe, perfect for busy days. Discover the scrumptious flavors of air-fried salmon.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

Ditch the oven! Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp is in 15 minutes. Easy recipe, no thaw, endless dip & serving options. Seafood perfection awaits!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

Flammkuchen

German Bacon and Onion Pizza recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Flammkuchen is a delicious and popular German flatbread. Topped with creme fraiche (or sour cream), onions, and bacon.

Get the Recipe: Flammkuchen

Shepherd’s Pie

A plate with a piece of meat and vegetables on it. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Make dinner a breeze with our easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe! Hearty beef, mixed veggies, and creamy potatoes. Perfect for weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie

Easy Baked BBQ Pork Chops

Baked BBQ Pork Chops recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in the ultimate family comfort food with our mouthwatering baked BBQ pork chops recipe. Perfectly tender and packed with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Easy Baked BBQ Pork Chops

Air Fryer Lobster Tails

With our simple recipe, indulge in mouthwatering air-fried lobster tails. Enjoy tender and flavorful lobster effortlessly at home.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Rotel Dip

A spoon is being lifted out of a bowl of cheese dip. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in a quick and delicious Rotel Dip, perfect for parties or gatherings. Just cook, mix, and serve with your favorite dippers.

Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

German Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken Schnitzel is an easy twist on a classic German Schnitzel recipe. It’s got crispy on the outside and juicy chicken on the inside.

Get the Recipe: German Chicken Schnitzel

Zucchini Boats

Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a great 5-ingredient dinner idea. Tender zucchini filled stuffed and baked to perfection in less than 30 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Zucchini Boats

Easy Crockpot Crack Chicken

Crockpot Crack Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in this Crockpot Crack Chicken recipe, featuring tender chicken, creamy Ranch, crispy bacon, and melted Cheddar. A delightful, family-friendly meal awaits!

Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Crack Chicken

Broiled Salmon

This delicious broiled salmon is a simple recipe. It’s extremely versatile and can be served with salad, rice, potatoes, or pasta.

Get the Recipe: Broiled Salmon

German Potato Salad

This traditional cold German Potato Salad is delicious. Made with just 5 ingredients, it’s perfect for lunch, barbecues, or potlucks.

Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

A bowl of pasta with meatballs and basil. — Photo Credit: Be Centsational.

Looking for a quick and easy dinner idea? Our Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole is a family-friendly weeknight winner with only 5 ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole

Air Fryer Kielbasa

Sausages and potatoes in an air fryer. — Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, Air Fryer Kielbasa with potatoes and peppers is the answer! From start to finish, it’s ready in less than 15 minutes using only 4 ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kielbasa

Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole

Cheesy tater tot casserole in a white dish. — Photo Credit: Simply Five Ingredients.

This easy casserole, with a savory ground beef filling topped with cheesy tater tots, is ready to eat in 30 minutes!

Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Easy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole

Pesto With Tortellini and Chicken

A bowl of pasta with broccoli and pesto. — Photo Credit: Carrots and Cookies.

This easy and absolutely delicious pesto tortellini meal will be your new ‘go-to’ for busy weeknights that your kids will be raving about!
Get the Recipe: Pesto With Tortellini and Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

BBQ chicken wings in a white bowl. — Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

These slow cooker chicken drumsticks are coated in a spice rub and barbecue sauce, then cooked to tender perfection in the crock pot.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Buffalo Chicken Wrap

Buffalo chicken burrito wrap on a white plate. — Photo Credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

A quick and easy Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe made in 5 minutes for the entire family. It uses 5 ingredients and is delicious, hot or cold.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Wrap

Ravioli Casserole

A slice of lasagna on a plate with a fork. — Photo Credit: Loving Living Lancaster.

This ravioli casserole recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be on the table in under 30 minutes! After a busy day, you may be tempted to run through the drive-thru for a quick and easy dinner.

Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Crack Chicken

A bowl of rice with chicken and cheese on it. — Photo Credit: Busy Family Recipes.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a mouthwatering dish made with juicy chicken that is smothered in a blend of cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning.

Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken

Salmon Baked Rice With Spinach And Tomatoes

A white baking dish with salmon, spinach and tomatoes. — Photo Credit: Go Cook Yummy.

Transform leftover rice into a flavorful delight with salmon-baked rice. Rich salmon, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes create a must-try meal.

Get the Recipe: Salmon Baked Rice With Spinach And Tomatoes

Silly Chili Macaroni

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with a fork. — Photo Credit: Saving Talents.

Looking for an easy dinner recipe that children will love? Give this simple Silly Chili Macaroni a try! It’s a favorite of kids and adults!

Get the Recipe: Silly Chili Macaroni

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Chicken and vegetable pot pies in a muffin tin. — Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

Discover comfort in every bite with our Mini Chicken Pot Pies recipe. Savory, flaky, and oh-so-easy to make! A family favorite for busy nights

Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas in a white bowl with peppers and onions. — Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas are a quick, flavorful dinner with succulent chicken, vibrant peppers, and sweet onions. Perfect for busy nights!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

A pulled pork sandwich on a white plate. — Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

This quick and easy slow-cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe is ready in 3 hours. The Southern-style BBQ with vinegar is tangy, sweet, and saucy.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

A bowl of spaghetti with parmesan cheese and parsley. — Photo Credit: The Pasta Project.

This traditional spaghetti aglio e olio uses just a handful of ingredients, takes 15 minutes to make, and is packed with flavor!

Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops

A white plate with mashed potatoes and gravy on it. — Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

These Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops are made with just three ingredients and is sure to leave your family wanting more.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops

5-Ingredient Meatloaf

Meatloaf with sauce on a white plate. — Photo Credit: Haute and Healthy Living.

This 5-ingredient meatloaf recipe is a simple and lighter take on traditional meatloaf. Juicy, delicious, and perfect for the whole family!

Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Meatloaf

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

A bowl of rice with chicken and salsa. — Photo Credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

This Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal and great for meal prepping. Cook once, and freeze the leftovers!

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Garlic Butter Pasta

Spaghetti in a pan with parmesan cheese and parsley. — Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

This quick and easy garlic butter pasta recipe is made with simple ingredients and takes just 15 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Pasta

Fish Gyros

A person is holding a pita with tomatoes and lettuce. — Photo Credit: Erica’s Recipes.

Simple, delicious. This recipe for Easy Fish Gyros, with crunchy fish and creamy Tzatziki sauce, is a perfect solution for a busy weeknight meal. As a humble seafood dinner, this quick recipe is especially intended for Lent, so you get your Friday fish fry on but have it done in 25 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Fish Gyros