Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated! These 7 easy meals require just 5 ingredients and take minimal time and effort—perfect for busy or lazy days!
Let’s be honest—sometimes, the idea of cooking feels exhausting. You open the fridge, see a bunch of random ingredients, and nothing inspires you. But guess what? Delicious meals don’t have to be complicated!
These 7 simple recipes require only 5 ingredients (yes, really) and minimal effort. Whether you’re short on time, too tired to cook, or just don’t feel like dealing with 20 ingredients, these meals will save the day.
1. Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta
Why You’ll Love It
Rich, silky, garlicky, and ready in 10 minutes—this pasta feels fancy but takes zero effort.
What You Need
✔️ Pasta (any kind)
✔️ Butter
✔️ Garlic
✔️ Parmesan cheese
✔️ Heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
How to Make It
Cook the pasta and save some pasta water.
Melt butter in a pan, add minced garlic.
Stir in cream and Parmesan, then mix with the pasta.
Add pasta water for extra creaminess.
Pro Tip
Throw in some mushrooms or spinach if you want extra flavor!
2. Caprese Grilled Cheese
Why You’ll Love It
Crunchy, melty, cheesy, and packed with Italian flavors—this is not your basic grilled cheese.
What You Need
✔️ Bread (sourdough or ciabatta works best)
✔️ Mozzarella cheese
✔️ Tomato
✔️ Basil
✔️ Butter
How to Make It
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Layer sliced mozzarella, tomato, and basil between two slices.
Grill in a pan over medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tip
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra kick!
3. 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir-Fry
Why You’ll Love It
It’s fast, flavorful, and foolproof—perfect for those nights when you need something healthy but effortless.
What You Need
✔️ Chicken breast
✔️ Bell peppers
✔️ Soy sauce
✔️ Garlic
✔️ Sesame oil
How to Make It
Slice the chicken and cook in sesame oil until golden.
Add sliced bell peppers and garlic, stir-fry for a few minutes.
Drizzle with soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
Pro Tip
Serve over rice or noodles for a more filling meal!
4. Lazy Taco Bowl
Why You’ll Love It
All the flavors of tacos, none of the mess. Plus, it’s ready in 10 minutes!
What You Need
✔️ Ground beef (or turkey)
✔️ Taco seasoning
✔️ Cooked rice
✔️ Cheese
✔️ Avocado
How to Make It
Cook ground beef and mix in taco seasoning.
Layer rice, beef, shredded cheese, and diced avocado in a bowl.
Enjoy as is, or wrap in a tortilla for an even easier meal.
Pro Tip
Drizzle with sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor!
5. 10-Minute Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Why You’ll Love It
Fresh, light, and packed with protein—this salad is perfect for busy days.
What You Need
✔️ Canned tuna
✔️ Cherry tomatoes
✔️ Cucumber
✔️ Feta cheese
✔️ Olive oil
How to Make It
Mix tuna, diced tomatoes, and cucumber in a bowl.
Add crumbled feta cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
Serve over lettuce, eat as is, or wrap in a pita!
Pro Tip
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
6. Quick Egg Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love It
Leftover rice? Turn it into a fast, restaurant-style meal in minutes!
What You Need
✔️ Cooked rice
✔️ Eggs
✔️ Soy sauce
✔️ Green onions
✔️ Sesame oil
How to Make It
Scramble eggs in sesame oil.
Add rice and stir-fry for a couple of minutes.
Stir in soy sauce and chopped green onions.
Pro Tip
Add frozen peas or shrimp for extra protein and flavor!
7. No-Bake Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
Why You’ll Love It
A healthy, sweet snack with zero baking required—just mix, chill, and eat!
What You Need
✔️ Oats
✔️ Peanut butter
✔️ Banana
✔️ Honey
✔️ Chocolate chips
How to Make It
Mash banana and mix with peanut butter and honey.
Stir in oats and chocolate chips.
Press into a pan and refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting into bars.
Pro Tip
Use almond butter or protein powder for an even healthier version!
Final Thoughts
Who says you need a million ingredients to cook something amazing? These 7 easy meals prove that simplicity = flavor!
