Can You Make Dinner Using Only 5 Ingredients?

If you think making a tasty dinner takes a long list of groceries, think again. You can create 5 ingredient dinners that feel satisfying, fresh, and easy. With a few smart shortcuts, you can keep your meals simple without sacrificing flavor.

These 5 ingredient dinners prove that you don’t need a fully stocked pantry to cook something you love. Whether you want something warm and cheesy or crisp and light, there’s a recipe here to inspire you.

Below, you’ll find four easy recipes you can try this week. Each one uses only five core ingredients and comes together fast.

1. Cheesy Ground Beef Nachos

If you’re a nacho lover like we are at What’s For Dinner Club, this recipe is for you. Just a little bit of cooking and a quick 20 minutes is all it takes to prepare what might be the best nachos you’ve ever had.  

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 bag tortilla chips
• ½ packet taco seasoning
• 1½ cups shredded cheese blend

Instructions:

• Warm a pan over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for about 7–10 minutes until browned.
• Drain extra grease. Stir in taco seasoning, the canned tomatoes, and ¼ cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef mixture. Cover and heat for 2 minutes until melted.
• Pour tortilla chips onto a plate. Top with the cheesy beef. 

This 5 ingredient dinner will be just as satisfying as nachos when you order out. 

2. Pesto Chicken Sandwiches

These sandwiches feel fancy but come together in under 15 minutes. Enjoy for lunch, dinner, or your next backyard BBQ. 

Ingredients:

• 1 package pesto chicken (from Trader Joe’s)
• 4 slices Havarti cheese
• Brioche buns
• 1 tomato, sliced
• Pesto sauce

Instructions:

• Cook the chicken in a skillet for 4–7 minutes per side.
• In the last 2 minutes, place a slice of Havarti on each piece of chicken to melt.
• Butter the insides of the brioche buns. Toast them in a skillet or griddle until golden.
• Spread pesto on the bottom bun. Add the cheesy chicken and tomato slices. Top with the bun and serve

This recipe shows how 5 ingredient dinners can look and taste gourmet.

3. Crispy Ravioli Bites

Think of these as crispy little pockets of cheese. They’re great as a main dish or appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 10 oz four cheese ravioli
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions:

• In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In a second bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, and garlic powder.
• Cook ravioli according to the package, then rinse with cold water to cool.
• Dip each ravioli in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Air fryer: Spray ravioli with oil and air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes
• Oven: Bake at 425°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serve with marinara sauce. Yes, 5 ingredient dinners can be this simple! 

4. Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad

This chilled pasta salad is light but satisfying. It makes a great weeknight meal or easy lunch.

Ingredients:

• 10 oz cheese tortellini
• 8 oz ciliegine mozzarella
• 8 oz mini heirloom tomatoes, halved
• 1–2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

• Cook the tortellini in boiling salted water for 5–7 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
• In a small jar, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Shake to blend.
• Toss the tortellini, mozzarella, and tomatoes with the dressing.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
• For extra flavor, chill in the fridge for an hour.

This fresh dish proves that 5 ingredient dinners can feel vibrant and full of color.

Tips for Success

Creating 5 ingredient dinners is easier when you:

• Shop for versatile ingredients you can use in multiple meals.
• Keep basics like olive oil, salt, and pepper stocked.
• Choose proteins that cook quickly.
• Use sauces to build flavor fast.
• Mix textures to keep things interesting.

Whether you try the cheesy nachos, crisp ravioli bites, or a fresh pasta salad, these 5 ingredient dinners are here to make your evenings simpler. You don’t need a complicated recipe to enjoy a satisfying meal.And if you’re looking for more easy, realistic dinner ideas that fit your life (not someone else’s highlight reel), join the What’s for Dinner Club. You’ll get simple, doable recipes and fresh inspiration to make feeding yourself and your family feel a little easier—and a lot more fun.