EASY 5 INGREDIENT DINNERS: Affordable & Delicious Simple Family Meals

Five-ingredient dinners are a lifesaver, especially during those chaotic weeks when time is tight. Here, we explore five delightful recipes that are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. These meals are designed to save you time and keep you away from the drive-thru. Let's dive into these simple yet satisfying recipes!

🍲 Cheesy Tortellini Soup

First up is a comforting bowl of cheesy tortellini soup. This recipe is perfect for meatless meal lovers and is super easy to whip up.

Start by adding 8 cups of vegetable broth to a large pot on the stove. Then, toss in 12 oz of frozen peas and carrots. Feel free to use any veggies you prefer!

Next, add 10 oz of frozen cheese tortellini. If you’re unfamiliar with tortellini, think of it as pasta filled with cheese—delicious!

For seasoning, mix in 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.

Once the tortellini is cooked, you can make it creamy by adding a half cup of heavy cream or half and half, but this step is optional. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes, and then serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

This meatless meal is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings!

🍚 Hamburger Rice Casserole

Next on the menu is a hamburger rice casserole that’s sure to please everyone at the table. To start, brown between ½ to 1 pound of ground beef in a pan. If you’re looking to save money, using less meat is a great option since the rice will fill you up.

Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease. Then, add ½ cup of water and ½ cup of uncooked rice to the pan. You can use white or Jasmine rice for this recipe.

For flavor, mix in ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of oregano. Stir well!

Next, incorporate a 10 oz can of cream of mushroom soup. If you prefer homemade, check out the recipe in my cookbook for a great cream-of-soup substitute!

Then, add a 14 oz can of petite diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the liquid level; if it gets low, add a bit more water.

Once the rice is tender, you can add ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that cheesy goodness. Serve it up hot, garnished with extra cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley. This casserole is loved by both adults and kids!

🍗 Baked Parmesan Chicken

Moving on to a baked Parmesan chicken that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Start by slicing two chicken breasts in half horizontally. This will help them cook evenly and absorb more flavor.

Next, make the Parmesan mixture using ¾ cup of Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Stir this mixture until it's well combined.

In a baking dish, place the chicken pieces side by side, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and then cover with the Parmesan mixture. For an added crunch, top with 3 tablespoons of Italian-style breadcrumbs.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve it alongside a creamy pasta side or your favorite veggie!

🥔 Tater Tot Casserole

Next is a comforting tater to casserole, paired with garlic Parmesan green beans. Start by browning ½ pound of ground beef in a pot. If you want, you can use a full pound or substitute with chicken or turkey.

After cooking, remove excess grease and add a 10 oz can of cream of mushroom soup, along with seasonings: ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until well combined.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with tater tots, placing them side by side, and then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake in the oven at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

While that’s baking, prepare the garlic Parmesan green beans. In a bowl, combine 1 pound of trimmed green beans with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, and ⅓ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and mix well.

Spread the green beans on a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil to help them crisp up, and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes alongside the casserole.

This meal is comfort food at its finest and perfect for family gatherings!

🌮 Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

Last but not least, we have cheesy beef enchiladas that are sure to be a hit. Start by cooking a pound of ground beef in a pan. Once cooked, mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of red enchilada sauce.

Add seasoning with ½ teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir until the cheese is melted, then take it off the heat.

To prepare the corn tortillas, place them on a plate with a damp paper towel and microwave for about 2 minutes. This will make them pliable for rolling.

In a 9x13 baking dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce and fill the tortillas with the beef mixture. Roll them up carefully and place them seam-side down in the dish.

Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

These enchiladas are perfect for busy weeknights and are even better topped with pinto beans, sour cream, and avocado.

These five-ingredient dinners are not just simple to make; they are also budget-friendly and delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for soup, casserole, or enchiladas, these recipes will keep your family satisfied without breaking the bank. Happy cooking!