Top 12+ easy 5-ingredient one-pan dinners for when cooking feels like too much

Keep these recipes in your back pocket.

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

For the minimalists out there—or anyone who loves a simple meal cooked in just one pan—these 12 recipes are exactly what you’re looking for. Each one uses just five ingredients, all cooked together in the same pan (or pot), yet they’re packed with flavor and make a complete, satisfying meal. Pick one for tonight—you might already have everything you need in your kitchen.

01 of 12

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"These garlic butter chicken cutlets cook quickly on the stovetop, creating a nice garlicky pan sauce in the process. They're a versatile main dish for nights when time is limited." —Brenda Venable

02 of 12

5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"Small dinner pie made with salsa, tortillas, refried beans, cheese, and onions." —Annie Ellis

03 of 12

Easy 5-Ingredient Chili

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"My father and I created this easy 5-ingredient chili recipe and everyone we have made it for loved it. It is fast, simple, and delicious." —tenastic66

04 of 12

Pizza Beans

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"These pizza beans feature cannellini beans baked in tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. So easy and so yummy!" —Jaelyn Luong

05 of 12

So Simple Beef Stroganoff

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"A very simple recipe if you don't like using or buying a lot of ingredients. Serve over egg noodles." —SHANL76

06 of 12

Mother's Pot Roast

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"The best vegetable gravy you ever tasted — and the pot roast isn't bad either! We always had this meal with mounds of mashed potatoes to complement the delicious sauce. Great on a cold wintry evening!" —J Stewart

07 of 12

Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"These easy ham and cheese biscuits are so yummy, and you can make them in minutes. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning makes is a really nice touch. Serve with cut-up fruit for breakfast, or with a salad for lunch." —Brenda Venable

08 of 12

Pastina Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"This pastina casserole is warm and soothing with a savory, aromatic flavor from the combination of chicken broth and mirepoix. Parmesan adds a nutty complexity, and every bite tastes silky and comforting." —Diana Moutsopoulos

09 of 12

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"Quick and hearty 5-ingredient white chicken chili. Makes great leftovers." —Amanda Vickers

10 of 12

No-Peek Beef Tips

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"This no-peek beef tips recipe could not be easier. With only 5 ingredients, everything goes into the pot and cooks until it's done. Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables." —Juliana Hale

11 of 12

Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast)

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"Slow cooker roast recipe, also called pepperoncini roast. Serve with egg noodles or mashed potatoes." —Pokerman11

12 of 12

Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration

"These slow cooker Asian zing chicken noodles are amazing—so much flavor with so little effort. Chicken thighs, slow-cooked in sweet spicy chili-soy-ginger zing sauce, are shredded and tossed with quick-cooking fresh lo mein noodles. If your comfort food tends to the spicy, this is for you." —Natalie Gravois

Recipe Inspiration

Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets, 5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole, Easy 5-Ingredient Chili, Pizza Beans, So Simple Beef Stroganoff, Mother's Pot Roast, Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits, Pastina Casserole, 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili, No-Peek Beef Tips, Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast), Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles, Recipe Inspiration
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