Between work, school, and all the other responsibilities we have, finding time to cook healthy meals can be a real challenge.
But did you know that making delicious meals doesn’t have to be complicated? In fact, there are many recipes that require only four ingredients that taste amazing and are quick to prepare.
In this post, we’ve rounded up 35 of the best four-ingredient meals that you can easily add to your weekly meal plan to simplify your life.
35 Quick and Easy 4 Ingredient Meals
1. Chicken Rice Casserole
Short on time, big on flavor? This casserole sings! Juicy chicken and fluffy rice soak up a three-soup symphony, topped with melty cheese. Easy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
2. Caprese Chicken
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sear for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Slice some fresh mozzarella and top the chicken with it. Slice a few cherry tomatoes and scatter them on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
3. Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
Slow cooker chicken wings are a convenient and delicious option for tender, flavorful wings. By cooking them slowly in a mix of sauces and seasonings, they become incredibly juicy and infused with the flavors.
Perfect for gatherings or game nights, these wings can be easily prepared, allowing the meat to fall off the bone while soaking up the rich flavors of the sauce.
4. Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is a dish of pure comfort food heaven! It’s a hearty and satisfying casserole made with layers of crispy hash browns, creamy sauce, and melty cheese.
Every bite is an explosion of textures and flavors, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck side dish.
5. Spaghetti Carbonara
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, grated parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the bowl with the egg mixture. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is coated in the sauce. Serve immediately.
6. Slow Cooker Pesto Ranch Chicken
Pesto party in your slow cooker! Dump in chicken, creamy ranch, and zesty pesto. Let it cook low and slow, filling your kitchen with yummy smells. Out comes juicy chicken in a dreamy green-and-white sauce, ready to pile on rice or pasta. Easy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
7. Salsa Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Season chicken breasts with taco seasoning and place them in the baking dish.
Top each chicken breast with salsa and shredded Mexican cheese. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Potato Soup
Potato soup is a comforting and hearty dish made with potatoes, onions, broth, and often enriched with cream or milk.
It’s a versatile soup known for its creamy texture and can be customized with various seasonings and toppings like bacon, cheese, or fresh herbs for added flavor.
9. Easy Milo Balls
Milo balls are a delightful no-bake treat loved by people of all ages in Southeast Asia and beyond.
These bite-sized wonders are made with just a few simple ingredients and require minimal effort, making them perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or whipping up a quick last-minute dessert.
10. Chickpea Salad
Chickpea salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling, salad topping, or even on its own! It’s a great way to get your protein and fiber intake, and it’s perfect for a quick and easy meal.
11. Turkey and Avocado Roll-Ups
Lay slices of turkey on a cutting board. Spread mashed avocado onto each slice. Roll up the turkey and avocado together. Serve as a healthy and flavorful snack or lunch.
12. Crockpot Ravioli
Crockpot ravioli is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort yet delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.
13. Garlic Herb Pork Chops
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Season pork chops with garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Arrange in the dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and juicy.
14. Pancetta Pasta
Pancetta pasta is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The salty, savory pancetta pairs beautifully with the starchy pasta, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
15. Meatloaf
Meatloaf, the ultimate comfort food! It’s versatile, satisfying, and can be easily customized to your preferences.
16. Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie, the ultimate winter comfort food! Flaky golden crust, tender chunks of chicken nestled in a creamy vegetable-filled gravy – pure deliciousness!
17. Chicken Pasta Casserole
Tender chicken nestled in creamy sauce and pasta, baked bubbly and golden. Comforting classics like marinara or creamy mushroom, bursting with cheesy goodness. Perfect for weeknight warmth, a crowd-pleasing casserole that always satisfies.
18. Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp
Sheet pan lemon butter shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish where shrimp is coated in a tangy lemon butter sauce and baked on a sheet pan alongside vegetables.
It is a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve. Just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time stand between you and a flavorful, satisfying meal.
19. Garlic Chicken Zoodles
Garlic chicken zoodles is a flavorful and healthy dish that combines tender chicken with spiralized zucchini noodles, seasoned with garlic and herbs.
20. Fettuccine Carbonara
Ah, Fettuccine Carbonara, a timeless dance of textures and tastes! Picture perfectly al dente fettuccine coated in a silky emulsion of egg yolks, parmesan, and the salty whisper of pancetta.
Each bite is a creamy dream punctuated by the crispy, smoky embrace of pancetta.
21. Mini Caramel Sticky Buns
Ah, mini caramel sticky buns – bite-sized bursts of gooey joy! They conjure up images of golden spirals, glistening with rich caramel and studded with crunchy nuts.
Each one promises a warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience, the soft dough yielding to a sweet, sticky center.
22. Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Slice slider buns and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Layer each bun with cooked chicken tenders, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Top with the other bun halves. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are crispy.
23. Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Place salmon fillets in a greased baking dish.
In a bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, honey, and minced ginger. Pour the mixture over the salmon. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
24. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Toss chicken wings with garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for 25-30 minutes until the wings are crispy and golden.
25. Pineapple Glazed Ham
Place a ham in a baking dish. Mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Pour the mixture over the ham and bake according to the ham’s package instructions. Baste with the glaze during baking.
26. Lemon Butter Tilapia
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Place tilapia fillets in a greased baking dish.
Melt butter and mix it with lemon juice and minced garlic. Pour the mixture over the fish. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
27. Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Spiralize zucchinis to create “noodles.” Sauté them in a pan with pesto sauce and cherry tomatoes until they are tender and coated in the pesto.
28. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
In a large pot, heat a can of tomato soup, heavy cream, and fresh basil leaves. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, and serve with a garnish of fresh basil.
29. Baked Lemon Butter Shrimp
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. In a baking dish, place peeled shrimp. Melt butter and mix it with lemon juice and minced garlic. Pour the mixture over the shrimp. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
30. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds.
Fill each pepper with cooked ground beef, cooked rice, and a can of tomato sauce. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
31. Mango Salsa Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and grill or sauté them until they’re cooked through. Top each chicken breast with mango salsa for a sweet and tangy flavor.
32. Creamy Mushroom Risotto
In a large pot, cook Arborio rice with sliced mushrooms and chicken broth. Stir in a dollop of cream cheese to create a creamy and flavorful risotto.
33. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Wrap bundles of asparagus with bacon strips and secure with toothpicks. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
34. Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Place chicken thighs in a baking dish. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic.
Pour the mixture over the chicken. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
35. Fajita Chicken Bowl
Grill or sauté chicken breast strips with fajita seasoning. Serve the chicken over a bowl of cooked rice, black beans, and sliced bell peppers. Top with salsa and sour cream.
Final Thoughts,
By incorporating these delicious four-ingredient meals into your weekly meal plan, you’ll be able to enjoy healthy and flavorful dishes without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or for when you want to simplify your life without sacrificing taste. Give them a try and impress yourself, your family, and friends with your culinary skills.
