Are you tired of spending long hours in the kitchen after a grueling day at work or school? Or perhaps you’re just starting in the cooking world and want to start small.
Either way, these 35 easy 3-ingredient meals are perfect for you! Not only are they simple to make, but they’re also delicious and healthy.
Plus, with only three ingredients, you won’t have to fret over a lengthy grocery list. So let’s dive into these scrumptious yet effortless meals!
35 Easy 3-Ingredient Meals
1. BBQ Beef Sandwiches
A BBQ beef sandwich is a classic American dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Tender, shredded beef is bathed in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, piled high on a toasted bun, and often topped with crisp coleslaw, tangy pickles, and red onion for a symphony of textures and flavors.
2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
All you need is spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil for this dish. It’s a staple in Italian cuisine and perfect for when you’re short on time or ingredients. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Pro tip: Add some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
3. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a cold salad dish made with pasta, vegetables, and a dressing. It is a popular dish in many countries around the world, and can be served as a main course, side dish, or appetizer.
It is a great way to use up leftover pasta, and it is also a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber.
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4. Bacon-wrapped Chicken
This dish is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Simply wrap chicken breasts with bacon and bake in the oven until cooked through. Serve with roasted potatoes or your favorite vegetable.
5. 3-Ingredient Mexican Rice
Mexican rice, also known as “arroz rojo” (red rice), is a vibrant and flavorful side dish commonly found in Mexican cuisine.
It’s made with long-grain white rice cooked in a tomato-infused broth, seasoned with few ingredients. This gives the rice its characteristic reddish-orange color and earthy, slightly spicy aroma.
6. Taco Mac and Cheese
Ah, Taco Mac and Cheese! It’s not just your average mac and cheese – it’s a fiesta in a bowl! Forget cheesy, creamy goodness, this dish kicks things up a notch with bold Mexican flavors.
7. Pesto chicken
Pesto chicken isn’t just food, it’s an explosion of taste buds. The herbaceous punch of basil, the toasty pine nuts, the creamy Parmesan – they all tango on my tongue with every bite.
It’s like summer sunshine trapped in a sauce, and it instantly brightens even the dreariest day.
8. Mexican Shredded Chicken
Oooh, Mexican shredded chicken is like a party in your mouth!
Imagine juicy chicken simmered in smoky spices, getting all tender and flavorful. Then you shred it up, and suddenly you’ve got endless possibilities!
9. Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
Greek yogurt tuna salad is a refreshing and protein-packed dish made by combining canned tuna with Greek yogurt and Tuna.
The creamy Greek yogurt adds a tangy twist while keeping the salad light and flavorful, making it a healthy and satisfying option for a quick meal or snack.
10. Cheesy Potato Casserole
Ah, cheesy potato casserole… the name itself is a symphony of comfort food! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, a cheesy, potato-y dream come true.
So, whether you’re craving comfort, flavor, or just a good excuse to use an entire block of cheese, cheesy potato casserole is your answer. Give it a try, and prepare to be hooked!
11. Crock Pot Pulled Chicken
Ah, crock pot pulled chicken – the queen of effortless weeknight meals!
It’s like magic: toss in a few ingredients, let your trusty slow cooker do its thing, and emerge with fall-apart tender chicken begging to be slathered in sauce and devoured.
12. Grilled Beer Brats
Oh, grilled beer brats! Just saying the name conjures up an image of juicy sausages sizzling away on the grill, their skin speckled with golden brown char, and the aroma of hops and malt wafting through the air.
It’s a symphony for the senses, a summertime classic, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
13. Glazed Apricot Chicken
This dish is your secret weapon for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
It’s impressive enough to wow your guests, but easy enough to whip up on a whim. So ditch the takeout menus and let glazed apricot chicken become your new dinnertime hero.
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14. Tuna Casserole
Tuna casserole, a timeless comfort food classic, is a dish that evokes nostalgia and warmth.
It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your preferences, making it a family favorite for generations.
15. Lazy Lasagna (with Just 3 Ingredients)
Forget takeout menus and embrace the lazy lasagna revolution! This dish is your weeknight hero, ready to save the day with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Remember, lazy doesn’t mean boring! This three-ingredient wonder is proof that deliciousness can be simple.
16. Quick Cheesy Broccoli
Quick and cheesy broccoli, oh you beautiful green dream! This dish is like a warm hug for your taste buds, combining the fresh, nutty flavor of broccoli with the gooey goodness of melted cheese.
And the best part? It’s ready in a flash, perfect for those busy weeknights or days when your veggie craving hits hard.
17. BBQ Chicken Legs
BBQ chicken legs are a classic summer recipe that’s easy to make and always delivers on flavor. The juicy chicken is coated in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, then grilled or baked until tender and delicious.
18. Easy One-Pot Pasta
One-pot pasta is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
It’s a dish that combines all the ingredients in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to your liking with different ingredients and flavors.
19. Bacon-wrapped Asparagus
This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy side dish. Simply wrap asparagus stalks with bacon and bake in the oven until crispy. It’s a tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your diet.
20. Banana Pancakes
Banana pancakes can definitely be part of a satisfying meal! These pancakes are not only delicious but also versatile.
Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or combined with other breakfast favorites, banana pancakes are a tasty addition to any mealtime.
Read More: 37 Easy 3-Ingredient Pancakes
21. Homemade Tortillas
Ah, homemade tortillas! They’re not just a food, they’re an experience. Forget store-bought, rubbery versions – these beauties are soft, pliable, and bursting with fresh flavor.
Making them yourself is easier than you might think, and the reward is a taste of authentic Mexican goodness in every bite.
22. Teriyaki Chicken
Make a quick and delicious teriyaki chicken by marinating chicken thighs in teriyaki sauce and then grilling or baking. Serve with rice or steamed vegetables.
23. Honey Mustard Salmon
Brush salmon fillets with a mixture of honey and mustard, then bake in the oven. This sweet and tangy dish is both simple and impressive.
24. Mango Salsa Chicken
Top grilled or baked chicken with a generous scoop of fresh mango salsa for a burst of tropical flavor.
25. Peanut Butter Banana Wrap
Spread peanut butter on a tortilla, add sliced bananas, and wrap it up for a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack.
26. Tomato Basil Mozzarella Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella balls onto skewers and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a simple and elegant appetizer.
27. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Marinate portobello mushrooms in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic, then grill for a flavorful vegetarian dish.
28. Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Sauté shrimp with minced garlic and lemon juice for a zesty and light seafood dinner. Serve over pasta or with a side of crusty bread.
29. Peach and Prosciutto Salad
Combine fresh peach slices and prosciutto for a sweet and salty salad. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavor.
30. Tzatziki Cucumber Salad
Create a refreshing cucumber salad by mixing sliced cucumbers with tzatziki sauce and dill. This Greek-inspired dish is a great side for grilled meats.
31. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Roast a whole chicken with fresh lemon halves, garlic, and your favorite herbs for a simple yet flavorful meal.
32. Pineapple BBQ Chicken
Grill or bake chicken breasts with pineapple slices and your preferred BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy entrée.
33. Mango Tango Smoothie
Blend ripe mango, Greek yogurt, and a touch of honey for a creamy and tropical smoothie.
34. Chocolate Banana Oat Cookies
Make healthy cookies with mashed bananas, rolled oats, and chocolate chips. These sweet treats are perfect for a snack or dessert.
35. Strawberry Banana Ice Cream
Create a guilt-free ice cream by blending frozen strawberries and bananas until smooth. Enjoy this refreshing treat without any added sugar or dairy.
Final Thoughts,
There you have it – 35 easy three-ingredient meals that are perfect for busy days or beginner cooks.
Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting sandwich or a healthy salad, these recipes have got you covered. So why not try one or two out this week and let us know how you liked them!
Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful – sometimes less is more. Happy cooking!
