Meal planning, grocery shopping, dinner prep — all of it is super time consuming and, if I’m being honest, a bit overwhelming. But they’re all necessities if you want dinner on the table, and sometimes that makes me want to cry. Although I love to cook as much as I love to eat, I hate having to jot down a three-page grocery list just to make a week’s worth of meals. Give me some dinners in seven ingredients or less so I can use my time for things like playing hide-and-seek with my kid and eating Oreos.
Surprisingly, those types of dinners do exist. And the best part? They don’t all require the same ingredients. It’s awesome to find a quick and easy meal, but it doesn’t take much to get burned out on all of the chicken breasts or the same old vegetables every time. There is actually a wide variety of dinners that contain seven ingredients or less that the entire family will eat. And, trust me, just because there are fewer ingredients than most meals doesn’t make these dinners any less flavorful. I’ve found a week’s worth of dinners that can be made in seven ingredients or less that you and your family are sure to love. Each one is different, so you won’t hear any complaints about the “same old dinner,’ and none require fancy, hard-to-find ingredients. Perfect for those busy weeknights. (Although, let’s be honest. Your whole life is just busy.)
1 Creamy Smoked Sausage Tortellini
With a rich tomato sauce, slices of sausage, and tortellini of your choice, this creamy smoked sausage tortellini from The Comfort of Cooking is definitely a stick-to-your-ribs, delicious meal. So quick to put together and no fancy ingredients, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
2Buffalo Chicken Pimento Cheese Bagels
Appetizers and finger foods are some of my favorite things to cook for dinner, so these buffalo chicken pimento cheese bagels from A Spicy Perspective are perfect. I should tell you that they’re super easy to make when you don’t have much time, but they’re going to be perfect even if you have several hours to prep for dinner.
3One Pan Ranch Pork Chops and Veggies
Five ingredients and one pan? Damn Delicious is singing the song of my people with ranch pork chops and veggies. Less than seven ingredients and absolutely everything goes in one dish. Not to mention that it is absolutely delectable and perfect for any weeknight.
4Sweet and Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken
You already know that anything involving the slow cooker means easy dinner prep, but this sweet and spicy slow cooker chicken from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe proves it. With only four ingredients needed to make this delicious, versatile dish, you can serve it alongside several sides for a complete meal.
5Chicken Couscous Quesadillas
Quesadillas are always an easy favorite, but Jelly Toast’s chicken couscous quesadillas put a wonderful spin on a classic. With just the right amount of cheese and pearl couscous adding some great texture, your whole family will love these quick-to-make quesadillas.
6Acorn Squash Lasagna
Just when you thought you were all squashed out, this acorn squash lasagna recipe from i am a food blog changes up the game. With only six ingredients, this one-pan dish is easy on the budget and perfect for hungry bellies.
7 5-Ingredient Chili
There are few meals heartier and more filling than chili, and thanks to this five ingredient chili recipe from Gimme Some Oven, it’s not one that requires a long grocery list. Perfect for those fall nights when all you want is something easy and comforting to eat.
Images: Courtesy of Damn Delicious; The Comfort of Cooking; A Spicy Perspective; Damn Delicious; Mel’s Kitchen Cafe; Jelly Toast; i am a food blog; Gimme Some Oven
