Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen, only to end up with a mediocre meal? Or perhaps you’re short on time and ingredients, leaving you feeling stuck when it comes to cooking. Worry no more! We’ve got you covered with our collection of 20 easy 4-ingredient recipes that are perfect for busy nights.
From hearty main courses to sweet treats and snacks in between, these simple yet satisfying dishes are sure to become new favorites. And the best part? Each recipe requires just four ingredients or less, making mealtime a breeze even on the most hectic evenings. So whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, get ready to spice up your routine with our quick and easy 4-ingredient recipes.
In this article, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From classic comfort foods to healthier twists on old favorites, there’s something for everyone in this roundup of delicious and convenient dishes.
4-Ingredient Garlic Butter Steak
Elevate your steak game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that requires only 4 ingredients!
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds flank steak or ribeye
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
4. Place the steak in a baking dish and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the steak.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes per pound, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes (depending on the size of your steak)
4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Who says you need a lot of ingredients to bake delicious cookies? This recipe proves that simplicity can be just as tasty! With only four ingredients, you’ll have a batch of chewy and nutty peanut butter cookies in no time.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
4-Ingredient Baked Parmesan Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this simple and satisfying recipe that combines the flavors of Italy with a hint of American comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
This recipe is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a busy day. With just four ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have tender, juicy pulled pork that’s smothered in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
2. Add the sliced onion on top of the pork.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce and brown sugar. Pour the mixture over the pork and onions.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Use two forks to pull the pork apart into shreds. Serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
4-Ingredient Avocado Egg Salad
This recipe is a twist on classic egg salad, adding the creamy texture of avocado and a hint of lemon zest. Perfect for a light and satisfying snack or sandwich filling.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced eggs and avocado.
2. Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and gently toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a simple assemble-and-serve affair, requiring no cooking whatsoever.
4-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious and healthy twist on classic pancakes using ripe bananas, eggs, oats, and honey.
- Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Instructions:
- Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the egg, oats, and honey. Mix well until combined.
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
- Pour 1/4 cup of the banana mixture onto the pan.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
4-Ingredient Honey Mustard Salmon
This 4-ingredient recipe yields a flavorful and tender salmon dish with a sweet and tangy twist. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this honey mustard salmon is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and Dijon mustard until smooth.
5. Brush the honey-mustard mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
6. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
4-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Pasta
Quick and Delicious Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
This recipe is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and can be ready in just 15 minutes. With only four ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, combine cherry tomatoes and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until coated with the creamy tomato sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
4-Ingredient Chocolate Mug Cake
In need of a sweet treat? This 4-ingredient chocolate mug cake is the perfect solution for when you’re short on time and ingredients!
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon instant chocolate pudding mix
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and sugar.
2. Add in the milk and stir until smooth.
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through.
4. Remove from the microwave and let cool for 30 seconds.
5. Top with whipped cream or chocolate chips (optional).
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
4-Ingredient Tuna Melt Quesadilla
A twist on the classic tuna salad, this quesadilla recipe combines canned tuna with melted cheese and crispy tortillas for a satisfying meal. With only 4 ingredients, it’s easy to make and perfect for a busy day.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 large tortillas
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the tuna, followed by half of the cheese.
3. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
5. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make a second quesadilla.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 10 minutes
4-Ingredient Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Liven up your meal with this flavorful 4-Ingredient Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe that’s ready in under 15 minutes! This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Cooking Time:
- Total: 12-15 minutes
4-Ingredient Cheddar Biscuits
Elevate your snack game with these easy-to-make, cheesy biscuits that require only 4 ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese until well combined.
5. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently 2-3 times.
6. Roll out dough to about 1 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a biscuit cutter or glass.
7. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
4-Ingredient Spinach Artichoke Dip
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this ridiculously easy 4-Ingredient Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying a warm, cheesy, and utterly addictive dip in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine artichoke hearts, spinach, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or a small cast-iron skillet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
5. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita bread, or crackers.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
4-Ingredient Sausage and Potato Bake
This hearty recipe combines juicy sausage with tender potatoes and creamy cheese for a satisfying meal that’s ready in no time. With just four ingredients, you can’t go wrong!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet or hot sausage, sliced
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine potato slices and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
3. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the potatoes in an even layer.
4. Top with sliced sausage, followed by the remaining potatoes and shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
4-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Beat the heat with this simple and delicious 4-ingredient smoothie that combines the sweetness of strawberries and bananas.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
– 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the bananas, strawberries, and vanilla yogurt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add the honey and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1-2 people
Enjoy your refreshing strawberry banana smoothie!
4-Ingredient Caprese Stuffed Avocado
Elevate your snack game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the creamy richness of avocado with the bright, tangy taste of caprese. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a healthy appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. In a small bowl, combine the cherry tomato halves and chopped basil.
3. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each avocado half.
4. Spoon the tomato-basil mixture over the cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None needed! Simply assemble and serve.
4-Ingredient Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these flavorful and easy-to-make teriyaki chicken skewers! With just four ingredients, you can have a tasty appetizer or main course on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the chicken, bell pepper, and a few drops of teriyaki sauce onto each skewer.
3. Brush the tops with additional teriyaki sauce (if desired).
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
4-Ingredient No-Bake Energy Bites
These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a healthy snack option. Made with just 4 ingredients, they’re easy to make and require no cooking!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chia seeds
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, and honey. Mix until well combined.
2. Stir in the chia seeds until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 energy bites.
4. Place the energy bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake energy bites are ready to go as soon as you’ve shaped them.
4-Ingredient Pesto Tortellini
This recipe is a flavorful twist on classic pasta dishes, combining the richness of pesto with the convenience of store-bought tortellini. In just a few minutes, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to go.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of cheese-filled tortellini
– 1/4 cup of pesto sauce
– 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a small skillet, heat the pesto sauce over medium-low heat.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the pesto sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until they start to release their juices.
4. Combine cooked tortellini with the pesto-tomato mixture and toss to coat.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
4-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Start your day off right with this simple and satisfying oatmeal recipe, packed with the natural sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 banana, sliced
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the oats are cooked through (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in the applesauce and cinnamon until well combined.
4. Top with sliced banana.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your warm and comforting apple cinnamon oatmeal!
Summary
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these easy-to-make recipes, all featuring just 4 ingredients! From savory dishes like Garlic Butter Steak and Baked Parmesan Chicken, to sweet treats like Peanut Butter Cookies and Banana Pancakes, there’s something for everyone. Plus, quick and delicious meals like Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork and Creamy Tomato Pasta will be on the table in no time. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for simple meal ideas, these 20 recipes are sure to become new favorites.
