This page may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, we might get a small commission at no cost to you.
Quick dinners are a lifesaver, especially when you’re juggling a busy weeknight or just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. You may have already made some of these 4 ingredient dinner ideas, have them on your weekly meal list, or perhaps you’ve been meaning to try them. Each dish uses just four simple ingredients (not counting optional toppings), so they’re budget-friendly, too.
After each recipe idea, you’ll find a link to explore more delicious ideas and inspiration for that meal, giving you plenty of options to keep your dinner lineup fresh and exciting!
1. Cajun Sausage With Rice
Ingredients needed: Zatarain’s Red Beans and Rice (or jambalaya), Hillshire Cajun Sausage, bell peppers, onion
This dish is a bold, satisfying dinner that feels like a Southern classic without all the work. The Zatarain’s mix delivers perfectly seasoned rice, while the smoked sausage brings a rich, savory flavor. Adding sautéed bell peppers and onions gives it a fresh, slightly sweet crunch. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together quickly—perfect for those nights when you want a warm, filling meal with minimal effort.
Instructions
This is one of my favorite quick and easy 4 ingredient dinner ideas that brings the flavors of the South to your table! Start by slicing the Hillshire Cajun Sausage into rounds and searing them in a skillet over medium heat until they’re browned and slightly crispy. While the sausage cooks, dice the bell peppers and onion. Once the sausage is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onion until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. Meanwhile, prepare the Zatarain’s rice mix according to the package instructions. Once the rice is ready, stir in the cooked sausage and sautéed veggies. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to blend the flavors, then serve up this hearty dish hot. Perfect for a cozy dinner with a little Cajun kick!
2. Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients needed: canned diced tomatoes, canned black beans, vegetable stock, chili seasoning
This hearty and wholesome chili is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. The canned beans and tomatoes form a rich, flavorful base, while frozen corn adds just the right amount of sweetness. Customize the spice level to your taste with chili seasoning, and you’ve got a cozy, plant-based dinner ready in no time. It’s perfect for meal prepping or a quick family meal that everyone will love.
Instructions
This vegetarian chili is as easy as it is delicious! Prepare all your ingredients by draining and rinsing the black beans, and chopping any additional vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or chickpeas if you’d like to bulk it up.
Once everything is ready, add the canned diced tomatoes (juice included), vegetable stock, black beans, chili seasoning, and any additional veggies to your slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until all the flavors are melded and the vegetables are tender. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for a cozy, plant-based meal that’s perfect for any night!
3. Ham and Noodles
Ingredients needed: wide egg noodles, frozen peas and carrots mix, cubed ham, milk
This creamy, nostalgic dish is a family favorite. The wide egg noodles cook up tender and pair beautifully with the salty, savory ham. Frozen peas and carrots add a pop of color and nutrients, and a splash of milk ties everything together for a comforting, one-pot meal. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and feels like something grandma would make.
Instructions
It doesn’t get much simpler than this when it comes to 4 ingredient dinner ideas, ham and noodles. Get a big pack of flat noodles, a pack of the pre-cubed ham (or get the pre-cooked pieces and cube it yourself), along with some frozen peas and carrots. I like to cook the ham first on the skillet in a tiny bit of oil, just to get it nice and browned.
Then I add in the peas and carrots, you can cover and let them cook for a bit while you are preparing the noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package, drain the water. Add everything together in a large dish or pot, give it a splash of milk for moisture and mix together thoroughly. Top with some parmesan cheese if you like.
4. Pot Roast with Veggies
Ingredients needed: beef round roast, baby carrots, red potatoes, seasoning pack
Few meals are as classic and satisfying as a pot roast. The beef chuck roast becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it slow-cooks alongside hearty baby carrots and potatoes. A sliced onion adds depth and richness to the flavor, but isn’t required. This dish takes minimal prep and delivers a warm, comforting dinner that’s perfect for family gatherings or Sunday suppers.
Instructions
This one is super easy and perfect for the whole family, I actually made it last night. You just need a few items from the store and you’ll have a large meal and plenty of leftovers. I like to get a 2-3 lbs top round or another lean round roast. As long as you cook it for 8-10 hours on low it will be fall-apart-tender with almost no fat on it.
I also like to sear all sides of the roast on the skillet in a little oil with the chopped up onion before adding to slow cooker. After that, add the roast, chopped veggies, and pot roast seasoning mixture of your choice and allow to cook all day.
5. Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients needed: white rice, cooked chicken, frozen peas and carrots, frozen or fresh broccoli
This quick and healthy stir fry is a great way to get dinner on the table fast. The white rice serves as a neutral base, soaking up all the savory flavors from the chicken and veggies. Frozen peas and carrots add a touch of sweetness, while broccoli brings a fresh, crunchy texture. Season it to taste with soy sauce, and you’ve got a balanced, satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes.
Instructions
This chicken stir fry is a lifesaver for busy nights! Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces and sautéing it in a large skillet or wok with a little oil over medium heat until fully cooked. Add the frozen peas and carrots along with the frozen or fresh broccoli to the skillet, stirring everything together. Cook until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
Towards the end of the cooking time, prepare the instant 5-minute rice in the microwave according to the package instructions. Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables, then pour in soy sauce or your favorite stir fry sauce. Stir everything together to coat evenly and heat for another minute or two. Serve hot and enjoy this quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal!
6. Chicken & Rice Casserole
Ingredients needed: cooked shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, instant rice, frozen mixed vegetables
This creamy casserole is pure comfort food with minimal effort. The cream of mushroom soup brings richness, while the instant rice and shredded chicken make it hearty and filling. Frozen mixed vegetables add color and a touch of freshness, rounding out the dish beautifully. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy nights when you want a warm, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Instructions
This chicken and rice casserole is as simple as it gets! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with a cup of water (or milk for extra creaminess) and stir until smooth. Add the instant rice, cooked shredded chicken, and frozen mixed vegetables to the bowl, mixing everything together until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and everything is heated through. For an extra touch, sprinkle shredded cheese or crushed crackers on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. Serve hot and enjoy this cozy, no-fuss dinner!
7. Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Bake
Ingredients needed: rotisserie chicken, frozen broccoli, shredded cheese, cooked rice
This cheesy bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Tender chunks of rotisserie chicken pair with fluffy rice and broccoli, all tied together with melty, gooey cheese. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while still delivering on flavor. Assemble it quickly, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Instructions
This cheesy broccoli and chicken bake comes together in no time! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded rotisserie chicken, and frozen broccoli (no need to thaw—it’ll cook perfectly in the oven).
Add half of the shredded cheese to the mixture, then stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt, pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor, if you like. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with the remaining shredded cheese, then bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, veggie-packed dish!
8. Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Ingredients needed: pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, slider buns, coleslaw (optional)
This slow-cooked classic is a hit every time. The pork shoulder becomes fall-apart tender after hours in the crockpot, soaking up the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Serve it on slider buns for a quick, flavorful meal. Add coleslaw on top if you want a crunchy, refreshing contrast, but even on its own, this dish is a winner for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Instructions
This crockpot BBQ pulled pork is as easy as it is delicious! Start by choosing the right cut of meat. A pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal because it’s well-marbled and becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. If you’re short on time, there are probably several pre-seasoned options from the store that would work great too. You can use a large pork tenderloin for a leaner alternative.
Place the pork in your crockpot and pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the top. Add a splash of water or broth to keep things moist, then cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.
Once it’s done, shred the meat with two forks and mix it with the cooking juices. Serve the pulled pork on slider buns with extra BBQ sauce, and top with coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy twist. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd!
9. Creamy Beef Stroganoff Casserole
Ingredients needed: egg noodles, ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream
This comforting casserole brings all the creamy, savory goodness of classic stroganoff with minimal effort. The egg noodles hold the rich sauce perfectly, while the ground beef adds hearty protein. Sour cream gives it a tangy richness, making this an easy, satisfying dinner that feels like a treat after a long day.
Instructions
This creamy beef stroganoff casserole is super simple to whip up! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. While the noodles cook, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth. Add the cooked ground beef and drained egg noodles, stirring everything together until well combined. For extra flavor, you can season with garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and slightly bubbly around the edges. Serve hot and enjoy this cozy, creamy classic!
10. Beef Enchilada Bake
Ingredients needed: ground or shredded beef, enchilada sauce, flour tortillas, shredded cheese
If you’re craving something with a bit of spice, this enchilada bake is a great choice. Layer flour tortillas with seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melty shredded cheese for a dish that’s hearty and full of bold flavors. It’s like a deconstructed enchilada, made even easier and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Instructions
This beef enchilada bake is a breeze to make! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess grease, then stir in a small amount of enchilada sauce to season the beef.
In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Layer with flour tortillas, overlapping slightly, then add a layer of the seasoned beef, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers—enchilada sauce, tortillas, beef, and cheese—until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before slicing into portions. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings for a bold, crowd-pleasing meal!
11. Crockpot Taco Soup
Ingredients needed: ground beef or turkey, canned diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, black beans
This dump-and-go crockpot recipe has all the flavors of taco night in a warm, comforting soup. Ground beef or turkey forms the protein base, while canned tomatoes and black beans make it hearty and filling. Taco seasoning ties it all together with that familiar, zesty kick. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hot and ready without much work.
Instructions
Crockpot taco soup is as easy as it gets! Start by browning the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then transfer the cooked meat to your crockpot.
Add the canned diced tomatoes (juice included), black beans (drained and rinsed), and a packet of taco seasoning. Stir everything together, then pour in about 2-3 cups of water or broth, depending on how thick you want your soup.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if you’re around, but otherwise, let the crockpot do its thing! Serve the soup hot with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or diced avocado. You’ll likely end up with more than four ingredients on this one will all the possible toppings, but that’s ok… it’s still an easy dinner!
12. Pork Chops & Veggies
Ingredients needed: pork chops, McCormick Bag and Seasoning, baby carrots, baby potatoes
This meal is as easy as it gets. Simply place pork chops, baby carrots, and potatoes into the seasoning bag, shake to coat, and bake until everything is tender and flavorful. The McCormick seasoning ensures the dish is perfectly seasoned every time, and cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in the bag. It’s a no-fuss dinner that’s both delicious and reliable.
Instructions
This pork chops and veggies dinner couldn’t be simpler! Start by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on the McCormick Bag and Seasoning package. Open the seasoning bag and place it in a large baking dish for support.
Add the pork chops (I like to get a bunch of really thin ones), baby carrots, and baby potatoes to the bag. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over everything, add a little water, then seal the bag tightly. Shake gently to coat the pork and veggies evenly with the seasoning.
Lay the bag flat in the baking dish, making sure it’s not touching the oven walls, and cut a small slit in the top of the bag to vent steam. Bake according to the package instructions, usually about 45-60 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked and the veggies are tender. Carefully cut open the bag (watch out for hot steam!) and serve this flavorful, mess-free meal straight from the dish. Perfect for busy nights!
