Home Recipes Meal Types Dinner
Caroline StankoUpdated: Feb. 29, 2024
Perfect for the nights when you open your pantry and realize it's pretty much empty, these easy dinner recipes come together with just 4 ingredients (not including basics like salt and pepper!).
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Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches
My husband is a huge fan of pulled pork sandwiches, so my sister shared this incredibly easy recipe with me. At potlucks and family dinners, nobody can get enough of this root beer-braised version. âCarolyn Palm, Radcliff, Kentucky
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2/55
Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon
You wonât need to fish for compliments from your dinner guests when you serve this spectacular honey mustard salmon! âTaste of Home Test Kitchen
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3/55
Skewered Ginger Shrimp with Plums
Sweet, simple and sensational, these shrimp skewers boast loads of flavor with just four ingredients. Throw them on the grill for a quick dinner or tasty potluck dish. âTaste of Home Test Kitchen
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4/55
Margarita Chicken
Marinated in flavors of garlic and lime, this tangy margarita chicken is ready to go whenever the coals are hot! Serve with roasted corn on the cob and lemonade. âKelly Bruneman, Cedar Park, Texas
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5/55
Ranch Pork Roast
Our Test Kitchen created this simple Savory Pork Roast with a mild rub thatâs perfect for new cooks. The leftover meat is tender and flavorful enough to be used in countless recipes.
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Slow-Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches
âFoolproofâ is a perfect way to describe my barbecue pork recipe. With just four ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make these fabulous sandwiches with very little effort. âSarah Johnson, Chicago, Illinois
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7/55
Saucy Grilled Pork Chops
My mamaw in Kentucky used this "dip," as she called it, on many grilled meats including chicken and steak. âMisty Schneider, Bayport, Minnesota
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8/55
Sesame Cilantro Shrimp
On days when I don't feel like spending much time in the kitchen, I reach for shrimp. I can have a hot meal in the table in 10 minutes. âTami Penunuri, League City, Texas
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9/55
Apple-Glazed Chicken Thighs
My âpickatarianâ child is choosy but willing to eat this chicken glazed with apple juice and thyme. I dish it up with mashed potatoes and green beans. âKerry Picard, Spokane, Washington
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10/55
Ham and Cheese Pockets
These unique sandwich pockets are filled with ingredients both kids and adults enjoy. âCallie Myers, Rockport, Texas
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Maple Pork Ribs
A luscious maple-mustard sauce will take your next plate of ribs to a new level. âPhyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
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Breaded Pork Tenderloin
Meat is a hard sell with my teenage daughter unless I make it look like a restaurant dish. Drizzle ranch dressing or barbecue sauce on top and it's a home run. âDonna Carney, New Lexington, Ohio
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Pistachio Salmon
This simple salmon gets its crunch from a coating of crushed pistachios, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Add steamed veggies and rice and it's dinnertime! âAnthony Oraczewski, Port St. Lucie, FL
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16/55
Spinach and Turkey Pinwheels
Need an awesome snack for game day? My kids love these easy four-ingredient turkey pinwheels. Go ahead and make them the day beforeâthey wonât get soggy! âAmy Van Hemert, Ottumwa, Iowa
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17/55
Fast Baked Fish
We always have a good supply of fresh fish, so I make fish recipes often. This recipe is my favorite because it is moist, tender and flavorful. âJudie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming
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18/55
Grilled Buttermilk Chicken
I created this recipe years ago after one of our farmers market customers, a chef, shared the idea of marinating chicken in buttermilk. The chicken is easy to prepare and always turns out moist and delicious! I bruise the thyme sprigs by twisting them before adding them to the buttermilk mixture; this tends to release the oils in the leaves and flavor the chicken better. âSue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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19/55
Gourmet Barbecue Beef Sandwiches
These beef sandwiches were a tradition in my family on winter vacations after a long day of snow skiing, but they're a hit anytime we make them. Serving the savory barbecue beef on croissants with melty provolone cheese makes the sandwiches a little more special. âKatie Anderson, Vancouver, Washington
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20/55
Sugar-Glazed Ham
This old-fashioned ham glaze gives a pretty golden brown coatingâjust like Grandma used to make. The mustard and vinegar complement the brown sugar which adds a tangy flavor to this glazed ham recipe. Be prepared to serve seconds! âCarol Strong Battle, Heathville, Virginia
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21/55
Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Pull out your ovenproof skillet for this juicy balsamic pork tenderloin that goes from stovetop to oven. Balsamic vinegar gives it a tangy glaze. âLisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
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22/55
Pigs in a Blanket
These baked hot dog sandwiches appeal to kids of all ages. Even my husband, Allan, admits to enjoying every bite! We like to dip them in ketchup and mustard. âLinda Young, Longmont, Colorado
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23/55
Slow-Cooked Hoisin Pot Roast
One day my husband commented that he loves plums and meat. The next time I put a roast in the slow cooker, I added some plums. He was onto something! âJackie Cole, Dunnellon, Florida
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24/55
Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups
One night I looked in the refrigerator and pondered what I could make with chicken, cheese, mushrooms and pesto. This pretty dish was the result. Add Italian bread and a fruit salad for a complete meal! âMelissa Nordmann, Mobile, AL
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25/55
Lemon Feta Chicken
This bright, Greek-inspired chicken has only five ingredientsâit's a busy-day lifesaver! My husband and I prepare the dish often, and itâs a hit every time. âAnn Cain, Morrill, Nebraska
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26/55
Rosemary Pork Loin
I started growing rosemary in my garden after I discovered this pork recipe. My husband and I think itâs restaurant quality, and we look forward to making it after work. âJudy Learned, Boyertown, Pennsylvania
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My sonâs favorite dish uses homegrown spaghetti squash, kielbasa, and pico de gallo or salsa. âPam Mascarenas, Taylorsville, Utah
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30/55
Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
This entree is a fantastic way to savor fresh tomatoes, especially during the warm summer months. Itâs quite simple, but the sweet, tangy tomato glaze is so good. âKaren Gehrig, Concord, North Carolina
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31/55
Cider-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This is a super easy recipe full of sweet fall flavor. The maple flavor really shines through. âSusan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
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32/55
Skillet Chicken with Barbecue Onion
Barbecue chicken is a sure bet with guests, but itâs also messy at times. My stovetop BBQ chicken recipe lets you savor that flavor without a pile of napkins. âEvelyn Cleare, Miami, Florida
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Crispy Dill Tilapia
Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. âTamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
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Garlic Toast Pizzas
Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. âAmy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
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37/55
Zesty Grilled Ham
If it's ham, my kids will eat it, but they like this kicked-up recipe best of all. Even the small ones eat adult-sized portions, so be sure to make plenty. âMary Ann Lien, Tyler, Texas
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38/55
Caesar Chicken with Feta
My tomatoey chicken is the perfect answer on those crazy days when supper has to be on the table in 30 minutes, tops (doesn't hurt that it's delicious, too). âDenise Chelpka, Phoenix, Arizona
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39/55
Just Peachy Pork Tenderloin
I had a pork tenderloin and ripe peaches that begged to be put together. The results proved irresistible! This fresh entree tastes like summer. âJulia Gosliga, Addison, Vermont
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40/55
Balsamic-Seasoned Steak
This simple recipe ensures a tender steak without a long marinating time. Steak sauce and balsamic vinegar are a great team, and you canât go wrong with melty Swiss on top.
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41/55
Dogs in a Sweater
For a new twist on an old favorite, try these skewered hot dogs wrapped with breadstick dough and baked. They're fun to dip in ketchup, mustard or ranch dressing. The dressed-up dog recipe comes kid-tested from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. âTaste of Home Test Kitchen
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Ham and Bean Stew
You only need five ingredients to fix this thick and flavorful stew. It's so easy to make and always a favorite with my family. I top bowls of it with a sprinkling of shredded cheese. âTeresa D'Amato, East Granby, Connecticut
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43/55
Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups
I love the chicken roll-ups my mom made for special occasions, filled with spinach and cream cheese. My own kids wouldn't eat those, so I came up with a pizza-flavored variety the whole family enjoys. âTanja Penquite, Oregon, Ohio
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Easy Glazed Salmon
It takes only four ingredients and a few moments to make this delightful main dish. âTara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia
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Cheeseburger Pockets
Ground beef is my favorite meat to cook with because it's so versatile, flavorful and economical. Refrigerated biscuits save you the trouble of making dough from scratch. âPat Chambless, Crowder, Oklahoma
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Hot Dog Roll-Ups
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. âLyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
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47/55
Spicy Chicken Nuggets
We devour these spicy chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. âCheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia
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48/55
Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. âStacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada
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Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
Kids love this cheeseburger french fry casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. âKaren Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
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50/55
Spicy Apricot-Glazed Chicken
Looking for a new chicken idea? Save yourself a trip to the store and check the fridge first. I found out chili sauce, mustard and apricot preserves for a sweet, hot flavor. âSonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
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51/55
Easy Stuffed Shells
I threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish. âDolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin
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52/55
Beef Teriyaki Noodles
At our house, we love to combine fresh ingredients with a pantry product. This version starts with beef, onions, peppers and mushrooms, since we always have them on hand, but make the dish your ownâbring out your inner chef! âRichard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
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53/55
Dijon Pork Chops
A bread crumb coating is all you need to turn pork chops into a wow-worthy family dinner. Try the breading on chicken breasts too. âChris Rentmeister, Ripon, Wisconsin
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54/55
Weeknight Ravioli Lasagna
My husband and I love lasagna, but it's time-consuming to build and we always end up with too much. Using frozen ravioli fixes the problem! âPamela Nicholson, Festus, Missouri
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55/55
Pesto Halibut
The mildness of halibut contrasts perfectly with the robust flavor of pesto in this recipe. It takes only minutes to get the fish ready for the oven, leaving you plenty of time to get started on your side dishes. Nearly anything goes well with this entree. âApril Showalter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Originally Published: December 08, 2021
Caroline Stanko
Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish.When sheâs not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer co*cktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.