5 ingredient, 5 step meals

You’re probably reading this because you don't have time or energy to read a lengthy food blog. So, I’ll make this quick. These are five meals, which involve 5 ingredients, made in 5 steps. They also can be made with two or less pans/pots, so cleanup is super easy. AND- they’re balanced meals with carbs, protein, fat, and produce!

Loaded Sweet Potato

Packed with fiber, Vitamin A, and protein, this meal gives a new take on your favorite potato!

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

1. 1 medium sweet potato

2. Sliced deli turkey

3. Parmesan cheese

4. Spinach (fresh or frozen)

5. Butter

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 450.

2. Pierce the sweet potato all over with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour

3. Slice the sweet potato in half lengthwise.

4. Add butter, parmesan cheese, spinach, and turkey on top of the potato in any amount your heart desires

5. Place back in oven for about 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and spinach is wilted

Tip: Experiment with different types of cheese and veggie toppings! Cut the sweet potato into cubes for an even shorter baking time.

Did you know you can buy pre-cooked sweet potatoes in the freezer aisle?

Run-around Ramen

This can be made in under 10 minutes- when you’re running around and need a filling rest stop!

Ingredients:

1. 1 pack instant ramen noodles

2. 2-4 eggs

3. 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

4. 1 Seaweed snack pack

5. Sriracha

Steps:

1. Make ramen according to package

2. While water is boiling, fry 2-4 eggs over high heat with the pan lid on. This gives a soft yolk that will be delicious with the soup.

3. Microwave ~1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

4. Portion ingredients into 1-2 bowls, depending on how hungry you are

5. Top with sriracha and enjoy!

*Tip: store noodles and broth separately for an easy leftover lunch for the next day

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

I made this on a whim, and it seriously is now one of my favorite meals. Comforting, warm, and a balanced spin on everyone’s favorite comfort food.

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients:

1. White cheddar mac and cheese (boxed, I like Kraft!)

2. Milk and butter as called for on the box

3. Broccoli

4. Cooked chicken or turkey

5. Buffalo sauce (or hot sauce and butter, if you don’t have premade)

Steps:

1. Make mac and cheese according to box instruction

2. While the water is boiling, prep the milk and butter

3. Microwave the broccoli until thawed (try 2 minutes)

4. Add the poultry in the broccoli bowl, and give another zap until warm (try 1 minute)

5. Finish making the mac, and add the poultry, broccoli, and buffalo sauce!

“Whatever” Quesadillas

What do you want for dinner?

“Whatever”

I know just the meal!

2 tortillas makes ~1 meal, just cook more if you’re feeding more!

Ingredients:

1. Tortillas

2. Cheese (any cheese works, except for hard cheeses that don’t melt)

3. Butter or oil

4. Whatever leftover meat/beans/seafood/veg you have on hand

5. Whatever sour cream, ranch, salsa, guacamole is in the fridge (for dipping)

Steps:

1. Add a pat of butter to a large pan over medium-high heat until sizzling

2. Place your tortilla open on the pan.

3. Add cheese, then the toppings

4. Close the tortilla, and repeat on the second half of the pan

5. Cook until cheese is melted and tortilla is golden brown

Baked Gnocchi

This spin on the famous tik-tok feta pasta requires only 1 pan!

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients: 1. 1 package gnocchi (available in pasta or international foods aisle)

2. 2 small containers cherry tomatoes

3. 6 oz fresh spinach

4. Olive oil

5. Garlic and onion (I know this is two. Technically it’s in the same family, so…)

1. Also, parmesan or mozzarella cheese. That’s six ingredients, but it only takes 1 pan so I think I get some leeway.

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400

2. Add all the ingredients to a large pan, so they’re not overlapping.

3. Toss with a generous drizzle of olive oil

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the veggies are soft and the gnocchi are golden

5. Portion into bowls, and top with cheese!

As you’ll notice, most of these meals use processed food! I am a firm believer that feeding yourself processed food is better than making meals an afterthought. If this is giving you lots of anxiety, we’d love to explore that in session!

Bon Appetit!