35 Quick 5-Minute Meals

Looking for an easy lunch or dinner idea that you can whip up in just 5 minutes? Find 35 quick 5-minute meals when you are short on time.

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Once September rolls around, it feels like time moves faster as we all start getting ready for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Between appointments, work, and school functions, there never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done.

The last thing we want to do after a long day is to figure out what to have for dinner. Especially, when we are tired and just want something simple that doesn’t take a lot of time or energy to prepare.

And, if you are trying to avoid getting take-out then the best option is to find quick and easy meals that you can make up super fast. Like, 5 minutes fast.

But, can you really get a meal on the table that’s quick, affordable, and delicious in just five minutes? Yes, actually 5-minute meals are the ultimate time-saving hack. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can have a super fast and tasty meal on the table in no time.

What Can You Make in 5 Minutes?

It might not seem possible but there are actually quite a few meals that you can make in just 5 minutes. Most of the meals can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner and many use quick cooking methods like the microwave or air fryer. There are also simple no-cook meals that you can throw together for a fast dinner or super quick lunch option.

So, if you are looking for fast recipes for super busy days, you will love these 5-minute meals. These easy ideas are perfect for busy families with picky eaters, college students, or anyone who wants dinner on the table fast with minimal effort.

Love dessert? Find 45 Quick 5-Minute Dessert Recipes

Enjoy these quick 5-minute meal ideas. You will find easy microwavable, air fryer, and no-cook meals to enjoy any time of the day.

Tacos

Tacos are a family favorite with some shredded rotisserie chicken, a little bit of cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa wrapped in tortilla cheese. It can be a quick grab-and-go lunch or dinner. Plus, it can be completely customized especially if you have some refried beans, or black beans on hand.

These easy 5-minute tacos (A Couple Cooks) are a fast and simple weeknight dinner idea you will love.

Burritos

Love burritos? It’s understandable as they are quick, hearty, and delicious. When you need something easy to grab and go, burritos are the perfect choice.

Breakfast burritos- It doesn’t have to be breakfast to enjoy quick and easy breakfast burritos. Simply add an egg to a small microwavable bowl. Then, add salt, pepper, and a splash of milk, and beat it with a fork until blended. Add some shredded cheese, chopped deli ham, or pre-cooked bacon and stir to combine. Lastly, microwave for 30 seconds, stir the egg mixture and cook for another 30 seconds, then place a tortilla shell on top of the bowl and microwave one more time for 20-30 more seconds. Add egg mixture to tortilla shell (be careful as it will be hot). Top with salsa and roll up.
Bean and cheese burritos- These are super easy to make and taste great. Simply grab a tortilla shell and spread some refried beans (you can also use black beans if you prefer) in the middle of the tortilla shell, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top and then roll up. Microwave for about 45 seconds or until cheese is melted.

If you would like to make a larger serving of these burritos. Warm 10 tortilla shells in the microwave for 1 minute. Then, warm a 16-ounce can of refried beans in a microwavable dish for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Stir, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and then microwave for an additional 30 seconds or until cheese is melted on top. Spread the refried bean/cheese mixture on tortilla shells and roll up. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas are one of our go-to 5-minute meals because they are hearty and super simple to throw together. You can use the microwave to make quesadillas or an air fryer (if you want your tortilla shell to be crispy).

Bean and cheese- Spread refried beans on a tortilla shell, add some shredded cheddar cheese, and fold the tortilla shell in half. Microwave for 30-45 seconds. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Chicken and cheese– Add some shredded rotisserie chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and salsa (optional) to a tortilla shell, fold over, and microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Pizza- No time to make homemade pizza, but you are craving its deliciousness? Just add some pizza sauce to a tortilla shell and top with some mozzarella cheese and a couple of slices of pepperoni. Fold over and microwave for 30-45 seconds. (You can also use an air fryer (3-4 minutes- make sure to brush with a little oil on top so it gets nice and brown).
Buffalo chicken- We love buffalo chicken everything in our home, but when we need a super quick lunch or dinner idea, we turn to buffalo chicken quesadillas. Simply add some rotisserie chicken to a bowl with some Frank’s hot sauce and ranch dressing. (we do this to taste so it’s not too spicy), add some shredded cheddar cheese to the top, fold over and you can microwave for about a minute, air fry or brown it in a skillet.

Notes:

If you’d prefer not to fold over your quesadilla, simply add your ingredients to the tortilla shell, then top with another tortilla shell, and cook. Serve with some fruit and veggies for a quick lunch or dinner option.

Also, it may take less or more time in the microwave (depending on watts) for the cheese to melt with quesadillas. We usually start with 30 seconds first and then keep adding 10-20 more seconds until done. Just don’t overcook as the tortilla shell and cheese can get hard when cooled.

Nachos

Who doesn’t love cheesy nachos? I know it’s one of our very favorite quick and easy recipes. And, just like quesadillas, they are easily customizable. Plus, with only 5 minutes, you have a delicious lunch or dinner that everyone will love.

To make nachos, start by adding tortilla chips to a microwave-safe plate, then add your cheese and extra toppings. A few ideas for toppings include:

Black beans or refried beans
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles
Jalapeno peppers
Chopped Onions
Black olives
Shredded rotisserie chicken

Add your toppings to your tortilla chips, sprinkle with some more cheese, and microwave for about 1 minute or until the cheese is melted. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. You can also add your ingredients to the air fryer and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Or, cook under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.

Salads & Sandwiches

When you want a quick but light dinner option, salads and sandwiches are ideal. Add these easy salad sandwiches to whole-grain bread, croissants, or in a tortilla with some lettuce or spinach.

Tuna salad- We like to keep it super simple when making our tuna salad. Just add one can of white tuna with a ¼ cup of mayonnaise and about 1 tablespoon of sweet relish (and optional red onion chopped or celery), plus salt and pepper to taste.
Chicken salad- This chicken salad from Butter with a Side of Bread is our favorite chicken salad recipe. You will love this super easy recipe.
Ham salad- This recipe from Zona Cooks is the perfect way to use up any leftover ham or you can pick up some diced ham or use a ham steak for a tasty 5-minute meal.
Pre-made salad mix with shredded rotisserie chicken- It doesn’t get any easier than picking up a cooked rotisserie chicken, and adding some pieces to the top of a pre-made salad mix.

Recommended: 27 Easy 10-Minute Lunch Ideas

Grilled Sandwiches

These grilled sandwiches can be made up quickly in a microwave or a skillet (see tips below for faster cooking). You can also use an air fryer if you have one. They are great for cooking your sandwiches super quick. Plus, they are ideal if you like your bread to have a good crunch when you bite into it.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect quick cozy dinner on chilly nights and combined with a nice hot bowl of tomato soup, it’s comfort food at its finest. You can make these easy grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet or an air fryer or microwave ( takes less than 5 minutes). Here are a few quick 5-minute grilled cheese sandwich options.

Microwave Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Although microwave grilled cheese isn’t as crispy as cooking it in a skillet or air fryer, it’s still a good option if you want something super quick and filling. To make this easy recipe, simply toast two slices of bread, and then butter both slices on one side. Place a slice of cheese between the unbuttered sides, wrap it with a paper towel (helps with sogginess), and microwave for about 20 seconds (or until the cheese is melted).

Skillet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese sandwiches are such a delicious, hearty, and filling meal. Plus, it can be made in as little as 5 minutes as long as you cover your grilled cheese as it’s cooking because it helps to melt the cheese faster. Just make sure that you are checking it frequently and cooking on medium-low so it doesn’t burn.

Classic Grilled Cheese- You can use any bread and sliced cheese you would like. Butter both sides of the bread and cook until brown and toasty. (Try some sharp cheese with some Dijon mustard for a different twist.)
Grilled Salami, Ham, and Cheese- Add a slice of ham, with your favorite flavor of cheese and cook in a skillet until golden brown.
Grilled Ham, Cheese, and Pickle Sandwiches- When my boys were younger they ate these all the time. They are picky eaters and this was a fun way to jazz up a classic grilled cheese.
Grilled Cheese with Ham, Turkey, Tomato, and Onion Sandwich- This is one of my favorite ways to have a grilled cheese sandwich. Simple but so delicious!
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese– Mix some shredded rotisserie chicken with some buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, add to your sandwich with a slice of cheddar or provolone cheese, then cook until golden brown.
Caprese Grilled Cheese- Add mozzarella cheese, a tomato slice, and some basil, then drizzle with some balsamic glaze and grill until toasty golden brown for an upgraded grilled cheese sandwich experience.
Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese- Enjoy this sweet and tangy combination of sliced green apple, and sharp cheddar cheese.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich

If you like your grilled cheese sandwiches super crunchy (like I do), then you will love an air fryer grilled cheese sandwich. I share my super simple recipe in my 20 Best Air Fryer Tips for Beginners.

Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

This may seem like a snack but if you are craving something quick, sweet, and delicious this sandwich may be just what you are looking for. Simply make a peanut butter sandwich but add some sliced bananas, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey (optional). Butter both sides of the bread and then cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.

Pizza Sandwich

Pizza is a Friday night staple in our home but when we are super busy these easy pizza sandwiches make a quick meal. Toast two slices of bread in the toaster, then butter one side of each slice of bread. Turn over and add a slice of mozzarella cheese, add a light layer of pizza sauce on top of the cheese, and then add some pepperoni. Place the other slice of bread on top (buttered side up), wrap it in a paper towel, and place it on a microwavable plate. Microwave for 30 seconds or until cheese is melted.

If you find your bread gets too soggy for your liking, you can also use an air fryer to cook it in under 5 minutes.

Wraps

Wraps are one of the best 5-minute meals because just like burritos, quesadillas, and quick sandwiches, they are completely customizable. There are so many different ways you can make a delicious wrap for a super quick dinner or lunch option.

Buffalo Chicken Wraps- You will love these 5-minute buffalo chicken wraps from Gimme Delicious. They are perfect for busy weeknights to enjoy at home or take on the go.
Rotisserie Chicken Wraps- Do you have some leftover rotisserie chicken? Wraps are the best way to use it. Add in some lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise (or ranch dressing), and cheese for a super simple meal idea.
California Turkey Club Wrap– Looking for a filling and delicious lunch or dinner option? Look no further than these easy and healthy 5-minute California turkey club wraps from Tastes Lovely.
Egg & Spinach Wrap- In a hot skillet scramble an egg, add a handful of spinach and some cheddar cheese. Once cooked, add to a tortilla shell sprinkle with hot sauce, and wrap up.

Pizza

Pizza is my all-time favorite food, which means I’m always looking for ways to enjoy this savory food. Here are a few quick 5-minute meals with that delicious cheesy, and saucy flavor.

English Muffin Pizza- Toast your English muffins, add a tablespoon of pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Cook in the microwave for 45-60 seconds or until the cheese is melted.
Bagel Pizza- A bagel pizza is cooked the same way as an English muffin pizza. You can also cook these in the air fryer instead of the toaster/microwave for 5 minutes at 350°.
Tortilla Pizza- Try this 5-minute tortilla pizza recipe from Fresh April Flours for a delicious and quick lunch or dinner.

More Easy 5-Minute Meals

Cheesy Ramen

We love this 5-minute recipe for cheesy ramen from Whisk Affair. It’s a great option for a hearty and tasty meal.

You can also add some alfredo sauce to your cooked ramen for an even quicker option. My son loves making his ramen this way!

Ramen Stir Fry

Ramen stir fry is the perfect solution when you are looking for a fast dinner option for busy weeknights. To make this tasty 5-minute dish, cook your ramen according to the package directions, then add some pre-cooked or frozen veggies in the last 1 minute of cooking time.

Mac and Cheese

This single-serving mac and cheese is not only delicious but super simple to make. Combine ½ cup of elbow macaroni with ½ cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for about 4 minutes (the water should be almost absorbed- if not microwave for a little bit longer). Add in a splash of milk (1 tbsp.) and 1/3 cup of sharp or cheddar cheese. Stir and microwave for 1 more minute or until the pasta is cooked through and the cheese is melted.

Quick tip-make sure to use a larger bowl because the starch in the pasta will make the water bubble up and cause a mess in your microwave. Otherwise, you could place your bowl on a paper plate just in case it ends up boiling over.

Keep in mind that microwaves vary a lot so it may take a little longer for the pasta to cook in some microwaves.

Breakfast

Breakfast has the best 5-minute meals because eggs can be cooked so quickly in the microwave or even in a skillet. If you are looking for more super easy breakfast options, I share 40 quick 5-minute breakfast ideas that are delicious, satisfying, and can be enjoyed any time of day.

Avocado Toast- Start by mashing avocado, then spread it on whole-grain toast, add a scrambled egg, some hot sauce, and salt and pepper to the top, and enjoy!
Microwave Omelette- Beat two eggs in a microwave-safe bowl, then add any veggies you have on hand (onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc), add some shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Then, microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Serve with toast, a bagel, or sliced fruit.

There you go, 35 quick meal ideas that you can make in 5 minutes or less. I tried to include recipes that didn’t require added prep time beforehand. The goal was to share easy ideas that would allow you to open your fridge or pantry and be able to cook or make something in just 5 minutes total. Hopefully, you’ve found some inspiration and it makes figuring out lunch or dinner this week a little less stressful. Enjoy!

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