When you’re short on time or can’t make it to the store, it helps to know how to create tasty meals with what you already have. Using pantry staples means fewer trips to the grocery store and less stress around mealtime.
These 13 simple recipes will show you how to turn common ingredients into satisfying dishes without needing a special trip to stock up. You’ll find ideas that are quick, easy, and use everyday foods you likely have on hand.
Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs
You can make a full meal using just one skillet and ingredients you likely have at home. Start by cooking meatballs right in the pan, then add tomatoes and seasonings.
Next, pour in some hot water and toss in spaghetti to cook in the sauce. This method infuses the pasta with flavor while keeping cleanup easy.
Top it with cheese if you like, and you’ve got a simple, satisfying dinner without extra pots or pans.
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Italian Dressing
You can make a simple chicken and rice casserole using ingredients like chicken tenderloins, Italian dressing, and instant rice. Mix the chicken with dressing and a bit of honey to add a touch of sweetness.
Add chicken broth for cooking the rice, then combine everything in a baking dish. This recipe is great when you want a comforting meal with minimal prep using staples you likely have on hand.
Simple Beef Stroganoff
You can whip up a tasty beef stroganoff using just a few pantry staples like egg noodles, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup. Brown the beef first, then mix in the soup for an easy sauce.
Add some onions and mushrooms if you have them for extra flavor. Serve it all over noodles for a satisfying, simple meal you can make any night.
Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl
You can make a spicy tuna rice bowl quickly using pantry staples like canned tuna, microwaveable rice, and sriracha. Mix these with a bit of mayo for creaminess.
Add some chopped green onions or a splash of soy sauce if you have them. Top with seaweed flakes or cucumber for extra texture.
This dish comes together in minutes and is a simple, flavorful way to use what you have on hand.
Tomato-Cream Pasta
You can make a tasty tomato-cream pasta using simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes and cream or cream cheese. It comes together quickly and tastes comforting without needing many ingredients.
Start by sautéing garlic and onions if you have them. Then, add your canned tomatoes and a splash of cream for a smooth, rich sauce. Toss with your favorite pasta, and you’re ready to eat!
Baked Brown Rice with Garlic and Onions
You can easily make baked brown rice by combining rice with sautéed garlic and onions. Start by warming olive oil in a pan, then cook chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
Next, place the rice in a baking dish and pour boiling water or broth over it. Cover tightly and bake at around 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. This method gives you fluffy, flavorful rice with minimal effort.
Canned Black Beans with Red Pepper and Oregano
You can quickly transform canned black beans into a flavorful dish with just a few pantry staples. Start by heating a little oil and sautéing finely diced red pepper for sweetness and crunch.
Add drained black beans, then season with dried oregano, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne if you like some heat. Stir gently and warm through. This simple mix adds great flavor and works well as a side or filling for wraps.
Yummy Lemon Salmon Burgers
You can make tasty lemon salmon burgers using simple ingredients from your pantry. Mix canned or fresh salmon with eggs, breadcrumbs, parsley, and a good squeeze of lemon juice.
Add a bit of onion or green onion for extra flavor if you have it on hand.
Shape the mixture into patties and cook them in a pan until golden. These burgers come together quickly and make a great protein-packed meal.
Carbonara Beans
You can transform simple pantry staples into a creamy, comforting dish with carbonara beans. This recipe combines beans with bacon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to create rich, flavorful bites.
It’s quick to make and uses ingredients you likely already have at home. This dish works great as a side or a light main course when you want something easy and satisfying.
Tomato Soup Spice Cake
You can make a moist, flavorful cake using just a spice cake mix and a can of tomato soup from your pantry. Add a few simple ingredients like eggs and milk, and you’re ready to bake.
The tomato soup adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the warm spices in the cake. Top it with cream cheese frosting for a classic touch. It’s an easy way to impress with what you already have at home.
Pasta Cacio e Pepe
You only need three ingredients for Pasta Cacio e Pepe: pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. It’s a simple dish that relies on good quality ingredients you likely already have.
Cook the pasta until al dente. Then, toss it with plenty of freshly cracked black pepper and grated cheese for a creamy, flavorful meal. This recipe is quick and perfect when you want something easy from your pantry.
Beans and Rice Bowl
You can make a simple beans and rice bowl using ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Start with dried or canned beans and cook them with onion, garlic, and salt for flavor.
Add cooked rice to your beans for a filling and nutritious meal.
Top it with whatever you have on hand, like avocado, salsa, or cheese, to make it your own. This meal is quick, budget-friendly, and easy to customize.
Quick Pantry Chili
You can make a tasty chili using just a few pantry staples like canned beans, ground beef, diced tomatoes, and chili powder. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect when you want something warm without a lot of prep.
Just brown the beef, add your beans and tomatoes, then sprinkle in chili powder for flavor. Let it simmer for a bit, and you have a simple, satisfying meal ready to enjoy.