Cooking meals from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With just a few grocery store staples, you can whip up delicious and creative dishes that will satisfy everyone at the table. Here are ten meal ideas you can try using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
1. Spaghetti Carbonara
You can create a comforting bowl of spaghetti carbonara with a few simple ingredients. To make the meal you need pasta, eggs, cheese, bacon or pancetta. You probably have these items on hand right now. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that doesn’t require many ingredients.
2. Stir-fry with Rice and Veggies
Grab some rice and frozen or fresh vegetables to create a flavorful stir-fry. If you’re like me, you have bags and bags of rice lying around. If not, it’s cheap to secure even at the dollar store. Add soy sauce and any protein you have on hand, and you’ve got a quick, nutritious meal.
3. Homemade Quesadillas
Quesadillas require very few ingredients to make. All you need is Tortillas, cheese, and any leftover veggies or meats to make for an easy and delicious homemade recipe. Pair it with salsa or sour cream for added flavor. If you like sides, rice or charro beans works wonders.
4. One-Pot Chili
Chilli is my lazy girl go-to. I throw all the ingredients in my crockpot then set and forget. Most chili recipes call for canned beans, tomatoes, and ground meat. It’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd on a budget.
5. Pancakes for Dinner
Who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner? It’s especially a hit with the kids. To create one breakfast staple all you need is flour, eggs, and milk. With these, you can whip up a stack of pancakes for dinner. Top them with fruit or syrup for a comforting, sweet meal.
6. Tuna Salad
Tuna is an easy snack or meal. To whip it up all you need is canned tuna, mayonnaise, and bread. It makes a tasty tuna salad sandwich. Add in some pickles or celery for extra crunch. I also like to add a hint of mustard to add a little tang.
7. Chicken Salad Sandwich
You can get creative with canned chicken chunks or shredded. All you need is the canned chicken, mayonnaise, and some veggies to create a quick and satisfying meal. Use croissants to wrap it all up for a portable, healthy lunch.
8. Rice and Beans Burrito Bowls
Rice and beans are more than delicious side options. They can be combined to make a tasty dinner. Combine cooked rice, canned beans, and your favorite toppings like cheese, salsa, and sour cream to create a flavorful burrito bowl.
9. Peanut Butter Banana Sandwiches
I’m not a fan of peanut butter myself, but it’s a crowd favorite. For a quick and fun snack, spread peanut butter on bread and add banana slices. It’s nutritious, delicious, and perfect for both kids and adults. Want to make it even funkier? Add some marshmallow fluff. I hear it’s yummy.
10. Scrambled Eggs with Vegetables
Eggs are a grocery staple. They pair perfectly with whatever veggies you have on hand. Scramble them together for a hearty, healthy breakfast or dinner.
There Are Plenty of Quick Meal Options
If you’re looking for quick dinner options, here are just a few. Get creative and take note of what’s in your pantry. You could recreate these options or come up with other delicious ideas.