When you’re staring at the menu, tempted to spend way too much on takeout, it’s easy to forget what’s already in your pantry. Sometimes all you need are a few simple ingredients to whip up something satisfying without breaking the bank.
You can save money and avoid the hassle of ordering out by turning to easy pantry dinners that come together quickly. These meals help you use what you already have and still enjoy a tasty dinner after a long day.
Chili with canned beans, tomatoes, and ground beef
When you're craving something hearty without ordering takeout, chili is a solid go-to. You can use canned beans, tomatoes, and ground beef from your pantry to whip it up fast.
Brown the beef, then add onions, canned tomatoes, and a mix of beans. Season with chili powder and cumin for a simple but tasty meal you’ll want to make again. This easy chili recipe is perfect for busy nights or meal prepping.
Try this pantry-friendly chili for a cozy, affordable dinner option. One-Pot Pantry Chili with Canned Beans & Ground Beef has a great example.
Pasta tossed with jarred marinara and frozen veggies
When you’re short on fresh ingredients, frozen veggies are a lifesaver. Just cook your pasta, heat up some jarred marinara, and stir in the frozen mix. It’s quick, simple, and gets dinner on the table in about 15 minutes.
This meal feels homemade but without the fuss. You get a balanced pasta dish with veggies and sauce ready anytime in your pantry and freezer. For recipe ideas, check out pasta with frozen mixed vegetables.
Rice and beans seasoned with cumin and garlic
You can't go wrong with rice and beans when you want something simple and tasty. Adding cumin and garlic gives this classic combo a warm, cozy flavor that feels way more elevated than just plain beans and rice.
It’s super easy to whip up with pantry staples like canned black beans, long-grain rice, and a few spices. In about 30 minutes, you’ve got a meal that’s both filling and budget-friendly. You can find a solid recipe for this flavorful option here.
Tuna salad with mayo, pickles, and crackers
When you want a quick meal without the hassle, tuna salad with mayo and pickles is a solid choice. It’s creamy, tangy, and packs a bit of crunch thanks to the pickles.
You just mix canned tuna, mayo, and chopped dill pickles. Serve it with crackers for a simple, satisfying bite. It’s easy to make in minutes and uses just a few pantry staples.
This combo keeps lunch tasty without making you reach for takeout. Try it next time you want something easy but not boring. For a similar recipe, check this dill pickle tuna salad.
Ramen noodles jazzed up with peanut butter and soy sauce
You can turn basic instant ramen into something way better with just peanut butter and soy sauce. The combo creates a creamy, savory sauce that’s quick to mix up and tasty.
Add a touch of garlic, a little sugar, and some chili flakes if you like heat. It only takes about 10 minutes to cook and gives you a filling dinner without takeout prices.
If you want, toss in some veggies or leftover chicken to make it even more satisfying. This simple hack makes ramen feel like a real meal.
Try this easy peanut butter ramen recipe for a fast, flavorful fix. (https://recipesbyjulia.com/easy-peanut-butter-ramen-noodles-recipe/)
Canned chicken quesadillas with cheese and salsa
When you don’t feel like spending on takeout, canned chicken quesadillas are a quick win. Just mix canned chicken with cheese and salsa, then sandwich it between tortillas.
Cook it on a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortillas get crispy. It’s a simple, budget-friendly meal you can throw together anytime without a grocery run. For a handy recipe, check out this quick canned chicken quesadillas guide.
Lentil soup made from dried lentils and broth cubes
You can whip up a warm, filling lentil soup using just dried lentils and broth cubes from your pantry. Start by rinsing the lentils to clean them, then simmer with water and broth cubes for flavor.
Add whatever spices or veggies you have on hand to keep it interesting. This soup is simple, budget-friendly, and perfect when you're avoiding takeout but want something comforting and homemade. Try this easy lentil soup recipe with dried lentils for a quick pantry dinner that hits the spot. For tips on making lentil soup from dried lentils, see this helpful guide.
Stuffed bell peppers with rice and canned corn
When you’re craving something tasty but want to skip the takeout, stuffed bell peppers with rice and canned corn are a solid go-to. You just need bell peppers, cooked rice, canned corn, and some basic spices.
It’s easy to mix everything, stuff the peppers, and bake until tender. Plus, it’s a colorful, filling meal that feels like you put in extra effort without actually doing much. For a simple recipe idea, check out this stuffed peppers with rice and corn version.
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