We've all had those days where we couldn't find the time to grocery shop. But don't let that get in the way of dinner! With these delicious pantry recipes, you can easily make the most of your stocked shelves, freezer stash, and the veggies already in your fridge to make a tasty meal for the whole family.
We've gathered our favorite meals that take advantage of what's likely already in your pantry for interesting and flavor-packed meals. From crowd-pleasing pasta dishes to cheesy polenta, the grain possibilities are endless as a base for a family meal. Plus, if you're on a budget, inexpensive pantry meals are the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner routine.
From tuna recipes to plenty of bean recipes, you're sure to be armed with delicious dinners, no matter the occasion. Your pantry is a great resource to get dinner on the table fast!
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1
Pot Sticker Stir-Fry
The best part about a stir-fry is that it works with plenty of veggies. Whatever you have in your fridge will work here – try asparagus, frozen peas, bell peppers, or anything else you have on hand for a nutrient packed dinner the whole family will love.
Get the recipes for Pot Sticker Stir-Fry »
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2
BBQ Beef Nachos
Barbecue sauce is the secret ingredient that gives these nachos a little extra spice. No one will really know how easy it was to season this delicious dinner.
Get the recipe for BBQ Beef Nachos »
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3
Jalapeno-Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese
These two-cheese griddled sandwiches, with a deliciously crunchy parmesan crust, really pack a punch (read: jalapeños).
Get the recipe for Jalapeno-Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese »
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4
Chicken With Creamy Spinach and Artichokes
Sour cream is the secret ingredient that adds rich creaminess to a simple veggie side that zests up the classic chicken breast.
Get the recipe for Chicken with Creamy Spinach and Artichokes »
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5
Smoky Maple Turkey Chili
Flavored with chipotle and maple syrup, this recipe can be frozen for up to three months. Make a big batch on the weekend and stock up for those days when you don't feel like cooking!
Get the recipe for Smoky Maple Turkey Chili »
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6
Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken
Prep the ingredients for this one-pan dinner in five minutes, sit back, and relax. A flavor-packed supper is a quick roast away.
Get the recipe for Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken »
RELATED: 16 Easy Sheet Pan Dinners That Make Cleanup a Breeze
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7
Mini Meatballs With Garlicky Tomatoes
These mini (and flavor-packed) bites are a new twist on meatball parmesan and can be tossed with pasta or white beans or spooned over polenta.
Get the recipe for Mini Meatballs with Garlicky Tomatoes »
RELATED: 51 Delicious Ways to Have Meatballs for Dinner
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8
White Bean and Tuna Salad With Basil Vinaigrette
This easy salad is the perfect way to turn canned tuna into a delicious dinner.
Get the recipe for White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette »
RELATED: 17 Delicious Tuna Recipes That Put Your Average Tuna Sandwich to Shame
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9
Crunchy Chickpeas
Turn a can of trusty chickpeas into a deliciously crave-worthy snack.
Get the recipe for Crunchy Chickpeas »
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10
Double Bean Nachos
Top tip: To make the best bites in a whole batch of nachos, toss chips with sturdy ingredients and cheese. Then, once baked, top with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes for a cooling fresh hit of veggies.
Get the recipe for Double Bean Nachos »
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11
Chickpea and Kale Soup
For extra added flavor, simmer the soup with leftover pecorino rinds. They add an extra cheesy flavor that makes any vegetarian soup richer.
Get the recipe for Chickpea and Kale Soup »
RELATED: 21 Healthy Soups and Stews That'll Warm You Up
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12
Spring Herb Frittata
Upgrade your eggs with any herbs that you have hanging out in the fridge. They turn an ordinary dish into a crowd-pleasing brunch menu must-have.
Get the recipe for Spring Herb Frittata »
RELATED: 45+ Easy Egg Recipes for Your Best Brunch Ever
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13
Tuscan Ragu
The addition of Italian sausage packs on the flavor without needing to invest in a whole bunch of dry spices.
Get the recipe for Tuscan Ragu »
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14
Patty Melts
This delicious mashup between a burger and a grilled cheese is made with ingredients you already have in your house.
Get the recipe for Patty Melts »
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15
Ravioli With Brown Butter & Spinach
Spinach adds a dose of key nutrients to this decadent pasta dish. But if you don't have any on hand, another leafy green, like baby kale or Swiss chard, is the perfect swap.
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16
Chili Dogs
A spoonful of homemade chili takes this summer classic (well, anytime classic!) to the next level.
Get the recipe for Chili Dogs »
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17
Chili Pie With Cornbread Crust
No need to make cornbread and chili — in a cast iron skillet, with this dinner recipe, you can make both at once, pie-style.
Get the recipe for Chili Pie with Cornbread Crust »
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18
Hasselback Potatoes
This elegant side is made with only five ingredients (and they're already in your kitchen!).
Get the recipe for Hasselback Potatoes »
RELATED: 44 Easy Potato Recipes That Are Bursting With Flavor
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19
Spaghetti Bolognese
When you taste how hearty and flavorful this classic meal is, you'd think someone carefully prepared it in the kitchen all day. In truth, it only takes 25 minutes!
Get the recipe for Spaghetti Bolognese »
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20
French Onion Soup
Onions, slowly cooked until deep brown and caramelized, give this classic its distinctive flavor. Great for a party, this recipe is easily doubled; Simply cook the onions in two skillets.
Get the recipe for French Onion Soup »