Dinner Recipes You Can Make with What's in Your Pantry

Published 04/01/2026

Easy dinner recipes are a lifesaver for busy nights and meal planning alike. These are some of our favorites, all made with basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand! Whip up something for your family without added stress or trips to the store with the help of this list.

5-Ingredient Chicken and Dumplings for Two
4.2 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 76 reviews.
This recipe makes just enough chicken and dumplings for a cozy night in without too many leftovers in your fridge.
3-Ingredient One-Pot Mac and Cheese
3.9 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 119 reviews.
Busy weeknights are no match for this creamy, dreamy one-pot macaroni and cheese meal. Three ingredients are all you need for a surprisingly easy dinner.
2-Ingredient Steak, Bean and Dumpling Soup
0.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 0 reviews.
You’ve heard of chicken and dumplings—now meet steak and dumplings! Trust us, it’s just as tasty as the original.
Easy Crescent Taco Bake
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 423 reviews.
Take taco night up a notch with this easy 5-ingredient crescent taco bake. It’s a fun twist on traditional tacos that’s easy to make, easy to bake, and slices up like a pie!
One-Pan Loco Moco
3.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 2 reviews.
A beloved lunch staple in Hawaii, loco moco is comfort food at its finest. Our version keeps all the crave-worthy flavors of the classic but turns it into a one-pot meal that’s perfect any time you need a little taste of sunshine.
Slow-Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Chili
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 230 reviews.
This Slow-Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Chili recipe is a little bit enchilada, a little bit chili, and a whole lot of yummy!
Taco Bubble-Up Bake
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 60 reviews.
Try this easy-prep Mexican casserole with bubble-up biscuits. Add your favorite fresh toppings for a twist on taco night!
One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 77 reviews.
This kid-friendly dinner is so easy and adaptable to your family’s tastes. Customize with your favorite herbs, seasonings, and veggies!
White Chicken Chili
4.3 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 79 reviews.
Our quick-to-fix recipe was designed to get you in and out of the kitchen in just 30 short minutes. Canned beans, chiles, and cooked chicken makes it possible!
Easy Homemade Chili
4.3 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 28 reviews.
This chili recipe is super simple, kid-friendly (not too spicy), and it comes together in just 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry.
Copycat Olive Garden™ Minestrone Soup
4.2 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 13 reviews.
This Copycat Olive Garden™ Minestrone Soup has all the flavor you get in the restaurant from the comfort of your home.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
4.2 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 21 reviews.
Love that tomato basil soup you have tried at restaurants? You can make it yourself by blending together just a few ingredients!
Cheesy Nacho Beef Skillet
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 90 reviews.
This easy one-dish dinner not only tastes great—it can also be on the table in 30 quick minutes. Watch it disappear just as quickly!
20-Minute Smothered Beef Burrito Skillet
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 273 reviews.
This skillet dinner has all of your favorite burrito ingredients, but ditches the fussy prep.
Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 167 reviews.
This easy one-pan bake creates all the elements of a good meal with very minimal dishes!
Tomato Tortellini Soup
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 47 reviews.
Tomato soup and tortellini both make great comfort food dishes, so why not combine them? This recipe is filling, cozy, and a great meal for the family!
Easy Grands!™ Chicken Pot Pie
4.1 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 65 reviews.
Take a shortcut on time—but not taste—with this family-friendly chicken pot pie dinner that comes together with just four ingredients and 20 minutes.
5-Ingredient Beef Enchilada Casserole
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 288 reviews.
This 5-Ingredient Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe is about to make dinners way, way easier.