Dinner Recipes You Can Make When Your Fridge Is Empty

You come home after a very long day at work. You open your refrigerator door. There is nothing inside except a jar of old mustard and a soft lemon. Your stomach starts to growl. Do you immediately reach for your phone to order expensive takeout again? You don't have to spend your hard earned money. You can make delicious dinner recipes using simple items that are already sitting in your kitchen cabinets.

The Simple Magic of Pantry Pasta

Let's start with a classic pasta dish that requires almost zero fresh ingredients. You only need dry pasta, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. This meal is really simple but it tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant.

First, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add plenty of salt. While your pasta cooks, warm a good amount of olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add thin slices of garlic and let them get golden brown. Toss in some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your food.

Drain your pasta but make sure to save a cup of the salty cooking water. Toss the hot pasta directly into the warm oil. Add a small splash of the saved pasta water to create a silky sauce. If you want more inspiration for simple meals, you can find great ideas on this healthy dinner recipes website. They show you how to keep your cooking easy and stress free.

How to Turn Canned Beans Into a Hearty Meal

Another great option is a warm bean stew. Canned beans are very cheap and they last for years in your pantry. You can use black beans, pinto beans, or white beans for this recipe.

Start by cooking a small chopped onion in a pot with some oil. If you happen to have garlic, celery, or carrots, you can throw those in too. Add a can of diced tomatoes and a can of drained beans.

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Let the pot simmer on low heat for fifteen minutes. The liquid will get thick and rich. Serve this warm stew over a bowl of hot white rice. You can also scoop it up with some tortilla chips. It's a filling meal that keeps you warm on a cold night.

Easy Skillet Rice for Lazy Evenings

When you need something fast, look to your skillet. Fried rice is the best way to use up random leftovers. You only need cold cooked rice, some frozen vegetables, and a couple of eggs.

Heat a spoonful of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan. Toss in your cold rice and break up any big clumps. Stir in a splash of soy sauce to give the rice color and flavor.

Push the rice to one side of your pan to make an empty space. Crack your eggs into that space and scramble them quickly. Once the eggs are cooked, mix everything together with a handful of frozen peas or corn. If you love fast skillet meals, you should check out these 3 Quick 15-Minute Skillet Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights. They are perfect for when you have very little time to cook.

Keep These Emergency Ingredients in Your Kitchen

You don't need to follow a strict shopping list to make a great meal. You just need to keep your kitchen stocked with a few key items. These ingredients can save you from ordering takeout on busy nights.

Try to keep these items in your pantry at all times:

• Dried pasta, white rice, and rolled oats
• Canned tuna, canned chicken, and canned beans
• Soy sauce, hot sauce, vinegar, and olive oil
• Frozen peas, frozen spinach, and frozen corn

These basic ingredients can be combined in many different ways. You can make tuna salad, bean bowls, or quick pasta dishes. You will never feel stuck looking at an empty fridge again.

Why You Should Always Have Eggs on Hand

Never underestimate the power of a simple egg. Eggs are cheap, they stay fresh for weeks, and they are packed with protein. They are not just for breakfast.

A simple skillet frittata can save your evening. Whisk six eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you have any leftover cheese, wilted spinach, or cooked potatoes, stir them into the eggs.

Pour the mixture into a hot pan with a little butter. Let the bottom cook for a few minutes on the stove. Then put the pan under your oven broiler until the top is puffy and golden. You now have a beautiful dinner that looks fancy but cost almost nothing to make.

Enjoy Cooking with What You Have

Making dinner does not have to be a chore. You do not need to run to the grocery store every single day. Next time you think you have nothing to eat, take a closer look at your shelves. You might be surprised by the delicious meals you can create with just a few pantry staples. What are you going to cook tonight?