Use what you have on hand to put a seriously satisfying dinner on the table tonight. We’ve got more than 13 last-minute dinner ideas for you!
It’s 5pm, your kids are asking what’s for dinner, and you have zero idea what you are going to make—what do you do? No worries! Hit up your pantry, grab a few staple ingredients, and then make one of our easy last-minute dinner ideas.
The key to easy last-minute cooking is to always have a well-stocked pantry. Whenever you run out of a specific set of ingredients, stock up on them—even if you don’t have a specific recipe in mind that uses them. That way you can dip into your collection of pantry meals anytime you need them.
Let’s get dinner on the table!
What ingredients should I have in my pantry for last-minute dinner ideas like these?
We like to keep ourselves stocked on ingredients that can be used in many applications and can be combined to make a multitude of easy last-minute dinners. We always have on hand:
Storage Veggies
While most produce is a “use it or lose it” situation, some produce is good for storage for the long haul. These items will last weeks if not months in your pantry or fridge.
- Potatoes. Potatoes will last in a cool dark spot for months. They can be made into an easy side dish or crowd-pleasing main dish (baked potato bar, anyone?).
- Sweet Potatoes. Similar to potatoes, sweet potatoes will last quite awhile in the pantry. Turn them into fries or stuff them with something yummy).
- Carrots. Roast, steam, or grill carrots for an easy side dish! Carrots also add a ton of flavor to soups and stews, so they’re good to have around.
- Onions and garlic. So many meals start with a simple diced onion and/or minced garlic, plus they storage for ages in a cool, dark pantry, so you want to make sure you are always stocked up.
Shelf-Stable
- Canned diced tomatoes. We especially like to have a can or two of fire-roasted diced tomatoes available to add even more flavor to sauces and soups.
- Noodles. Pasta dishes are the ultimate dishes for busy weeknights. We keep a few boxes on hand in different shapes. Noodles made with white flour, whole wheat flour, or gluten-free flour can usually be used interchangeably.
- Beans and lentils. Black beans are a staple around here, but I like to keep some chickpeas, lentils, and other beans around too. They just have so many uses!
- Canned seafood. Canned tuna, salmon, and even clams can be turned into a great weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.
- Cans of coconut milk. We prefer to use canned coconut milk in baked casseroles and other dishes that get baked in the oven because it doesn’t curdle the way that dairy milk does.
- Salsa.
- Tortillas. Tacos, wraps, quesadillas. There are so many uses for the humble tortilla.
- Rice. Rice is ever-flexible, working with dishes from so many cuisines.
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, spices.
Cold Ingredients
- Frozen mixed vegetables are easy soup additions, and can work as a last-minute side dish as well. We always have a few bags in our freezer!
- Other frozen veggies. Did you know that frozen vegetables have just as many vitamins and minerals as fresh vegetables? Sometimes they are even more nutritious than fresh! Frozen vegetables are great for quick side dishes or adding to casseroles and soups. Choose the ones you like best—we usually have green beans, corn, and broccoli in our freezer. Another good grab is frozen cauliflower rice—it’s a great way to add a boost of veggies to any rice-based meal.
- Ground beef. Ground meat cooks up quickly and can be easily turned into a meat sauce, taco filling, or soup. We try to always have a pound or two in the freezer.
- Frozen shrimp. Shrimp defrost super fast, cook even faster, and are a great way to add seafood to many soups, stir-fries, or other quick dishes.
- Chicken breasts or chicken thighs. It’s rare that we don’t have some chicken breast and chicken thighs stashed in our freezer. In a pinch, you can just put some grill seasoning or barbecue sauce on them and grill them up as a main dish. Or you can use them as an element in your dinner.
- Eggs. It doesn’t get much faster than scrambled eggs or an omelet. We always have some in our fridge!
What should I make for dinner if I have no ideas for dinner?
Last Minute Dinner Ideas
Use what you have on hand to put a seriously satisfying dinner on the table tonight. We've got more than 13 last-minute dinner ideas for you!
Easy Salmon Patty Recipe
Using canned, fresh, or frozen salmon, this Easy Salmon Patty Recipe makes a speedy weeknight pantry dinner that satisfies the whole family! Even fish-haters love these salmon cakes.
Make if you have: canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and eggs
Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe
This Avocado Tuna Salad with creamy avocado, crunchy cucumbers and heart-healthy fish provides a delicious, satisfying lunch.
Make if you have: an avocado on its last legs and canned tuna
Spaghetti with Canned Clams Recipe
Spaghetti with Canned Clams is a weeknight pantry meal that is packed full of delicious seafood flavor. It comes together in less than 15 minutes!
Make if you have: canned clams, spaghetti
Seasoned Black Beans Recipe
Save some cash and make the best tasting beans around by using our method for how to cook black beans! Freeze or can your beans so you never run out.
Make if you have: black beans
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Our Tuna Casserole is classic, creamy comfort food that is easy to make and perfect for when you need a little love from the kitchen.
Make if you have: canned tuna, cheese, egg noodles
Vegan Red Beans and Rice
This Vegan Red Beans and Rice recipe may not be traditional (see also: it's vegan), but it certainly is tasty, bold, and easy! Modified from Fat Free Vegan Kitchen.
Make if you have: beans, rice
Easy Vegan Split Pea Curry Recipe
This Easy Vegan Split Pea Curry recipe is bursting with flavor thanks to a secret ingredient! This 7-ingredient dinner is warm, hearty, and completely plant-based.
Make if you have: split peas, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, curry paste
Creamy Taco Pasta Skillet
This one pot Creamy Taco Macaroni Skillet is comfort food at its finest! Serve it up topped with sour cream and fresh, minced cilantro.
Make if you have: noodles, black beans, ground beef, diced tomatoes
Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
A few pantry staples come together to make a nourishing pot of Vegetable Beef Soup! Serve this soup with salad and crusty bread to make it a full meal.
Make if you have: ground beef, frozen mixed vegetables, broth, diced tomatoes
Whole Grain Pancake Mix
Having this wholesome mix on hand makes whipping up delicious, healthy pancakes a snap! You may want to double the recipe so you have plenty for gifting and some to keep for yourself. Adapted from King Arthur Flour.
Make if you have: oats, whole wheat flour
Split Pea Soup with Ham (Instant Pot, Crock-Pot or Stovetop)
Fancy food it is not, but Split Pea Soup with Ham is delicious, comforting, and affordable. Stovetop, Instant Pot, slow cooker—we'll show you how to make it all three ways!
Make if you have: split peas, ham bones, chicken or vegetable stock
Black Bean Burrito Bowls
Pasta with Peas
Pasta with Peas is a simple dish that’s packed with flavor! Use frozen or fresh peas for a quick meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Make if you have: noodles, cream, Parmesan cheese
Cauliflower and Quinoa Power Bowls
These vegan Cauliflower and Quinoa Power Bowls pack a serious nutritional punch, and they aren't short on flavor, either!
Make if you have: cauliflower, quinoa, chickpeas
Lentil Vegetable Soup
You probably already have everything you need to make this healthy and flavorful Lentil Vegetable Soup in your kitchen!
Make if you have: lentils, diced tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables
Vegan Meatballs
Citrus Rosemary Chicken with Vegetables
This dish is great for a lazy fall day. Once the chicken marinates, in under an hour you'll have a Sunday dinner that will do any perfect fall day proud.
Make if you have: chicken, potatoes
Sloppy Joes Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These no-sugar-added, paleo Sloppy Joes are comfort food done right! The tangy sauce stuffed into a baked sweet potato makes for a hearty Whole30 dinner.
Make if you have: ground beef, sweet potatoes
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
With an Instant Pot, sweet potatoes are ready in 15 minutes. Use your pressure cooker to make tender sweet potatoes that are perfect as a side dish or for stuffing.
Make if you have: sweet potatoes, leftover chili or other toppings for stuffing
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Instant Pot mac and cheese is rich, gooey, and creamy. All the flavor of cheesy mac and not the slightest bit of effort.
Make if you have: noodles, cheese, chicken or vegetable stock
Ground Beef Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Ground beef sheet pan quesadillas are an easy, fun, kid-friendly weeknight meal! Healthy, simple, delicious, and 100% family approved!
Make if you have: ground beef, tortillas, cheese
Arrabbiata Sauce (Pasta Arrabiata)
If you love spicy Italian food, you’ll love Arrabbiata sauce. We'll show you how to make it in under 30 minutes.
Make if you have: noodles, canned tomatoes
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is a flavorful and succulent chicken dish that can be on your table in 45 minutes.
Make if you have: chicken thighs
Avocado And Black Bean Quesadilla
An avocado and black bean quesadilla makes for a versatile and tasty lunch or snack. The avocado is so creamy that you can even make it dairy-free if you'd like!
Make if you have: avocado, black beans, tortillas
