Running out of food can be a major inconvenience, especially when hunger strikes. While it may seem like there are no options available, there are actually plenty of creative and delicious meals you can make with just a few basic ingredients. In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the best meal ideas for when you’re low on groceries or simply looking to make something new with the ingredients you have on hand.
10 easy recipes to make when you have no food in the house
Running out of food can be a nightmare, and we’ve all experienced that moment of panic when we open the fridge and realize there’s nothing inside. But don’t worry, these 10 easy recipes will help you make delicious meals when you have no food in the house!
- Rice bowl: Cook some rice and top it with canned vegetables, beans, or even an egg for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Pasta with tomato sauce: Boil some pasta and mix it with canned tomato sauce, garlic, and olive oil. Don’t have tomato sauce? Use ketchup instead!
- Quesadillas: Fill a tortilla with cheese, canned black beans, and any other ingredients you have, and cook it on a pan until the cheese melts.
- Omelet: Beat some eggs and add any leftovers or canned vegetables you have. Cook it in a pan until golden brown.
- Bread pizza: Take a slice of bread, top it with canned tomato sauce, cheese, and any veggies you have, and heat it in the oven until crispy.
- Lentil soup: Boil canned lentils with some stock and any seasonings you have. Serve with bread or crackers.
- Frittata: Similar to an omelet, but with potatoes and other veggies mixed in. Bake it in the oven until fluffy and golden brown.
- Tuna salad: Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, relish, and any veggies you have, and serve on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.
- Fried rice: Cook some rice, add frozen veggies, soy sauce, and an egg, and cook it all in a pan until hot and fluffy.
- Peanut butter toast: Spread some peanut butter on toast and top with sliced banana or strawberry for a quick and sweet snack.
Don’t let an empty fridge stress you out – these easy recipes will save the day!
Creative meal ideas using only pantry staples
Who says you need a fully stocked fridge or pantry to whip up delicious meals? In fact, you can create some truly impressive dishes using only pantry staples. For example, you can make a savory lentil soup using canned lentils, canned tomatoes, and basic spices like cumin and coriander. Or, you can whip up some tasty tuna patties using canned tuna, crackers, and eggs. Feeling more adventurous? Then try making roasted chickpea tacos using canned chickpeas, tortillas, and your favorite spices. The possibilities are endless when you get creative with pantry staples!
MEAL NAME | INGREDIENTS | PREP TIME | DIFFICULTY |
---|---|---|---|
Spaghetti with marinara sauce and canned tuna | spaghetti, canned tuna, marinara sauce, olive oil | 20 minutes | Easy |
Bean soup | dried beans, chicken broth, canned tomatoes, garlic, onion | 1 hour | Easy |
Tuna salad sandwich | canned tuna, bread, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato | 10 minutes | Easy |
Mac and cheese | macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter | 30 minutes | Easy |
Fried rice with vegetables and eggs | rice, eggs, frozen mixed vegetables, soy sauce | 30 minutes | Easy |
Chickpea curry | canned chickpeas, canned tomatoes, coconut milk, onion, garlic, curry powder | 30 minutes | Easy |
Pepperoni pizza | premade pizza crust, marinara sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese | 30 minutes | Easy |
Black bean quesadilla | canned black beans, tortillas, cheddar cheese, salsa, avocado | 20 minutes | Easy |
Hummus and pita chips | canned chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, pita chips | 20 minutes | Easy |
Potato soup | potatoes, chicken broth, milk, butter, onion | 1 hour | Easy |
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich | bread, peanut butter, jelly | 10 minutes | Easy |
Stir fry | frozen mixed vegetables, rice, soy sauce | 30 minutes | Easy |
Pesto pasta | pasta, pesto, parmesan cheese | 20 minutes | Easy |
Taco salad | tortilla chips, ground beef, taco seasoning, lettuce, cheddar cheese, salsa | 30 minutes | Easy |
Grilled cheese sandwich | bread, cheddar cheese, butter | 10 minutes | Easy |
How to make a delicious meal with limited ingredients
Facing the dilemma of what to make with the limited ingredients available in your kitchen can be one of the most perplexing and daunting challenges for many home cooks. However, with a burst of creativity and a few clever tricks, you can turn even the most basic pantry staples into a delicious and satisfying meal. One way to start is to take inventory of what supplies you have on hand and use the keywords ‘what to make with no food in the house‘ as a guide to inspiration. With ingredients such as rice, pasta, canned beans, canned tomatoes, eggs, and frozen vegetables, you can create a variety of dishes like a simple pasta with tomato sauce, a veggie omelet with a side of rice, or a hearty bean soup. Don’t be afraid to experiment and use your intuition to guide you. Who knows, a meal made with limited ingredients may end up becoming a new household favorite!
No food? No problem. Try these budget-friendly meal ideas
Stressed because you don’t have any food in your house? Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered with these budget-friendly meal ideas.
Scour your pantry for canned goods, rice, and flour, and you’ll be surprised how many meals you can whip up. Try making a simple soup using canned beans, vegetables, and spices or bake a homemade pizza using flour, yeast, and whatever toppings you have on hand. Leftover rice can be transformed into delicious fried rice or served with canned tuna for a quick tuna salad. Don’t forget about breakfast – oatmeal with sliced banana or a simple toast with peanut butter can be a hearty and nutritious start to your day.
With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you’ll be making tasty meals in no time without ever having to leave the house!
Quick and simple meal ideas for when you’re running low on groceries
When you’re running low on groceries, it can be tough to come up with meal ideas. But fear not, there are plenty of quick and simple meals you can make with just a few ingredients. For example, if you have pasta, canned tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, you can easily make a simple pasta dish. Or if you have bread, eggs, and cheese, you can make a delicious breakfast sandwich. Don’t have any fresh protein on hand? Turn to pantry staples like canned beans or tuna to add some protein to your meal. And don’t forget about spices and seasonings! A dash of cumin or chili powder can take a basic dish to the next level. So next time you’re running low on groceries, don’t panic – with a little creativity, you can still create a delicious meal.
MEAL | INGREDIENTS | PREPARATION TIME | DIFFICULTY LEVEL |
---|---|---|---|
Pesto Pasta | Pasta, Pesto, Parmesan, Olive Oil | 15 minutes | Easy |
Sheet-Pan Balsamic Chicken | Chicken Breasts, Brussels Sprouts, Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil | 30 minutes | Moderate |
Caprese Salad | Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Olive Oil | 10 minutes | Easy |
Roasted Vegetable Quesadillas | Tortillas, Roasted Vegetables, Cheese, Salsa | 20 minutes | Moderate |
Pulled Pork Sandwiches | Pork Shoulder, BBQ Sauce, Buns, Coleslaw | 8 hours | Hard |
Garlic Butter Shrimp | Shrimp, Butter, Garlic, Lemon | 10 minutes | Moderate |
Chicken Fajitas | Chicken Breasts, Bell Peppers, Onions, Tortillas | 30 minutes | Moderate |
Beef Stroganoff | Beef, Mushrooms, Sour Cream, Egg Noodles | 30 minutes | Moderate |
Roasted Vegetable Couscous | Couscous, Roasted Vegetables, Feta Cheese, Lemon | 20 minutes | Moderate |
Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza | Pizza Dough, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Sausage, Pepperoni | 30 minutes | Easy |
Black Bean and Corn Salad | Black Beans, Corn, Red Onion, Cilantro | 10 minutes | Easy |
Cauliflower Fried Rice | Cauliflower Rice, Peas, Carrots, Eggs | 20 minutes | Moderate |
Spicy Shrimp Tacos | Shrimp, Avocado, Cilantro, Lime, Tortillas | 20 minutes | Moderate |
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry | Beef, Broccoli, Soy Sauce, Rice | 30 minutes | Moderate |
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich | Bread, Peanut Butter, Jelly | 5 minutes | Easy |
Shelf-stable meals you can make in a pinch
If you find yourself with no food in the house, don’t panic! With a little creativity, there are plenty of shelf-stable meals you can make in a pinch. For breakfast, try making oatmeal with dried fruit or peanut butter, or grab a bagel and top it with cream cheese and smoked salmon. For lunch, canned tuna or chicken can be mixed with mayo, mustard, and relish for a quick sandwich. For dinner, pasta with canned tomatoes and a can of beans can make a hearty and filling meal. Or, try making a soup with canned vegetables and broth, and add in some rice or quinoa for extra bulk. Remember, with a few pantry staples and some imagination, you can create a tasty and satisfying meal even with limited ingredients on hand.
5 simple recipes you can make with just a few basic ingredients
Are you running low on groceries or are stuck at home with little to no food? Worry not, because you can make delicious meals with just a few basic ingredients that you probably have on hand! Here are five simple recipes to help you get started:
- Scrambled Eggs with Veggies and Cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of chopped veggies (such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Whisk two eggs in a bowl and set aside.
- In a pan, heat up 1 tablespoon of oil or butter. Add chopped veggies and cook until tender.
- Pour in whisked eggs and stir until cooked to your liking.
- Top with shredded cheese and serve hot.
- Classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons of jelly (or jam, honey, or Nutella)
Instructions:
- Toasts the bread slices until golden brown.
- Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other.
- Sandwich the two slices together and serve.
- Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 lb of pasta
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- In a pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
- Drain pasta and toss in garlic butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with grated cheese, if desired.
- Tomato Soup
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a pot, melt butter and add crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth with an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Stir in milk, sugar, salt, and pepper. Heat until warm.
- Serve with bread or crackers, if desired.
- Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1/4 cup of chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix mashed bananas and rolled oats until well combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips or raisins, if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
These five simple recipes can help you make delicious meals with just a few basic ingredients. Don’t worry if you’re running low on food – just get creative in the kitchen and you might be surprised at what you can come up with!
RECIPE NAME | INGREDIENTS | PREPARATION TIME | DIFFICULTY LEVEL |
---|---|---|---|
Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce | Spaghetti, tomato sauce, garlic, olive oil | 20 minutes | Easy |
Rice and Beans | White rice, black beans, onion, garlic | 30 minutes | Easy |
Egg Fried Rice | Cooked rice, eggs, soy sauce, green onion | 15 minutes | Easy |
Tuna Salad | Canned tuna, lettuce, cucumber, carrot | 10 minutes | Easy |
Chicken Quesadillas | Tortillas, chicken breast, cheese, onion | 25 minutes | Easy |
Pan-Fried Fish with Lemon | Fish fillet, lemon juice, salt, olive oil | 20 minutes | Easy |
Potato Pancakes | Potatoes, flour, egg, onion | 30 minutes | Medium |
Beef Stroganoff | Beef, sour cream, onion, garlic | 40 minutes | Medium |
Fried Chicken | Chicken pieces, flour, eggs, bread crumbs | 30 minutes | Medium |
Stuffed Bell Peppers | Bell peppers, ground beef, rice, tomato sauce | 45 minutes | Medium |
Spicy Shrimp Pasta | Shrimp, pasta, tomato sauce, chili flakes | 30 minutes | Medium |
Roasted Vegetables | Assorted vegetables, olive oil, salt, pepper | 25 minutes | Easy |
Chili Con Carne | Ground beef, beans, tomato sauce, chili powder | 1 hour | Hard |
Beef Pot Roast | Beef roast, carrots, potatoes, onion | 2 hours | Hard |
Vegetable Stir-Fry | Assorted vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, ginger | 30 minutes | Easy |
Cooking with what you have: Tips and tricks for making tasty meals from pantry staples
When you have no food in the house, cooking can seem like an insurmountable task. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you need specific ingredients in order to make something delicious, but that’s not always the case. In fact, some of the best meals can be created out of necessity, using whatever you happen to have on hand. Cooking with what you have requires a certain level of creativity and resourcefulness, but it can also be a lot of fun. Whether you’re using up the last of your pantry staples or trying to stretch a few ingredients out until your next trip to the grocery store, there are plenty of ways to make a satisfying meal out of whatever you have in your kitchen. With a little bit of ingenuity and a willingness to experiment, you might be surprised at what you’re able to come up with.
RECIPE NAME | INGREDIENTS | PREPARATION TIME | DIFFICULTY LEVEL |
---|---|---|---|
Pantry Pasta | Pasta, Olive Oil, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes | 20 minutes | Easy |
Chickpea Salad | Canned Chickpeas, Tomatoes, Red Onion, Feta Cheese | 10 minutes | Easy |
Tuna Cakes | Canned Tuna, Bread Crumbs, Egg, Dijon Mustard | 15 minutes | Easy |
Black Bean Soup | Canned Black Beans, Tomato Sauce, Vegetable Broth, Onion | 30 minutes | Intermediate |
Rice and Beans | Rice, Canned Black Beans, Cumin, Tomato Sauce | 25 minutes | Easy |
Spicy Peanut Noodles | Peanut Butter, Soy Sauce, Sriracha, Noodles | 15 minutes | Easy |
Chicken Quesadillas | Chicken, Tortillas, Cheese, Salsa | 15 minutes | Intermediate |
Bean Burritos | Canned Beans, Tortillas, Cheese, Salsa | 20 minutes | Easy |
Tomato Soup | Canned Tomatoes, Vegetable Broth, Garlic, Onion | 30 minutes | Intermediate |
Egg Fried Rice | Rice, Eggs, Soy Sauce, Frozen Peas | 15 minutes | Easy |
Chickpea Curry | Canned Chickpeas, Tomato Sauce, Onion, Curry Powder | 30 minutes | Intermediate |
Pantry Chili | Canned Tomatoes, Canned Beans, Onion, Chili Powder | 30 minutes | Intermediate |
Caprese Salad | Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, Basil, Olive Oil | 10 minutes | Easy |
Quesadilla Casserole | Tortillas, Cheese, Salsa, Black Beans | 30 minutes | Intermediate |
Taco Salad | Ground Beef, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese | 30 minutes | Intermediate |
Meal planning for when you have nothing in the house
Are you in a situation where there seems to be nothing left in your house to eat? Don’t be perplexed, as there are plenty of meal planning strategies that can be implemented in such situations. You can make use of the remaining ingredients in your kitchen cabinets, or even head to your local grocery store to purchase a few necessary items. If you have a few canned goods like vegetables, soups, or beans, you can put together a hearty stew or soup. If you have any leftover bread or tortillas, you can make a breakfast burrito or a sandwich. If you have a few eggs, then you can make an egg salad or some simple scrambled eggs. However, one of the most important things to do when meal planning with nothing in the house is to be creative and flexible. You never know what delicious meal ideas might come out of your impromptu situation!
How to turn leftovers into delicious meals
Don’t know what to do with heaps of leftovers in your fridge? Worry not. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can turn those leftover meals into something sumptuous.
No need to throw away what you have, try making a frittata with last night’s cooked vegetables, or mix leftovers together with rice to make a hearty fried-rice dish. If you have a bit of meat left, chop it up and turn it into a sandwich filling or add it to a salad. Feeling fancy? Why not create a soup or stew with leftovers? There are endless possibilities that can be created with leftover meals, you just need to get creative and experiment a little!
What can I make with no food in the house?
You can still put together a delicious meal with a few basic ingredients. Check out the recipes in this article for inspiration!
What are some basic ingredients I should have on hand?
Some essential ingredients to keep stocked in your pantry include canned beans, rice, pasta, canned tomatoes, and spices. Frozen vegetables and meats can also be useful.
Can I still make meals even if I only have a few ingredients?
Absolutely! Simple recipes like pasta aglio e olio or scrambled eggs with veggies can be made with just a few ingredients. Get creative with what you have!
How can I make a meal that will last for several days?
Batch-cooking dishes like chili, soup, or stir-fry can yield big portions that can be portioned out and used for several meals throughout the week.
What are some easy ways to add flavor to a basic dish?
Using spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika can add depth to dishes like rice and beans. Lemon or lime juice can also brighten up dishes like salads or roasted vegetables.
In conclusion, even if you don’t have many food options in your house, there are still plenty of dishes you can make. With a little creativity, you can use pantry staples and basic ingredients to cook up delicious and satisfying meals. Whether you try making a stir-fry, pasta dish, or simple sandwich, you can turn a bare pantry into a feast in no time!
What is your favourite recipe from this list?
I tried the pasta aglio e olio recipe, and it was surprisingly delicious! Definitely going to make it again.
What ingredient substitutions could be made for recipe #6?
Instead of using canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce could be used for recipe #6. Additionally, any type of cooked protein could be used in place of the ground beef, such as cooked shredded chicken or tofu.
What recipe would you recommend for someone with limited ingredients?
I suggest trying the pasta aglio e olio recipe from the article. It only requires a few ingredients and is easy to make. Another option is the spicy skillet eggs recipe. These dishes are great for people with limited food options and still taste delicious!
What are some of your favorite recipes from this list?
I really enjoyed the black bean quesadilla recipe. It was super easy to make and tasted great!
Which recipe from the list did you enjoy the most?
I really liked the tomato and mozzarella salad recipe, it was so refreshing and easy to make with just a few basic ingredients!
Which of these recipes did you try when you had no food in the house?
I tried the tuna pasta and it was surprisingly delicious. Who knew canned tuna and pasta could make such a great meal?
What recipe did you find the most interesting?
I tried making the garlic butter shrimp and it turned out amazing! My whole family loved it and they couldn’t believe I made it with just a few ingredients.
What substitutions have you tried with these recipes?
I’ve used canned vegetables instead of fresh, and it turned out great! Also, instead of ground beef, I used ground turkey and it tasted just as good. These recipes are really adaptable to what you have on hand.
What is your favorite ingredient to use when you have a limited pantry?
I love using canned beans because they are versatile and can be used in many different dishes. Black beans and chickpeas are my go-to options.
What ingredient substitutions can I make in these recipes?
You can try substituting ingredients with what you have on hand. For example, if the recipe calls for chicken but you only have beef or tofu, use that instead. You can also substitute spices with ones that you have, such as using paprika instead of cumin.
What ingredient do you usually substitute when you don’t have it but the recipe calls for it?
When I don’t have an ingredient that a recipe calls for, I usually substitute it with something similar that I have on hand. For example, if I don’t have milk, I’ll use yogurt, or if I don’t have eggs, I’ll use applesauce or mashed bananas.
Which recipe would you suggest for someone who has a sweet tooth?
Definitely the peanut butter and banana wrap recipe! It’s a perfect combination of sweet and savory, and it’s a great way to use up those ripened bananas. Plus, it’s super easy to make!