What to Make for Dinner When Your Fridge is Bare (2024)

Home Recipes Meal Types Dinner

ByRachel Seis

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: May 05, 2024

    You're pondering what to make for dinner. You open the refrigerator and...nothing! But a tasty dinner can emerge from an almost-empty kitchen.

    1/44

    Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce

    This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware

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    2/44

    Taste of Home

    Special Pork Chops

    I work nine hours a day, so I need delicious and simple recipes like this one. My husband thinks I work hard fixing meals, but this dish is good and easy. In summer, I can my own salsa and use some to top these chops. —LaDane Wilson, Alexander City, Alabama

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    3/44

    Quick Tater Tots Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Quick Tater Tots Bake

    I like to make this Tater Tot casserole when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13x9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California

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    4/44

    Pan Burritos Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Pan Burritos

    Our family loves Mexican food, so this flavorful, satisfying casserole is a favorite. It’s nice to be able to get the taste of burritos and cut any serving size you want. —Joyce Kent, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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    5/44

    Lasagna Rolls Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Lasagna Rolls

    My Italian lasagna roll-ups are not complicated; they require only basic ingredients to assemble. Prepared spaghetti sauce helps me save time and get dinner on the table sooner. —Mary Lee Thomas, Logansport, Indiana

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    6/44

    Fast Baked Fish Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Fast Baked Fish

    We always have a good supply of fresh fish, so I make fish recipes often. This recipe is my favorite because it is moist, tender and flavorful. —Judie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming

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    7/44

    Taste of Home

    Easy Beef Pies

    We make a lot of French dips and always have leftover roast beef. Here's how I put it to good use. For these pies, use any vegetables you like. They're extra awesome drenched in cheese sauce. —Jennie Weber, Palmer, Alaska

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    8/44

    Biscuit Turkey Bake

    As a college student, I go for stick-to-your-ribs foods that are also easy on the budget. Here's one that fits the bill. I like to bake this casserole for friends' birthdays. —Stephanie Denning, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

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    9/44

    Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Easy Chicken Enchiladas

    This chicken enchiladas recipe is so quick and easy, and I always receive a ton of compliments. It quickly becomes a favorite of friends whenever I share the recipe. Modify the spiciness with the intensity of the salsa and the green chiles to suit your taste. —Kristi Black, Harrison Township, Michigan

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    10/44

    Black Bean and Beef Tostadas

    You only need a handful of ingredients to make one of our family’s favorites. It's also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas

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    11/44

    One-Skillet Lasagna

    This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    12/44

    Easy Glazed Salmon

    It takes only four ingredients and a few moments to make this delightful main dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia

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    13/44

    Hot Dog Roll-Ups Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Hot Dog Roll-Ups

    Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah

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    14/44

    Red Pepper Chicken

    Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this Southwestern supper. We love it served with rice plumped up in chicken broth. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, Virginia

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    15/44

    Taste of Home

    Fiesta Ravioli

    I adapted this recipe to suit our taste for spicy food. The ravioli taste like mini enchiladas. I serve them with a Mexican-inspired salad and pineapple sherbet for dessert. —Debbie Purdue, Freeland, Michigan

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    16/44

    Taste of Home

    Beef in Onion Gravy

    I double this super recipe to feed our family of four so I'm sure to have leftovers to send with my husband to work for lunch. His co-workers tell him he's lucky to have someone who fixes him such special meals. It's our secret that it's an easy slow cooker dinner! —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois

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    17/44

    Taste of Home

    Sloppy Joe Pasta

    Since I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it's become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California

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    18/44

    Breaded Ranch Chicken

    A crunchy coating of cornflakes and Parmesan cheese adds delectable flavor to this zesty ranch chicken. The golden, crispy chicken is a mainstay dish I can always count on. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina

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    19/44

    Taste of Home

    Dijon Pork Chops

    A bread crumb coating is all you need to turn pork chops into a wow-worthy family dinner. Try the breading on chicken breasts too. —Chris Rentmeister, Ripon, Wisconsin

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    20/44

    My husband and I are always looking for light fish recipes because of their health benefits. This one's a hit with him, and we've served it at dinner parties too. It's become a staple! —Michelle Martin, Durham, North Carolina

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    21/44

    Southwest Tuna Noodle Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Southwest Tuna Noodle Bake

    None of my co-workers had ever tried tuna noodle casserole, and since we live near the Mexican border, they challenged me to make a Southwest version. After trying the tasty results, everyone wanted the recipe! —Sandra Crane, Las Cruces, New Mexico

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    22/44

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Provolone

    Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska

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    23/44

    Beefy Tortellini Skillet

    This tortellini dish is a one-skillet-wonder the family craves. From browning beef to cooking the pasta and melting the cheese, everything happens in one pan. You can add basil or chives for a touch of freshness. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia

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    24/44

    Frito Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Frito Pie

    Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and cheesy fabulous. Here’s my easy take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico

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    25/44

    Smothered Burritos

    My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri

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    26/44

    One of my husband's favorite childhood memories was eating his Grandma Barney's Tater Tot Casserole. One day I prepared it using potatoes O'Brien instead. Now I always make it this way. — Heather Matthews, Keller, Texas

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    27/44

    Parmesan Fish Sticks

    I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas

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    28/44

    This is an excellent dish to take to someone for dinner. It's also easy to change up the recipe with your favorite meats or cheeses. —Tricia Bibb, Hartselle, AL

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    29/44

    Shakshuka

    Shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion and cumin. I learned about it while traveling, and it's been my favorite way to eat eggs since. —Ezra Weeks, Calgary, Alberta

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    30/44

    Taste of Home

    The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

    These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois

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    31/44

    Quick Chicken Piccata

    Laced with lemon and simmered in white wine, this stovetop entree is super easy and elegant. Just add a side of veggies and bread to make it into a wonderful meal. —Cynthia Heil, Augusta, Georgia

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    32/44

    I learned how to make this dish from friends in Genoa, Italy, where they're known for creating tasty combinations of veggies, pasta and beans. You can sub feta cheese to give this a Greek twist. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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    33/44

    Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole

    This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois

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    34/44

    Garlic Toast Pizzas

    Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio

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    35/44

    Taste of Home

    My Mother's Mac and Cheese

    I remember my mother sending me to the store for 15 cents worth of cheese. The butcher would cut off a slice from a gigantic wheel covered with a wax-coated cloth. Mother would then blend that cheese into this tasty dish. Today, the memory of her cooking is like food for my soul. —Phyllis Burkland, Portland, Oregon

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    36/44

    Ravioli Lasagna Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Ravioli Lasagna

    When you taste this dish, you’ll think it’s a from-scratch recipe—but it starts with frozen ravioli! —Patricia Smith, Asheboro, North Carolina

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    37/44

    Mediterranean Chickpeas

    Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts

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    38/44

    Taste of Home

    No-Fuss Chicken

    This recipe could hardly be simpler to prepare. The chicken gets a wonderful tangy taste, and no one will know you used convenient ingredients like a bottle of salad dressing and onion soup mix...unless you tell them. —Marilyn Dick, Centralia, Missouri

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    39/44

    Basil Pork Chops

    These tender, glazed chops get a kick from basil, chili powder and a little brown sugar. Serve with your favorite roasted veggies and you've got a super comforting meal bursting with flavor. —Lisa Gilliland, Fort Collins, Colorado

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    40/44

    Taste of Home

    Stuffed Pasta Shells

    These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way. —Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri

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    41/44

    Cheese Ravioli with Veggies

    When pasta and veggies are on the menu, my sons get to the table fast. The frozen medley is so convenient, but sometimes I throw in peas, corn, broccoli or zucchini instead. —Amy Burns, Charleston, Illinois

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    42/44

    Taste of Home

    Spaghetti with Bacon

    As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota

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    43/44

    Taste of Home

    Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

    My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama

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    44/44

    Taste of Home

    Au Gratin Sausage Skillet

    Using frozen vegetables and a package of au gratin potatoes, I can get this satisfying stovetop supper on the table in no time. Even our oldest daughter, who can be a picky eater, loves it - and it is an excellent way of getting her to eat her vegetables. —Penny Greene, Lancaster, Ohio

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    Originally Published: March 17, 2020

    Author

    Rachel Seis

    As a former deputy editor for Taste of Home, Rachel spent close to a decade diving deep into the world of food. Currently, Rachel is the dining critic for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel where she covers the local food scene, from newly opened restaurants to the behind-the-scenes of Season 21 of Top Chef, which was primarily filmed in Milwaukee.

    Read More

    What to Make for Dinner When Your Fridge is Bare (2024)

    FAQs

    What to cook when the fridge is bare? ›

    These simple dinner ideas use only a handful of ingredients so you can still whip up a meal using whatever you have in the cupboard.
    1. 15-ingredient sausage rolls. ...
    2. 2Creamy mushroom gnocchi. ...
    3. 3Fast falafel bowl. ...
    4. 45-ingredient satay beef skewers. ...
    5. 55-ingredient meatball carbonara. ...
    6. 6Speedy wild rice and salmon salad.

    What food can you eat without refrigeration? ›

    Aside from fruits and vegetables, there are other items that don't need to be refrigerated.
    • BREAD. To keep your bread fresh, avoid refrigeration. ...
    • COFFEE. ...
    • HONEY. ...
    • HOT SAUCE. ...
    • OLIVE OIL. ...
    • BUTTER. ...
    • PEANUT BUTTER. ...
    • NUTS.

    What to do with food if fridge goes out? ›

    Use your freezer: Move all refrigerated items to the freezer ASAP, where the temperature will remain cooler, longer. Place items close together so contact helps maintain their temperatures. Refrain from opening the freezer door for as long as possible but continue to monitor the internal temperature to avoid spoilage.

    What to make for dinner when nothing sounds good? ›

    What to eat when nothing sounds good: 25 balanced meal ideas
    • Ham or turkey & cheese sandwich with a side of fruit.
    • Rotisserie chicken with frozen microwaveable rice and veggies.
    • “Adult Lunchable”: cheese, crackers, deli meat, raw fruits or veggies with dip.
    • Frozen chicken tenders or nuggets on top of a salad.
    Jan 11, 2023

    What foods dont last in the fridge? ›

    22 foods not to refrigerate
    • Apples.
    • Avocados.
    • Bananas.
    • Bell peppers.
    • Berries.
    • Bread.
    • Chocolate.
    • Coffee.

    What to do if I have no food? ›

    If you need food today

    Your local food bank can help you find food today, even if you need temporary help. They partner with food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs in your local community to give away free food. Enter your zip code to find the food bank partnering with Feeding America.

    What kind of sandwich does not need to be refrigerated? ›

    Sandwiches
    • Use a variety of grains for the bread, keeping in mind that whole grains are healthier. ...
    • Roll-ups or pinwheels (sliced from a roll-up) made with peanut butter, honey, & sunflower seeds.
    • Turkey & cheese roll-up with alfalfa sprouts.
    • Hummus & veggie wrap (try red pepper strips, carrot sticks, or cucumber sticks)
    Feb 23, 2011

    What foods last at room temperature? ›

    • Bread. Unless you prefer stale, dried-out slices on your favorite sandwich, stash loaves of bread in the pantry.
    • Oil. Much like honey, vegetable, olive, coconut, and other cooking oils will quickly solidify in the fridge. ...
    • Melons. ...
    • Avocado. ...
    • Onions. ...
    • Potatoes. ...
    • Garlic.

    What meat doesn't need refrigeration? ›

    The solution is to bring meat that does not need refrigeration. Some long-lasting canned meat products fare well in cool and dry places. Canned chicken, chicken packets, sausage links, precooked bacon, beef jerky, and canned ham are viable protein substitutes.

    What to do with no fridge? ›

    To reduce sodium content, rinse canned beans or veggies with water before using.
    1. Canned soup.
    2. Canned veggies (e.g. green beans, corn)
    3. Canned beans.
    4. Canned tuna or chicken.
    5. Tomato Sauce.
    6. Chicken, Beef, or Vegetable broth.
    7. Vinegar.
    8. Olive oil, Canola Oil, Sesame Oil, etc.
    May 31, 2023

    What to cook when the cupboard is bare? ›

    Pantry Recipes to Make When Your Cupboards Are Bare
    1. Grilled Cheese. You can use any kind of cheese and any kind of bread!
    2. Loaded Baked Potatoes. ...
    3. Any Pasta With Pasta Sauce. ...
    4. Sandwiches. ...
    5. Build Your Own Taco Salad. ...
    6. Crockpot Sausage and Peppers. ...
    7. Meat/Potatoes/Frozen Veggies Hash. ...
    8. Refried Beans and Cheese.
    Sep 9, 2019

    How to make food in 5 minutes? ›

    5-minute meals recipes
    1. Storecupboard pasta salad. A star rating of 4.4 out of 5. ...
    2. Pan-fried camembert sandwich. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
    3. Prawn & coconut soup. ...
    4. Classic French omelette. ...
    5. Chicken wrap with sticky sweet potato, salad leaves & tomatoes. ...
    6. Creamy tomato courgetti. ...
    7. Speedy tuna pasta salad. ...
    8. Easy pea & mint soup.

    What can I make for dinner if I have no ideas? ›

    33 Easy Dinner Ideas For When You're Not Sure What To Make
    • Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast. tasty.co. ...
    • Honey Soy-Glazed Salmon. tasty.co. ...
    • The Best Ever Slow Cooker Pot Roast. tasty.co. ...
    • Chicken & Biscuit Bake. ...
    • One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. ...
    • Oven-Baked French Bread Pizzas. ...
    • Upgraded Ramen. ...
    • Easiest One-Pot Beef with Broccoli.
    May 16, 2024

    How do you keep food cold when a fridge is broken? ›

    A cooler and frozen gel packs, in case you have to take food out of the fridge to keep it cold. Dry ice or block ice to keep food cold inside the fridge, if you think the power will be out for a long time.

    Where do you put food when the fridge is broken? ›

    If you have to take food out, get hold of as many coolers as possible and fill them with ice or cool blocks. If you have more food than you can store, throw out the things with the closest use-by date. Keep your meats together to avoid the juices thawing onto other food items.

    How do you keep a refrigerator fresh when not in use? ›

    Place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator or put 2 cups of dry (unused) coffee grounds in a small paper bag and place it in the refrigerator. It is important to leave the doors open. These last two steps are to prevent the formation of residual food odors, mold and mildew.

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