Don’t know what to make for dinner? It happens to the best of us. You come home tired, open the fridge, and it feels like there’s “nothing” to eat. Nothing easy comes to mind. This list of simple meals will change your dinner routine on those very nights.
With a variety of easy dinner ideas and different ways to adapt each one, you’ll never be stuck wondering what to make for dinner again. Forget about eating out – inspiration for a quick meal is right here.
It’s a common scenario. After a long day, you walk into the kitchen, ready to eat, only to find yourself staring into a fridge that seems bare. You might think, “There’s nothing to eat.”
But, maybe it’s not nothing.
We often exaggerate when we say there’s nothing available. You likely have food in your kitchen, but nothing is calling out to you, “Make me for dinner!”
When we say there’s “nothing to eat”, what we really mean is: There’s nothing easy to make.
This thought is often accompanied by others:
- I don’t have time to make dinner.
- I’m too tired to cook.
- I really don’t want to order takeout.
You’re in a tough spot. Dinner needs to happen, but the thought of cooking feels overwhelming. And let’s face it, hunger is making everything worse.
Dinner doesn’t have to be a struggle.
Having a detailed meal plan can be great, but life often throws curveballs. Unexpected days happen. So, what can you make for dinner right now?
I’ve been there many times. It’s mentally draining and hard on the wallet to constantly face this dinner dilemma. To solve it, I created a list of 12 backup meal ideas for those “nothing to eat” nights, so I wouldn’t be tempted by fast food again.
This list features 12 easy meals that you can quickly put together using ingredients you probably already have. This way, when your meal plan falls apart, you have a reliable Plan B.
While a burger and fries is tempting…
Instead of stressing about what to make for dinner, just pick something from this list. These meals are family-friendly and always work for us.
Simple Meal Ideas for Empty Fridge Nights
These family-approved meals are budget-friendly, flexible, and perfect for using up those affordable pantry staples.
Since they’re ready in 30 minutes or less, they are ideal for those hectic evenings when you’re wondering what to make for dinner and feel like there’s nothing in the house.
Rice Bowls
Rice Bowls are incredibly easy and adaptable. Top them with any leftover meat, cheese, beans, or vegetables you can find.
Depending on the type of rice you use, dinner can be ready in just 20 to 45 minutes. Cook some rice, gather your toppings, and enjoy a satisfying meal!
Ingredients you might need:
- Rice (white, brown, or instant)
- Protein (cooked chicken, ground beef, canned beans, cheese)
- Vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Toppings (salsa, sour cream, soy sauce, hot sauce)
Explore the many ways you can create delicious rice bowls!
Pasta with Simple Sauce
Pasta, a cheap and essential pantry item, cooks in about ten minutes. And surprisingly, you can make your own pasta sauce in just minutes too. Try a basic marinara sauce with canned tomatoes and garlic.
Homemade sauces freeze well, so keeping a stash in the freezer is a great idea. Frozen sauce thaws quickly on the stovetop, and pasta cooks in a flash.
Even without pre-made sauce, you can whip up countless pasta dishes with ingredients you likely have on hand. A simple sauce of olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes is delicious with pasta.
Ingredients you might need:
- Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any shape)
- Canned tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Garlic and onion (fresh or powder)
- Dried herbs (oregano, basil)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a frequent go-to meal. They’re perfect for a quick dinner that even older kids can make themselves with minimal effort and easy cleanup.
For adults, adding more than just cheese is often preferred. Include leftover cooked chicken or beef, or sautéed vegetables. Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are great for dipping.
Again, check your fridge for small amounts of leftovers to add to a tortilla. You’ll discover many tasty combinations!
This black bean and sweet potato quesadilla recipe is surprisingly delicious.
Ingredients you might need:
- Tortillas (flour or corn)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
- Canned beans (black beans, refried beans)
- Salsa or hot sauce
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
The grilled cheese sandwich is the bread-based cousin of the quesadilla and is another classic “What To Make When You Have No Food” option. They cook quickly in a skillet or panini press.
Keep an extra loaf of bread in the freezer and a block of cheese in the fridge for these moments. Use leftovers to enhance your grilled cheese – add sliced tomatoes, cooked ham, or caramelized onions.
Serve with fruit or veggie sticks on the side for a more complete meal.
Ingredients you might need:
- Sliced bread
- Cheese slices
- Butter or mayonnaise
- Side dishes like baby carrots or apple slices
Sandwich Bar
A sandwich bar is a crowd-pleaser. Slice any vegetables and pickles you have, along with cheese.
For extra protein, add canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, or any cooked meats you have available.
Ingredients you might need:
- Bread (sandwich bread, rolls, or bagels)
- Deli meat or canned tuna
- Cheese slices
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
- Condiments (mustard, mayonnaise)
Snacky Meal
Snacky meals or snacky dinners are a long-time family favorite, especially if you have bread or crackers. These no-cook meals are perfect for nights when cooking feels impossible.
Sometimes we plan a snacky meal for fun occasions, but it’s also great for regular weeknights. Just look around the fridge and pantry for snack-type foods that can make a meal.
You’ll be surprised at the delicious combinations you can create!
Ingredients you might need:
- Cheese and crackers
- Sliced meats (salami, ham)
- Olives and pickles
- Fruits and vegetables (grapes, baby carrots)
- Hummus or dips
Quick Pizzas
Use tortillas, bagels, English muffins, or pita bread as a base for quick pizzas. Top with pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then broil until melted and bubbly. It’s incredibly easy.
For a low-carb option, use large portobello mushrooms or zucchini halves as pizza bases.
Ingredients you might need:
- Flatbreads (tortillas, bagels, pita bread)
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pizza toppings (pepperoni, olives, vegetables)
Breakfast for Dinner
Breakfast is always an easy and satisfying meal, any time of day. Fry some eggs, toast bread, make pancakes – simple!
Everyone enjoys breakfast for dinner or pancake night, it’s always a win!
Ingredients you might need:
- Eggs
- Bread or toast
- Pancake mix (or make your own!)
- Milk and butter
- Bacon or sausage (optional)
Quick Chili
Chili can be a fast and comforting meal. Quick chili takes only about 20 minutes to make. You can even add leftover vegetables and meat to use them up and reduce waste.
Top with cheese, sour cream, and chips for a filling dinner. Leftover chili can be used in tortillas for another meal.
Ingredients you might need:
- Canned beans (kidney beans, black beans)
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Chili powder and cumin
- Ground beef or turkey (optional)
- Toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream
Chicken Noodle Soup
Kids especially love chicken noodle soup. Homemade chicken noodle soup is easy and budget-friendly.
If you keep cooked chicken in the freezer or have canned chicken, it’s a simple weeknight meal. Use leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey.
Ingredients you might need:
- Chicken broth or bouillon cubes
- Egg noodles or pasta
- Cooked chicken
- Carrots and celery (fresh or frozen)
- Onion and garlic powder
Simple Vegetable Soup
Making soup from leftovers is one of the easiest ways to create a meal. Simple vegetable soup is versatile and forgiving. You can make a tasty soup from almost anything.
Ingredients you might need:
- Vegetable broth or bouillon cubes
- Canned tomatoes
- Any vegetables you have (carrots, potatoes, zucchini, frozen peas)
- Dried herbs (Italian seasoning, bay leaf)
Easy Nachos
Nachos can be an appetizer or a full meal. With just a few ingredients, a pan of nachos comes together quickly. Feel free to add leftover vegetables and meats from the fridge.
Ingredients you might need:
- Tortilla chips
- Canned beans (refried or black beans)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Salsa or taco sauce
- Toppings like sour cream, avocado, or jalapenos
Creating Your Own Go-To Meal List
You likely already have some family favorite meals that rely on staple ingredients – your own list of what to make when you’re short on inspiration or groceries. Write down these meal ideas to build your own resource list.
Don’t worry if they seem too simple. Easy is the goal!
Having this list of easy meals will help you get through those tough times when dinner feels impossible.
You’ll skip the takeout because you’ll have simple, tasty meals ready to enjoy at home!
To help you make your own list, think about your usual pantry staples and quick meals you already make. What are the ingredients you always have? What are the meals you can make without a trip to the store? Jot them down, and you’ll have your personalized “what to make when there’s no food” list in no time.
Get More Organized in Your Kitchen
A list of easy meals is incredibly helpful when you’re stuck on what to make for dinner. But what if you could feel more in control in the kitchen all the time?
Imagine having a plan for feeding your family without stress.
What if you could walk into your kitchen knowing you can create great meals without panic?
What if you could grocery shop confidently, stay within budget, and have everything you need for the week’s meals?
Taking a little time to organize your kitchen and plan your meals can make a huge difference in reducing dinner stress and making the most of your pantry staples.
What are Your Go-To “Nothing to Eat” Meals?
What do you usually make when you feel like there’s nothing for dinner? Share your ideas in the comments so we can all expand our lists!
