20 Tasty Dishes Everyone Can Make With Cupboard Essentials
Ever stared into your pantry wondering what on earth to make for dinner? We’ve all been there! When fresh groceries are scarce but hunger strikes, your humble cupboard can actually be a treasure trove of culinary possibilities.
I’ve compiled a list of 20 delicious dishes you can whip up using ingredients most people already have stashed away.
These simple recipes will transform those dusty cans and forgotten grains into mouthwatering meals that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
1. Classic Pasta Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti transforms into a gourmet meal with just garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. The magic happens when garlic turns golden in the hot oil, creating a fragrant base that coats each strand perfectly.
I once impressed unexpected dinner guests with this 15-minute wonder when my fridge was practically empty!
Simply boil pasta, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, add pepper flakes, then toss with pasta and a splash of cooking water.
2. Tuna Melt Quesadillas
Canned tuna gets a tasty makeover in this quick meal. Mix tuna with mayo, diced onions, and whatever seasonings you have on hand.
Spread the mixture on a tortilla, sprinkle with cheese (even that last bit in the bag works), fold, and toast in a pan until golden and melty.
The contrast between crispy tortilla and creamy filling makes this simple pantry meal feel like a special treat.
3. Chickpea Curry
Transform canned chickpeas into a flavor-packed curry that tastes like it simmered all day. Start with onions and garlic sautéed in oil, then add curry powder, cumin, and any other spices hiding in your cabinet.
My family couldn’t believe this was made entirely from pantry staples the time our power went out after a storm!
Pour in a can of coconut milk or tomatoes, add chickpeas, and simmer until thickened. Serve over rice or with flatbread for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
4. Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Vegetarian delight alert! Drain a can of black beans, rinse them well, and mash roughly with a fork. Mix in some drained canned corn, a dash of cumin, and chili powder if you have it.
Spread this mixture on half a tortilla, sprinkle with whatever cheese you have, fold, and cook in a hot pan until crispy. The beans provide protein while the corn adds sweet pops of flavor.
These quesadillas prove that simple ingredients can create spectacular meals.
5. Mediterranean Tuna Pasta
Elevate canned tuna with Mediterranean flair! Cook any pasta shape you have on hand while you prepare a simple sauce from olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of dried herbs like oregano and basil.
Add drained tuna, olives if you have them, and a can of diced tomatoes. Toss with hot pasta and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. This dish tastes like sunshine in a bowl and comes together faster than delivery pizza would arrive.
The combination of briny and savory flavors will transport you straight to a seaside café.
6. Rice and Bean Burrito Bowls
Create restaurant-worthy burrito bowls from basic pantry ingredients. Start with a base of rice: white, brown, or even that forgotten packet of instant rice works perfectly here.
Top with canned beans (black, pinto, or whatever you have), seasoned with cumin and chili powder. Last Cinco de Mayo, I served these when our dinner plans fell through, and nobody missed the restaurant version!
Layer on corn, canned tomatoes, and any other toppings lurking in your pantry. A drizzle of oil and vinegar creates a quick dressing.
7. Tomato Soup from Canned Tomatoes
Skip the prepared soup and make your own creamy tomato soup from pantry staples. Sauté an onion in butter or oil until soft, then add minced garlic and a pinch of dried herbs like basil or oregano.
Pour in a can of tomatoes (diced, whole, or crushed all work), add a cup of broth (from bouillon cubes if needed), and simmer for 15 minutes. Blend until smooth, then stir in a splash of milk or cream if you have it.
Paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, this soup brings instant comfort on chilly evenings.
8. Olive Oil Cake
Yes, you can bake a delicious cake without butter! This Mediterranean-inspired dessert uses olive oil for a moist crumb with subtle fruity notes. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl.
In another, whisk eggs, olive oil, milk (or water in a pinch), and vanilla if you have it. Combine wet and dry ingredients, pour into a greased pan, and bake until golden.
I once made this for a potluck when I realized I had no butter, and it disappeared faster than all the fancy store-bought desserts!
9. Canned Salmon Patties
Canned salmon makes incredible fish cakes that taste fresh and fancy. Drain the salmon and flake it into a bowl, removing any large bones if you prefer.
Mix with breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), an egg, diced onion, and seasonings like dill, paprika, or lemon pepper. The first time I made these for my seafood-skeptical partner, they asked for seconds!
Form into patties, then pan-fry until golden brown. Serve with a quick sauce made from mayo and whatever condiments you have on hand.
10. Fried Rice with Canned Vegetables
Transform leftover rice into a delicious meal using canned or frozen vegetables. Cold rice works best for this. It stays firm and doesn’t get mushy when stir-fried.
Heat oil in a pan, add diced onion if you have it, then toss in drained canned mixed vegetables or whatever canned veggies are in your pantry. Add the rice, a splash of soy sauce, and scramble an egg right in the pan.
This adaptable dish saved dinner countless times when I thought I had “nothing to eat.” It’s always satisfying and never the same twice!
11. Bean and Pasta Soup
This Italian-inspired soup makes the most of basic ingredients. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add a can of beans (any kind), diced tomatoes, and broth made from bouillon cubes if needed.
Simmer for 10 minutes before adding small pasta shapes to cook directly in the broth. The starch from the pasta naturally thickens the soup into a velvety consistency.
A sprinkle of dried herbs and a drizzle of olive oil just before serving elevates this simple pantry meal into something that tastes like it came from a trattoria.
12. Sweet and Savory Oatmeal
Oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast! For a savory twist, cook oats in broth instead of water, then top with canned corn, a sprinkle of cheese, and any seasonings you enjoy.
For something sweet that tastes like dessert, cook oats with a mashed banana or applesauce, then stir in peanut butter and a drizzle of honey. During a particularly busy work week, I ate variations of this for dinner three nights straight!
The combination of complex carbs and protein makes this simple dish surprisingly satisfying and endlessly customizable.
13. Shakshuka-Inspired Eggs
This Middle Eastern dish typically features fresh ingredients, but the pantry version is just as delicious. Create a flavorful tomato sauce by simmering canned tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and whatever spices you have—paprika, cumin, and chili flakes work wonderfully.
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, make small wells and crack eggs directly into them. Cover and cook until the whites are set but yolks remain runny.
I discovered this dish during a snowstorm when I couldn’t get to the store, and now it’s in regular rotation! Serve with any bread for dipping into those glorious runny yolks.
14. Homemade Granola Bars
Skip the store-bought versions and make your own granola bars with oats and whatever nuts, seeds, or dried fruits are hiding in your pantry. Melt together honey (or maple syrup) with peanut butter to create a sticky binder.
Mix with oats and your chosen add-ins, then press firmly into a lined pan. After chilling until firm, cut into bars or squares. My friends couldn’t believe these weren’t store-bought when I brought them hiking last summer!
These keep well for days and make perfect snacks when you’re craving something sweet but substantive.
15. Tuna and White Bean Salad
No cooking required for this protein-packed Mediterranean-inspired salad! Drain and rinse a can of white beans, then mix with drained canned tuna, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if you have it.
Add whatever seasonings are in your spice cabinet. Dried herbs like oregano and basil work beautifully. This became my go-to lunch during a kitchen renovation when cooking wasn’t an option.
Serve over lettuce if you have it, or enjoy as is for a satisfying meal that comes together in minutes but tastes like you put in much more effort.
16. Creamy Coconut Curry Lentils
This plant-based comfort food tastes complex but uses simple ingredients. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in oil, then add curry powder, turmeric, and any other warm spices you have on hand.
Add rinsed red lentils (they cook fastest) and a can of coconut milk, plus water or broth to cover. The lentils will absorb the coconut milk as they cook, creating a creamy texture without any dairy.
I made this for a vegan friend who swore it must have cream! Serve over rice or with flatbread for a filling meal that’s both economical and impressive.
17. Chocolate Mug Cake
Satisfy sweet cravings in minutes with this single-serving cake made in a mug. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt directly in your mug.
Add oil, milk (or water), and a splash of vanilla if you have it. Stir until smooth, then microwave for about 90 seconds until puffed but still slightly gooey in the center. The first time I made this at midnight during a deadline crunch, it felt like pure magic!
For extra indulgence, add chocolate chips before cooking or top with a spoonful of peanut butter that melts into the hot cake.
18. Rice Pudding
Transform leftover rice into a comforting dessert that tastes like a warm hug. Simmer cooked rice with milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt until thick and creamy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla if you have it. My grandmother used to make this whenever we visited, and now I understand why. It’s impossible to mess up and always delicious!
The best part is watching the simple ingredients transform into something that tastes so special. Serve warm or chilled, perhaps with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
19. Crispy Chickpea Snacks
Turn a can of chickpeas into an addictive, crunchy snack that’s perfect for munching. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get!
Toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings: try paprika and garlic powder, cinnamon and sugar, or just salt and pepper. Roast in a hot oven until golden and crispy, shaking the pan occasionally.
I made these for a movie night and had to hide some for myself before they all disappeared! They stay crunchy for days in an airtight container.
20. Canned Fruit Crisp
That can of peaches or berries in your pantry can become a delicious dessert with a simple topping. Drain the fruit (save the syrup for another use) and place in a baking dish.
Mix oats, flour, brown sugar (or regular sugar), and a pinch of salt, then work in butter or oil until crumbly. I’ve made this with everything from canned pineapple to fruit cocktail. It always turns out amazing!
Sprinkle the topping over the fruit and bake until golden and bubbling. The contrast between warm fruit and crispy topping makes this humble dessert feel special.