19 Easy Dinners When There’s No Food In The Fridge

When the fridge is barren, it’s time to get creative! These 19 dinners are designed to save the day when you’re low on supplies. No fancy ingredients are needed, just pure ingenuity to turn scraps into a feast. You’ll impress yourself with what you can make from seemingly nothing, and maybe even feel like a kitchen wizard.

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When your fridge seems bare, find comfort in knowing a simple dish like Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche can turn limited ingredients into a rewarding meal. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend brunch. Even when options seem slim, this quiche provides a fulfilling option with minimal components. Grab those last few staples and any remaining veggies to get started.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Running low on dinner options? Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers proves that you don’t need a stocked pantry to create something hearty. Utilizing staple items, this dish brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. It’s an effortless way to capture the essence of a restaurant meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Transform your dinner routine with Pizza Pasta Salad, a dish that ingeniously combines the joy of pizza toppings with the simplicity of a pasta salad. It’s quick to assemble with whatever is left in your pantry. This meal stands out for its convenience and ease of preparation, making it a perfect solution for those almost-empty fridge days. Just toss together and enjoy a playful twist on traditional ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you have a bit of leftover steak, Leftover Steak Quesadilla is your go-to option for an easy and filling meal. It’s resourceful and fits perfectly into the theme of making the most of what you have. This dish turns last night’s dinner into today’s treat with very little effort. Creatively use up your leftovers and avoid waste with this delicious choice.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

With a few basic items in your kitchen, you can whip up a comforting dish like Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins. This recipe is ideal for those times when you want a homemade meal without the hassle of a complex recipe. It’s about making do with what you have, providing a warm, inviting dinner that’s both easy and comforting. Gather your pantry basics, and you’re halfway there.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Even on days when it feels like there’s nothing to cook, Ground Beef Fried Rice can come to the rescue. It’s a versatile dish that uses up whatever veggies and rice you have on hand. This meal is all about simplicity and quick preparation, perfect for a busy weeknight. It turns your leftovers into a completely new and enjoyable meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a meal that feels more gourmet without requiring a trip to the grocery store, Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is a fantastic choice. It utilizes simple ingredients to recreate a restaurant-style dish at home. This recipe is particularly effective when you’re looking to impress, yet only have basic items available. It’s about making the most of your kitchen staples.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Create a diner-inspired meal right from your kitchen with Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Even with just a few ingredients at hand, this dish ensures a flavorful dinner that’s both fulfilling and comforting. It’s especially perfect when you’re craving something hearty but want to keep things straightforward. Bring the classic diner experience into your home with ease.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you’re craving some spice but the fridge looks empty, Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken can fill that void. This dish is a great way to use whatever veggies you have left in your fridge, combined with pantry staples to create a stunning meal. It’s simple, spicy, and saves you a trip to the restaurant. This is a perfect solution for an easy and fast dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is an excellent solution when your options are limited but you still want to enjoy a wholesome meal. It combines simplicity with the need to use up whatever is available. This pasta salad can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for a no-fuss dinner. It’s all about using your pantry creatively to feed everyone with ease.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re down to the last few items in your fridge, Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries might just be your savior. This meal is straightforward, combining basic ingredients for a filling and healthy option. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a quick snack or a light meal. Use up your nearing-expiration items and enjoy a simple yet rewarding dish.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

With just minimal ingredients, you can still prepare an exotic dish like Korean Galbi Ribs. This choice proves that a nearly empty fridge doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy flavorful, rich dishes. Ideal for a special evening meal, it allows you to use available meats in an inventive way. It’s all about creating something extraordinary from the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When looking for a simple yet comforting side dish, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots fit perfectly. It’s a great way to utilize those last few veggies while mimicking the flavors of a favorite restaurant. This recipe is both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser, ensuring you make the most of every item in your kitchen. Even minimal ingredients can lead to delicious results.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a quick-fix solution to dinner woes, Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a huge help. This dish allows you to put together an appetizing meal with very few ingredients. It’s perfect for those times when your fridge is almost empty but you still want a meal that’s full of flavor. Just grab your staples and get cooking.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If your fridge almost seems empty, creating a dish like Chinese Chicken Salad can seem like a magic act. It’s a refreshing option that utilizes basic pantry items to produce a light and delicious meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or a simple dinner, this salad adds a twist of flair without needing many ingredients. Whip up this easy meal and enjoy a refreshing break.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Even with limited options, a hearty, comforting meal like Beefy John Wayne Casserole can be easily put together. It embodies the spirit of making the most out of the available pantry staples. This dish is perfect for those days when you need something filling yet simple to prepare. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Roast Pork With Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork With Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it seems like you can make nothing substantial, Roast Pork With Apples offers a delicious surprise. This dish blends simplicity with the art of using what’s available, turning basic ingredients into a full-fledged meal. Perfect for a family dinner, it adds a touch of class without needing a full grocery run. Utilize what you have, and impress at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork With Apples

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re in the mood for something rich and creamy, Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is an easy pick. Even with just a few basic items, this recipe allows you to replicate a popular restaurant dish in the comfort of your home. It’s ideal for turning those last bits of pasta and protein into a luxurious meal. Quick and comforting, it’s a perfect dish to end a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Using the remaining staple items, you can craft a comforting dish known as Turkey à la King. It’s a classic choice that transforms leftover ingredients into a creamy, hearty meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is both convenient and warm. It’s a practical yet delicious way to use up what you have left in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

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