31 Easy Dinners That Make the Most of Pantry Staples

From the Recipe Creator: I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: I'm always on the hunt for fast and filling meals. Chicken sausage makes an awesome one-dish dinner by itself or served with brown rice in a burrito. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: Here's a dish that's light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies...for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: This easy to make veggie burger packs an amazing taste, and the crunch from the addition of quinoa makes the texture to die for. This is an easy and delicious vegetarian burger option that you must try. Pan-frying adds a perfect crisp that takes it to the next level. The mixture can be made ahead of time, and it freezes very well. Enjoy! —Beth Klein, Arlington, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: I remember my grandma making this stovetop supper many times—we always loved Granny’s spaghetti! My husband and I now enjoy making this for our dinner. You can easily use ground turkey instead of ground beef if that’s what you happen to have on hand. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: All you need are some simple ingredients from the pantry to put this slow-cooker meal together. I love the fact that I can go fishing while it cooks. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: When I'm invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: My cousin is of Mexican heritage, and I’ve watched her make this crunchy beef burrito recipe for years. The very first time I made them for my own family, they instantly became a favorite meal. They’re even better warmed up the next day in the microwave. —Debi Lane, Chattanooga, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: Garlic lovers will savor every bite of this skillet chicken breast dish. If there are leftovers, note that the flavor intensifies as it sits. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: Here's proof that chili doesn't have to be red. I combined several recipes and changed flavors until the recipe was just right. Trust me, this one is a keeper. —Tina Barrett, Houston, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: The garlic-seasoned main dish calls for handy pantry ingredients, including pasta and canned salmon. I serve it with asparagus, rolls and fruit. —Theresa Hagan, Glendale, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: I combined some favorite staples from our freezer and pantry to come up with this easy dish. It has few ingredients and little preparation. —Tracie Bergeron, Chauvin, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: We're trying to go meatless once a week, and this dish helps make those meals fun, quick and super delicious. It's also a smart way to use up beans and canned tomatoes from your pantry. —Cynthia Nelson, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

From the Recipe Creator: Cauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are each subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: Dinner is easy when I can use ingredients typically found in my fridge and pantry. —Laura Miller, Lake Ann, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: If you like foods with southwestern flair, this just might become a new favorite. Loaded with cheese, meat and beans, the layered casserole comes together in a snap. There are never any leftovers when I take this dish to potlucks. —Terri Keena, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this Tex-Mex recipe for my sister who just got her first slow cooker. It’s a delicious go-to recipe for busy days. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: For a flash of tasty inspiration, grab a skillet and stir up turkey sausage with tomatoes, garlic and olives. Toss everything with spaghetti, and sprinkle with Parmesan. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Some people call it dinner hour, but many of us call it rush hour. Slow down the pace with this so-simple mouthwatering ground pork meal. The only thing you'll have left over is time to share with your family at the table. —Brigitte Schaller, Flemington, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: Smoked turkey sausage and red pepper flakes add zip to this saucy, slow-cooked version of Louisiana red beans and rice. For extra heat, add red pepper sauce at the table. —Julia Bushree, Georgetown, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I like to serve this kicked-up skillet dish with warm flour tortillas and a side of guacamole. If you like things a little spicier, add more jalapeno and enjoy the heat! —Pat Hockett, Ocala, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: I am of Danish descent and love all things pork, both old recipes and new. Here's a dish I came up with myself. —John Hansen, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson, Dover, Delaware

From the Recipe Creator: A fast, creamy skillet sauce dresses up everyday pork chops and noodles. Chicken also works well with this recipe and the zesty mix of mustards.—Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: I have been making this tasty dish for 30 plus years. Of all the turkey dishes we have, this is the family favorite. I can put it in my slow cooker before leaving for work and come home to a hot, delicious dinner. Serve it over cooked noodles, rice, mashed potatoes—or for a surprise, polenta. —Cindy Adams, Tracy, California

From the Recipe Creator: A friend gave me this recipe, which my sons say is a keeper. For a change of pace, spoon the tasty filling into soft tortillas. —Sarah Johnston, Lincoln, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: My mother has always been an avid cook, and my sister, two brothers and I were raised on this casserole. When I polled our family to see which recipe I should share, this fresh-tasting dish came out on the top. I know you'll enjoy it as much as we do. —Cindy Clark, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: When my garden basil goes nuts, I make pesto and keep it frozen in small containers for the right opportunity, like this saucy one-pot chicken pesto pasta recipe. —Kimberly Fenwick, Hobart, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a perfect one-skillet supper that’s colorful, healthy, filling and definitely special! Our taste testers loved the blend of spices, the touch of heat and the sophisticated flavor. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan