6 Delicious Pantry Meal Ideas

Does anyone else ever forget to plan dinner? Or experience a last minute change in plans and need to pull your dinner ingredients from your stock of pantry items? Or maybe you aren't able to get to the store as often as you'd like.

Whatever the reason I'm sharing with you my most popular 6 delicious pantry meal ideas. In these recipes you'll find the recipe ingredients are foods you already have stocked in your home. Simple meals with simple ingredients from your freezer, pantry, and baking staples.

6 Delicious Pantry Meal Ideas

Here are your must-have classic pantry recipes stocked full of meat from the freezer, canned items in the pantry, and baking staples.

• Lasagna-- here is your delicious yet bare bones lasagna recipe that is always a hit. Add in any dairy free cheese shreds or ricotta you have in the fridge or keep this recipe as it is.
• Crock-Pot Taco Soup-- this recipe is the queen of canned ingredients. And with that comes flexibility for what you already have in your pantry.
• Homemade Sloppy Joes-- here is everyone's ultimate easy pantry meal, with minimal ingredients from your freezer and pantry for a delicious dinner with leftovers.
• Taco Bake-- another recipe that comes together in minutes. Most importantly the topping ideas easily accommodate what you already have on hand.
• Chicken Pot Pie-- wow, raid your freezer for veggies and grab baking staples now for this best chicken pot pie recipe. You will fall in love with this simple filling and flaky pot pie crust.
• Taco Tater Tot Skillet-- not only is this a pantry recipe, but it's also a reader favorite. You'll combine both frozen and pantry staples for this comfy homemade meal.

Bonus Ideas

• Fresh Banana Bread-- if you have overripe bananas stashed in the freezer or on hand, bake yourself up a heavenly loaf of banana bread topped with walnuts or dairy free chocolate chips
• Warm, Homemade Cookies-- you'll find all the ingredients for these delicious cookies in with your baking staples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute ingredients I don't have on hand?

Absolutely -- that's the whole point of a pantry meal. Swap in whatever canned veggies, ground meat, or pasta shape you have stocked instead of what's listed, and these recipes will still turn out great.

How long do pantry staples typically last?

Most canned goods stay good well past a year when stored in a cool, dry spot, and freezer meat keeps for several months when wrapped tightly. Always check dates and toss anything with a damaged can or freezer burn before cooking.

Can I double these recipes and freeze the extra?

Yes! Lasagna, taco soup, sloppy joes, and taco bake all freeze beautifully. Double the batch, cool completely, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months so you're restocking your own pantry meal stash for later.

What if I don't have meat on hand?

Canned or dried beans and lentils are an easy pantry swap for ground meat in any of these recipes -- just adjust the seasoning to taste since beans soak up flavor differently than meat does.

Lastly

There you go-- 6 delicious pantry meal ideas for when you don't have time to grocery shop, can't get out, or you forgot to dinner plan. Each of these recipes is filled with gluten and dairy free ingredients. But be sure to always read ingredient labels as manufacturers do change ingredients from time to time.

You'll find recipes on my website for every occasion and holiday too. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest as well. That way you'll stay up-to-date on all things gluten and dairy free.

Eat well and feel well,

Victoria

🍽️ Need more dinner inspiration? Browse all our Gluten Free Dinner Recipes — easy, family-friendly meals, all gluten & dairy free.

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