36 Last-Minute Dinners for That “What’s Even in the Fridge?” Moment

There are certainly times when I do not have a plan for dinner. On some nights, I even open the fridge and stare into the abyss, wishing for some emotional support. I pull random items out and try to make something out of what I pulled. These are the dinners I make in that exact mood, fast, easy, and accommodating if you don’t have an ingredient or two. Truth be told, the great thing about these recipes is that you don’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store.

1) Pantry Puttanesca

This is the meal I cook when I am losing my mind. If you have pasta, either a can of tomatoes or some marinara sauce, and either olives or capers you’re good to go. I’ve made this without anchovies a number of times and it still tastes briny, punchy, and completely satisfying. Finish it off with any “cheesy” thing, whether it’s parmesan, pecorino, or the last bit of ricotta.

2) Egg Fried Rice

Cold leftover rice is basically a cheat code, but rice that has some warmth to it will also suffice as long as you take care to let it dry in the pan. Be sure to scramble an egg and mix in some chopped vegetables (frozen peas are good for this), and season with soy sauce or salt. Having sesame oil is a little bougie, but not having it doesn’t make it any less dinner. One time I decided to put a handful of potato chips on top because I wanted some crunch, and it was surprisingly good.

3) Quesadillas that require no planning

A house stocked with tortillas and some kind of meltable cheese is never a complete loss. If you toss in some beans, leftover chicken, sautéed onions, or spinach, you’ll be on your way to a tasty meal. Just be sure to use ingredients that won’t make your creations soggy. A lower cooking temperature is ideal because you’ll want the tortilla to properly crisp and to avoid a cheese lava situation. Personally, I like to pair the meal with salsa or hot sauce, along with some pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.

4) Tuna Melt Toasts

Opening a can of tuna should not be seen as a chore. You can improve the taste of the tuna by mixing it with mayo or yogurt and, if available, mustard and something crunchy such as celery or pickles, or even chopped apples (weird, but it works for most people). Then, pile the mixture on some toast, add cheese, and broil it until it is bubbly. Bam!

5) Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

This dinner gives the impression of taking considerable time and planning when that’s not the case at all.

This combination makes the mood better. For the soup, use store bought tomato soup, but if you have some canned tomatoes and an onion, you can make a quick version with some broth. For the grilled cheese, you’ll want to use low heat and be patient. If you use too high of heat, you’re going to get a burned piece of bread and cold cheese and that seems a little personal. If you have a slice of ham or tomato lying about, put it in there and call it an improvement.

6) Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti

Although it may seem straightforward, it can become a bit complicated, especially when it feels that there’s a lot of pressure. However, it is worth giving it a shot, as the ingredients for the recipe are quite simple: “pasta, pepper, cheese.” For this, use finely shredded Parmesan or pecorino cheese, as the cheese that is pre-shredded can get a bit strange. The secret is to use starchy pasta water and heat it gently: think of silk and not glue. I have eaten an entire bowl while standing at the stove, with a fork in my hand like a trash raccoon with standards.

7) Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

I appreciate roasting more than all other cooking methods since I can be more hands off. Slice sausage (or use chicken thighs). Hurry up and finish those veggies! Chop them up and mix them with oil and some salt (and spice, if you want). Roast them and when they start to stick together, they’re good to go! Serve them with rice, toast, or pasta to soak up all those delicious juices.

8) Chickpea Salad Wraps

For these wraps, mash some canned chickpeas and mix them with your choice of mayo (or olive oil), lemon (or vinegar), salt, and pepper. Add anything crunchy to the mix! This salad is comforting in a way that’s similar to tuna salad. You can have it in a wrap or spread it on some bread. Or if you’re feeling bold, attack the bowl directly. It’s not a bad idea to throw in some pickles either.

9) Peanut Noodles

Stir peanut butter with soy sauce, a little hot water, and something acidic like lime juice or rice vinegar. If you want to have some fun, add garlic or chili flakes. Pair this with noodles: spaghetti, ramen, or really any other kind of slurpable long noodle will work. A cold, crunchy side vegetable, like (but not limited to) cucumber or ripped cabbage, helps the meal feel less like a tasty tantrum.

10) Breakfast for Dinner Omelet

Eggs are the fastest route. Is it possible to make a meal out of “nothing”? Sure! You can always make an omelet and fill it with all kinds of goodies: cheese, roasted veggies, deli meats, wilted spinach, and even the last spoonful of salsa! If the thought of making an omelet stresses you out, just scramble everything together and call it rustic. From my experience, I have never seen someone angry while eating a meal of eggs and toast.

11) Tacos with Black Beans

To prepare your black beans, combine them with some cumin, chili powder, and a little water or broth. If you have it, lime juice is a great addition; if you don’t, a very small amount of vinegar can brighten. Before doing this step, prepare your tortillas with the mixture and top them off with your choice of sauce, cheese, and onions. If you have some dying cilantro, use it here too.

12) Clean Out the Fridge Frittata

If you aren’t ready to face the dirty sink with the piled up pots and pans, you can definitely go for the frittata option. The oven will be preheating, so you can use that time to sauté whatever veggies you have on the stove. After that, pour some beaten eggs and add cheese if you have any. It’s good for dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow. Just remember to salt the eggs well, otherwise, the frittata will be a polite regret.

13) Upgraded Ramen

Instant ramen should be viewed as a starting point, not as a completed meal. You can add soft boiled eggs, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a fried egg, as well as frozen corn or frozen spinach. If you have scallions, you can add those too. What I like to do is add a spoonful of peanut butter to the broth. It may seem crazy, but it really adds to the richness of the dish. You can even leave the seasoning packet out if you want to. Just don’t feel obliged to use the entire packet.

14) Garlic Butter Pasta

As for the breadcrumbs, stale bread or even a can of breadcrumbs would work. Toss some breadcrumbs with some butter (or olive oil if you prefer), add some garlic, and toast them until they are golden brown and aromatic. Then sprinkle them on the pasta. If you happen to have one, add some lemon zest. If not, you’re still winning because it’s a Tuesday.

15) Rotisserie Chicken Bowls

Rotisserie chicken is basically time travel. Did you know you can save an hour? That’s right, you can have shredded chicken with rice, or noodles, or greens, whichever you prefer, and you can top it with ranch, salsa, teriyaki and tahini, the options are limitless! This is the point at which leftovers cease to look like leftovers. I’ve done this before with a spoon and a mixing bowl, and I have no shame about it. This is about efficiency people.

16) Grilled Halloumi with Lemon

For dinner, you could also choose halloumi or any other cheese that you can grill. Just cook it until it is golden, add a squeeze of lemon, and serve it with the veggies you’ve chopped. If you want to add a sweet and salty element, you can put honey on the veggies. Meals like these give a sense of sophistication, even if you’re just in your tracksuit.

17) Creamy Pasta

Even the most basic of pantry staples can be turned into an edible meal with the addition of whipped cream cheese, or sour cream, or even a spoon of ricotta. If you have some garlic or onion powder, you can toss in some cooked pasta with a little bit of the starchy water you saved. Just to add some veggies, you can add frozen peas, or some canned corn, or some chopped spinach to make it feel like you actually have made a real adult meal. Think of the texture as comforting as a blanket fresh from the dryer.

18) Bagel Pizzas

What I like about bagel pizzas is that it makes dinner feel more like a snack. Simply add some salsa, or sauce, and cheese onto a bagel, top it with pepperoni or mushrooms, if you want. Then, pop it in the oven until the cheese starts to bubble and gets a nice brown color on top. Since the bagel pizza will not taste very good after sitting for a long period of time, you should eat it as soon as possible.

19) Lentil Soup

Little miracles happen when you cook dried lentils – no other legumes can bring miracles like these when dry lentils are so easy to cook. I would cook these with some onions, carrots, and garlic, (and broth or water and salt) until tender. You can also add cumin or smoked paprika for some deep flavor. I always feel like I made ‘too much’, and then two days later, end up finishing it.

20) Cottage Cheese Bowl

This is my simple dinner, the one I prepare when I don’t want to put effort into a project. The combination of cottage cheese, chopped tomato, salt, pepper and olive oil is easy to prepare but satisfies that creamy and salty craving. If you have herbs, feel free to add them. If you want to burn your taste buds, go ahead and add hot sauce. Adding toast makes it feel like you tried.

21) Easy Stir Fry

Frozen vegetables should not be viewed as a last resort. You can batch cook multiple servings by preparing a protein (for example, tofu, chicken, or shrimp) and mixing it with the frozen vegetables, along with a simple sauce that consists of soy, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of sugar. This can be served with noodles or rice, or even enjoyed as is. If you’re a sesame seed person, go ahead and add a large quantity!

22) Loaded Baked Potatoes

A baked potato is flexible and provides different options for toppings. You can add cheese, sour cream, beans, salsa, or even chili. If you’re really living on the edge, toss on some leftover chili! You can do the potato the favor of microwaving it for 10 minutes, and crisping the outside in the oven or air fryer. Either way, the potato will do the hard work!

23) Eggs in Tomato Sauce

Simmer a can of tomatoes with garlic, onion. Pour the sauce over the bread, and then crack eggs into the mixture and leave to cook until they are set. It may look brunch-y, but it most certainly is not, especially considering the bread for dunking! You could also crumble some feta cheese on top but if not, some parmesan works too. Although I have burnt the bottom of the food once (whilst answering a text), I still ate it and I still liked it.

24) Garlic Butter Shrimp

Shrimps can be cooked straight from frozen, and can be thawed under cold water, so it might seem annoying how quickly it can be done. To cook it, simply fry it in butter with garlic, and sprinkle some chili flakes over it. If you have one, finish with lemon. It’s also really good if you serve it over some pasta, or rice, or toast. Basically, any starch will do to catch the sauce. Some people like shrimp just until it is opaque. I can’t defend the overcooked shrimp which makes it bouncy, but I can’t defend overcooked shrimp, which makes it bouncy.

25) Rice and Beans Bowl

This is my meal when I am in need of a win. I take warm rice and beans, add hot sauce or salsa, then top it with a fried egg (so that the yolk becomes a sauce). If you have them, add some chopped onions or cilantro on top. It is simple, filling, and, strangely, quite comforting.

26) Quick Chicken Salad

Chop chicken, stir in mayo or yogurt. For a crunchy mustard chicken, add mustard, salt, pepper, and something crunchy. Most people don’t really like sweet and savory stuff combined, and if that is you, I totally get it. If you like that combo, I suggest adding grapes or dried cranberries. You can have this dish with bread, some crackers, or even leave it wrapped in lettuce if you want to pretend that you are having a fancy spa day. The trick to making this dish really good is adding enough salt so it tastes like food and not “healthy intentions.”

27) Spinach Ricotta Toast

Sauté some spinach with a bit of garlic, pile it onto some toast, and finish with a scoop of ricotta or any kind of soft cheese you have lying around. If you want your dish to have a better taste, add a dash of red pepper flakes. This dish is really great for the “I have some bread, but don’t have a plan for it” situation. I would like to admit that I find myself eating this dish while standing up way more than I would like.

28) Butter and Parmesan Tortellini

Store-bought tortellini cooks fast. What you completed deserves some color and slight virtue, so try adding some butter and Parmesan cheese with a bit of black pepper and maybe a few peas. If you have pesto, you could throw that in and try to be cool about it. This is the kind of dinner I make when I am too lazy to cook anything more involved.

29) Pizza Toast

This is not pizza, this is toast with big dreams. Spread sauce, add cheese, toss on whatever toppings.

Sausages, olives, vegetables, and salami are all located in your vicinity. Continue cooking the dish until the cheese is melted and the edges begin to brown. Be careful while eating; the cheese is hot!

30) Warm Antipasto Plate

Some evenings, I make dinner and pretend that I am preparing a packed lunch for someone who is much more organized than I am. Put out cheese, crackers, olives, nuts, sliced veggies, and possibly some deli meat. You might want to also add something warm like toast or a microwavable potato, baked potato, or soup to make it feel more like a dinner rather than just grazing. Weirdly, this is quite enjoyable as it is almost like having adult snack time.

31) Chickpea Coconut Curry

Chickpea Coconut Curry is easy to make. All you need is a can of beans, a can of coconut milk, some curry paste or powder, and 15 minutes. In a pot, add salt and simmer your chickpeas and then mix in some spinach so that it wilts. Serve this with some rice or flatbread and enjoy the aroma of being organized.

32) Brothy Noodle Soup

You can use box, homemade or bouillon broth, then add noodles and thinly sliced veggies (and chicken if desired) and stir in an egg. Don’t over-salt it as the broth reduces. I call this my comfort and hydration dinner.

33) Salmon Patties

Many people don’t realize that you can use canned salmon to make salmon patties, which are then bound with egg and either breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Once you have mixed the ingredients you can pan-fry the patties until they are crispy and serve with sauces which can be made in seconds, like mayonnaise and mustard or yogurt with lemon. Add some simple salad or steamed vegetables and you have a proper plate of food. Check for bones in the salmon, as some people are sensitive to that while some don’t mind.

34) Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese tastes better when you get a bit more creative. Adding kimchi, pickles, and sliced tomatoes or even some leftover roasted broccoli (yes, really) makes a great combo. Make sure everything is thin or else the sandwich will collapse. Putting a lot of butter on the outside of the bread and cooking it at low heat for a while helps a lot. The end result is salty, tangy, melty, and comfort with a bit of an edge.

35) Greek Style Salad

For the Greek salad, chop some cucumber and tomatoes. If available, you can include feta and dress the salad with olive oil and vinegar or lemon. While optional, adding olives and oregano is nice. You can also toast some pita or bread to scoop with. It’s light, but not punishing, which is my favorite kind of salad.

36) Loaded Nachos

When I need to prepare a fun and quick dinner, I always go for nachos. Spread chips, add cheese, beans or the excess meat and bake until the cheese gets melty and a little browned. To balance those out, you can top with salsa, hot sauce, or a quick chopped salad. They should be ate while hot, because cold nachos are a sad excuse for food.