50 Last-Minute Meals That Come Together With What You Already Have

Last minute meals don't have to be a scramble or leave you stuck with takeout. When time is tight and the fridge looks empty, it’s all about getting creative with what’s already in your kitchen. Whether it's throwing together a quick pasta or making use of leftover veggies, there’s always a way to pull together something great without a grocery run. These ideas will help you make the most of what you have, saving time and keeping things easy.

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Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ethiopian Cabbage

Ethiopian cabbage stew is a one-pot meal made with simple veggies and spices. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect when using what’s already in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad is a quick side made with pantry staples. It’s easy to throw together and pairs well with any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Vegan Turkey Roast

This vegan turkey roast uses chickpeas and seitan for a budget-friendly option. It’s a great choice when working with what’s already available.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

A bowl of vegan rasta pasta. — Vegan Rasta Pasta. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan rasta pasta is a mildly spiced dish ready in 30 minutes. It’s an easy weeknight meal that comes together quickly with fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of microwave mac and cheese in a bowl with a spoon. — Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Microwave mac and cheese is creamy and ready in minutes. It’s a fast, comforting option when you need something quick.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts need just five ingredients and cook in 20 minutes. A simple side or salad topper that takes little effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes in a Dutch oven, with wooden spoon. — Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy mashed potatoes, made on the stove or Instant Pot, come together in 45 minutes. It’s a great side that’s easy with minimal ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Pasta e Piselli

Pasta e piselli is a simple dish with peas and Pecorino cheese, ready quickly. It’s an easy option when using pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon. — Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bucatini cacio e pepe uses just three ingredients and cooks fast. It’s perfect for nights when you need a quick, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara uses five ingredients and cooks in under 30 minutes. It’s a rich, easy meal when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)

A straight view of cooked jeera rice in a white plate. — Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Jeera rice, infused with cumin, cooks up quickly and is light. It’s a simple side that’s beginner-friendly and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side. — 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli cheese casserole needs only three ingredients and cooks in 30 minutes. It’s an easy choice when you want something simple.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter. — Din Tai Fung Green Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Garlic green beans come together with just four ingredients. A quick, easy side that works well with almost any meal.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Raw Carrot Salad

Raw carrot salad is fresh and crunchy, ready in 10 minutes. It’s a fast option when you’re short on fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus takes only five ingredients and is ready in 25 minutes. A simple veggie option that’s perfect for casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

An overview of a bowl of vegan white bean chili. — Vegan White Bean Chili. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan white bean chili is ready in 30 minutes using pantry staples. It’s a hearty, nutritious meal that’s easy without a store trip.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

Panzanella Salad

Panzanella salad takes 10 minutes using bread, veggies, and vinaigrette. It’s a quick dish that works as a side or main when using leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Pasta Fresca

Pasta fresca is ready in under 30 minutes with fresh ingredients. It’s a no-fuss option for a fast weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

Roasted Oyster Mushrooms

Roasted oyster mushrooms need just four ingredients and are ready in 30 minutes. They’re a simple addition to tacos, sandwiches, or sides.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Oyster Mushrooms

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza. — Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Margherita pizza comes together in 20 minutes with fresh ingredients. It’s an easy meal that’s great for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is creamy and packed with veggies, ready in 35 minutes. It’s a comforting choice for cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter. — Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flank steak grills in 20 minutes and is topped with chili butter. It’s a flavorful, quick meal with only five ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Walnut sauce pasta takes just five ingredients and comes together in 30 minutes. It’s a quick, pantry-friendly option with great flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap

Leftover chicken tenders turn into a wrap with just five ingredients. A quick, no-hassle lunch that works on a busy day.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap

5-Ingredient Hash Brown Casserole

Hash brown casserole with sausage, eggs, and cheese needs five ingredients. It’s a hearty dinner that’s easy to put together.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Hash Brown Casserole

Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Plate of chicken nuggets on a wooden serving board. — Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Two-ingredient chicken nuggets come together quickly and hassle-free. A simple way to feed the family when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Easy Potato Soup

This four-ingredient potato soup combines potatoes, broth, milk, and onion. It’s a simple, comforting meal that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

Buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet uses four ingredients and comes together fast. It’s a simple option that’s also great for prepping ahead.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

Red plate filled with alfredo sauce and keto noodles. — Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Fettuccine Alfredo takes five ingredients and comes with homemade noodles. It’s a creamy pasta that’s ready quickly without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Fettuccine Alfredo

Squash Casserole

Yellow squash casserole comes together in 30 minutes with a few ingredients. It’s an easy option that fits perfectly into family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad uses five fresh ingredients and works as a quick side. It’s a simple, fresh option that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Chicken Salad

This five-ingredient chicken salad is quick and easy to adjust to your liking. It’s a reliable choice for light lunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

This slow cooker chicken dish is incredibly simple with just a few ingredients. A low-effort meal that takes care of itself.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta takes five ingredients or less, making it an easy go-to. Great for dinners, potlucks, or even next-day leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs come together fast with just two ingredients. A quick, spicy dinner when you want something bold.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Pork Chop Casserole

Pork chop casserole is a hands-off dinner that bakes with five ingredients. It’s an easy meal that’s ready in about an hour and a half.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chop Casserole

Blackstone Green Beans

Green beans cook in 10 minutes on the Blackstone Griddle with five ingredients. A quick side that’s perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Green Beans

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub

Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub use only two ingredients and cook quickly. A budget-friendly dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub

3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Three-ingredient mac and cheese cooks extra creamy in the slow cooker. It’s a family-friendly option that makes weeknights easier.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole

Zucchini and squash casserole uses five ingredients and works for gatherings. A colorful, simple dish that’s easy to put together.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole

Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Legs

Buffalo chicken legs use only two ingredients and cook up quickly. A simple choice for a flavorful dinner with no extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Legs

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce. — Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Quick stir-fry recipes use fresh ingredients and come together in 20 minutes. They’re an efficient way to get a balanced meal on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon takes just two ingredients and cooks in 15 minutes. It’s an easy way to have dinner ready quickly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon

Pesto Salmon

Pesto salmon bakes in under 25 minutes with only five ingredients. It’s a fast way to get a great dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Philly cheesesteak casserole comes together with five ingredients. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Quinoa Flatbread Pizza Crust

Quinoa flatbread pizza crust takes just five ingredients and is easy to make. A simple way to enjoy homemade pizza without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Flatbread Pizza Crust

Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops

Crock Pot ranch pork chops need just three ingredients for a hands-off dinner. Toss them in the slow cooker and let them cook until tender.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Chicken and waffle casserole makes dinner easy and fun with five ingredients. It balances sweet and savory flavors for something different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot mac and cheese uses five ingredients and cooks in minutes. A quick, kid-friendly dinner that’s great for laid-back nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Lemon pepper chicken tenders use three ingredients and cook in 15 minutes. An easy, no-fuss dinner when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders