You're pondering what to make for dinner. You open the refrigerator and...nothing! But a tasty dinner can emerge from an almost-empty kitchen.
What to Make for Dinner When Your Fridge is Bare
Updated on May 05, 2024
1/44
Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 411 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
2/44
Special Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I work nine hours a day, so I need delicious and simple recipes like this one. My husband thinks I work hard fixing meals, but this dish is good and easy. In summer, I can my own salsa and use some to top these chops. —LaDane Wilson, Alexander City, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 273 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
3/44
Tater Tot Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this Tater Tot casserole when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13x9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 570 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
4/44
Pan Burritos
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves Mexican food, so this flavorful, satisfying casserole is a favorite. It’s nice to be able to get the taste of burritos and to cut any serving size you want. —Joyce Kent, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 646 calories, 32g fat (15g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1379mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 36g protein.
5/44
Lasagna Roll-Ups
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Italian lasagna roll-ups are not complicated; they require only basic ingredients to assemble. Prepared spaghetti sauce helps me save time and get dinner on the table sooner. —Mary Lee Thomas, Logansport, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 375 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 538mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
6/44
Baked Fish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always have a good supply of fresh fish, so I make fish recipes often. This recipe is my favorite because it is moist, tender and flavorful. —Judie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 270 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
7/44
Easy Beef Pies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We make a lot of French dips and always have leftover roast beef. Here's how I put it to good use. For these pies, use any vegetables you like. They're extra awesome drenched in cheese sauce. —Jennie Weber, Palmer, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1 pie (calculated without queso dip): 752 calories, 46g fat (19g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 921mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
8/44
Biscuit Turkey Bake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a college student, I go for stick-to-your-ribs foods that are also easy on the budget. Here's one that fits the bill. I like to bake this casserole for friends' birthdays. —Stephanie Denning, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 327 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 1117mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
9/44
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
45 min
Servings
5 servings
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 468 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1394mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 34g protein.
10/44
Black Bean and Beef Tostadas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You only need a handful of ingredients to make one of our family’s favorites. It's also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 392 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1011mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 10g fiber), 23g protein.
11/44
One-Skillet Lasagna
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 478 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1552mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
12/44
Easy Glazed Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes only four ingredients and a few moments to make this delightful main dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 394 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
13/44
Crescent Roll Hot Dogs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 325 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
14/44
Red Pepper Chicken
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this Southwestern supper. We love it served with rice plumped up in chicken broth. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 288 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
15/44
Fiesta Ravioli
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this recipe to suit our taste for spicy food. The ravioli taste like mini enchiladas. I serve them with a Mexican-inspired salad and pineapple sherbet for dessert. —Debbie Purdue, Freeland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 470 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1342mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.
16/44
Beef in Onion Gravy
Total Time
6 hours 5 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I double this super recipe to feed our family of four so I'm sure to have leftovers to send with my husband to work for lunch. His co-workers tell him he's lucky to have someone who fixes him such special meals. It's our secret that it's an easy slow cooker dinner! —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 326 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1220mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
17/44
Sloppy Joe Pasta
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it's become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 291 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 904mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
18/44
Baked Ranch Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A crunchy coating of cornflakes and Parmesan cheese adds delectable flavor to this zesty ranch chicken. The golden, crispy chicken is a mainstay dish I can always count on. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 254 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
19/44
Mustard Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A bread crumb coating is all you need to turn pork chops into a wow-worthy family dinner. Try the breading on chicken breasts too. —Chris Rentmeister, Ripon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 334 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 44g protein.
20/44
Parmesan Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are always looking for light fish recipes because of their health benefits. This one's a hit with him, and we've served it at dinner parties too. It's become a staple! —Michelle Martin, Durham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 179 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 very lean meat, 1/2 fat.
21/44
Southwest Tuna Noodle Bake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
None of my co-workers had ever tried tuna noodle casserole, and since we live near the Mexican border, they challenged me to make a Southwest version. After trying the tasty results, everyone wanted the recipe! —Sandra Crane, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 673 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 1241mg sodium, 82g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein.
22/44
Chicken Provolone
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 236 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
23/44
Beef Tortellini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tortellini dish is a one-skillet-wonder the family craves. From browning beef to cooking the pasta and melting the cheese, everything happens in one pan. You can add basil or chives for a touch of freshness. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 566 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
24/44
Frito Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and fabulously cheesy. Here’s my take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 718 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1719mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein.
25/44
Smothered Burrito
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 624 calories, 33g fat (15g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 1470mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
26/44
Creamy Beef & Potatoes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my husband's favorite childhood memories was eating his Grandma Barney's Tater Tot Casserole. One day I prepared it using potatoes O'Brien instead. Now I always make it this way. — Heather Matthews, Keller, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 664 calories, 38g fat (19g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 1851mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
27/44
Parmesan Fish Sticks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 281 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
28/44
Ham & Swiss Stromboli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an excellent dish to take to someone for dinner. It's also easy to change up the recipe with your favorite meats or cheeses. —Tricia Bibb, Hartselle, AL
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 272 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 795mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
29/44
Shakshuka
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion and cumin. I learned about it while traveling through Southeast Asia, and it's been my favorite way to eat eggs since. —Ezra Weeks, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 159 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
30/44
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 646 calories, 50g fat (18g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
31/44
Easy Chicken Piccata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy chicken recipes are my go-to dinner choice. My chicken piccata pasta dish is ready to serve in a half hour. It takes just a few minutes in the oven to bake to tender perfection. —Hannah Williams, Malibu, California
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 382 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein.
32/44
Penne with Tomatoes & White Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned how to make this dish from friends in Genoa, Italy, where they're known for creating tasty combinations of veggies, pasta and beans. You can sub feta cheese to give this a Greek twist. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup tomato mixture with 1 cup pasta and 2 tablespoons cheese: 491 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 1505mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 9g fiber), 19g protein.
33/44
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 317 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
34/44
Garlic Bread Pizza
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 281 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
35/44
36/44
Ravioli Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you taste this dish, you’ll think it’s a from-scratch recipe—but it starts with frozen ravioli! —Patricia Smith, Asheboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 401 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
37/44
Mediterranean Chickpeas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chickpea mixture with 2/3 cup couscous: 340 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
38/44
No-Fuss Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe could hardly be simpler to prepare. The chicken gets a wonderful tangy taste, and no one will know you used convenient ingredients like a bottle of salad dressing and onion soup mix...unless you tell them. —Marilyn Dick, Centralia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 275 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
39/44
Basil Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender, glazed chops get a kick from basil, chili powder and a little brown sugar. Serve with your favorite roasted veggies and you've got a super comforting meal bursting with flavor. —Lisa Gilliland, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 152 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
40/44
Stuffed Pasta Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way.
—Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 314 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
41/44
Cheese Ravioli with Veggies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When pasta and veggies are on the menu, my sons get to the table fast. The frozen medley is so convenient, but sometimes I throw in peas, corn, broccoli or zucchini instead. —Amy Burns, Charleston, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 339 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
42/44
Bacon Pasta
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 159 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
43/44
Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
6 nuggets (calculated without marinara): 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
44/44
Au Gratin Sausage Skillet
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using frozen vegetables and a package of au gratin potatoes, I can get this satisfying stovetop supper on the table in no time. Even our oldest daughter, who can be a picky eater, loves it - and it is an excellent way of getting her to eat her vegetables. —Penny Greene, Lancaster, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 660 calories, 47g fat (18g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 2093mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
