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    Home » Best Of

    21 Easy Dinner Recipes Using What You Have So You Can Skip The Grocery Store

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: May 5, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
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    No need for a last-minute grocery run when dinner can come together with what’s already in the kitchen. These easy dinner recipes make the most of pantry staples, fridge finds, and a little creativity. Simple ingredients can turn into something worth serving without extra effort or expense. Cooking at home feels less like a chore when meals are quick, practical, and use what’s on hand. With these easy dinner recipes, a satisfying meal is always within reach.

    Sweet Potato Fajitas with Zesty Lime Sauce

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    Sweet Potato Fajitas with Zesty Lime Sauce. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    These fajitas bring together sweet potatoes, peppers, and onions for a simple yet flavorful meal. A quick lime sauce adds a bright kick without much effort. If you're looking for easy dinner recipes, this one comes together fast and keeps cleanup minimal.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fajitas with Zesty Lime Sauce

    Easy Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes

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    Easy Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Carrots, lentils, and tomatoes simmer together for a comforting soup that’s both filling and simple to make. Everything cooks in one pot, making this a great choice for busy nights. If you need easy dinner recipes, this one is nutritious, affordable, and hassle-free.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes

    Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup Recipe

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    Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    This hearty soup blends sweet potatoes and black beans for a meal that’s both rich and satisfying. It’s packed with flavor, yet takes little effort to prepare. For easy dinner recipes, this one is perfect when you need something warm and nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup Recipe

    Air Fryer Pork Belly

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    Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this pork belly comes together quickly in the air fryer. The method cuts down on cooking time while keeping the meat rich and flavorful. If you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, this is a simple way to make a restaurant-quality dish at home.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

    Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemon and Almonds

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    Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemon and Almonds. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Fresh walleye bakes with lemon and almonds for a meal that feels special but takes little effort. The simple ingredients highlight the fish without overpowering it. If you need easy dinner recipes, this one is light, quick, and full of flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemon and Almonds

    Northern Hearty Venison Stew Recipe

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    Northern Hearty Venison Stew Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Venison, root vegetables, and broth come together in a thick, rich stew. It’s a great way to make use of wild game while creating a filling meal. For easy dinner recipes, this stew is perfect for colder nights when you want something warm and homemade.
    Get the Recipe: Northern Hearty Venison Stew Recipe

    Best Easy Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta Recipe

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    Best Easy Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Leftover taco meat gets a second life in this cheesy pasta dish that’s both quick and filling. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. If you need easy dinner recipes, this is a great way to stretch leftovers into something new.
    Get the Recipe: Best Easy Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta Recipe

    Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Tofu Stir Fry with Veggies

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    Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Tofu Stir Fry with Veggies. Photo credit: fannetastic food.

    This stir-fry packs bold flavor with a balance of heat and sweetness. Tofu and fresh vegetables cook quickly, making it a great choice for busy nights. If you're searching for easy dinner recipes, this one is fast, colorful, and full of texture.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Tofu Stir Fry with Veggies

    Creamy Zucchini Pasta Sauce Recipe with Parmesan

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    Creamy Zucchini Pasta Sauce Recipe with Parmesan. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Fresh zucchini blends into a creamy, cheesy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. It’s an easy way to use up extra zucchini while making a satisfying meal. If you need easy dinner recipes, this one keeps things simple without skimping on flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Pasta Sauce Recipe with Parmesan

    Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

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    Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    This comforting casserole layers ground beef, pasta, and plenty of cheese for a hearty meal. Everything bakes together in one dish, making it easy to prep and serve. If you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, this one is a no-fuss option that feeds a crowd.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

    Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

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    Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A mix of fresh vegetables and broth makes this soup both simple and filling. It’s easy to customize with whatever you have on hand. If you’re searching for easy dinner recipes, this one is a great way to use up ingredients while making a warm and comforting meal.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

    Easy Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe

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    Easy Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    These tortilla roll-ups are packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and a little spice. They come together in minutes and work well as a quick meal or appetizer. If you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, these are simple to make and even easier to eat.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe

    Creamy Garlic Chicken

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    Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

    This dish brings together tender chicken in a rich, garlicky sauce that’s perfect over rice or pasta. It’s a restaurant-style meal without the extra work. If you need easy dinner recipes, this one delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: fannetastic food.

    Chicken drumsticks cook low and slow until they’re juicy and full of flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, making this an ideal set-it-and-forget-it meal. If you want easy dinner recipes, this one is perfect for busy days when you need something ready by dinnertime.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

    Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup

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    Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    This pot pie turns leftover turkey into a creamy, comforting dish with minimal prep. A store-bought crust keeps things easy while still feeling homemade. If you're looking for easy dinner recipes, this one makes the most of holiday leftovers without extra hassle.
    Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup

    Quick and Easy Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan

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    Quick and Easy Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    These mini meatloaves cook faster than traditional ones, making them perfect for weeknights. A sheet pan setup keeps everything simple and mess-free. If you need easy dinner recipes, this one delivers all the comfort of classic meatloaf without the long wait.
    Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan

    Creamy Barbecue Shrimp Recipe

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    Creamy Barbecue Shrimp Recipe. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

    This dish combines shrimp with a rich, smoky barbecue sauce for a bold and creamy meal. It cooks quickly, making it perfect for last-minute dinners. If you’re searching for easy dinner recipes, this one brings big flavor without extra work.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Barbecue Shrimp Recipe

    Easy Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

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    Easy Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Ham and potatoes come together in a creamy, cheesy broth for a comforting meal. Everything simmers in one pot, keeping prep and cleanup simple. If you need easy dinner recipes, this one is great for chilly nights when you want something warm and filling.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

    White Bean Kale Soup with Sausage

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    White Bean Kale Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    White beans, sausage, and kale make this soup both hearty and packed with flavor. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together with minimal effort. If you're looking for easy dinner recipes, this one is a great way to enjoy a warm, protein-packed dish without much prep.
    Get the Recipe: White Bean Kale Soup with Sausage

    Chicken Marsala

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    Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

    Tender chicken simmers in a rich mushroom and wine sauce, making for a meal that feels special but is surprisingly simple. It pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. If you’re searching for easy dinner recipes, this one delivers big flavors without the extra hassle.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala

    Easy Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Kale

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    Easy Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Kale. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Roasted acorn squash gets filled with a savory sausage and kale mixture for a meal that’s both hearty and simple. The ingredients cook together easily, making this dish perfect for weeknights. If you need easy dinner recipes, this one is a flavorful way to use seasonal ingredients with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Kale

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    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

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