Weekly Meal Plan: 5 Pantry Dinner Ideas

In this week’s meal plan, we are using the food we already have on hand to make new meals the whole family loves. Short grocery lists and full bellies make for a happy mama.

"What's for Dinner" wording is set over a bowl of Pasta Puttanesca.

Usually, we would be getting a much-needed break from school this week for Spring Break. I don’t know about you, but I am still ready for a break!

We’re going to take the week off from distance learning and take a mental break from the routines we’ve created for sanity's sake. This week I’m going to use my pantry to the fullest while still offering homemade dinners to my dear family. I’m making the most of staples such as pasta, tuna, and cheese.

I hope this week’s recipes help use the food already in the pantry so you can take time to take care of yourself and your family. Be kind to yourself this week!

  • Tuna Burgers with Dill Olive Mayo

    Canned Tuna Burgers
    Leela Cyd Ross

    Sandwiches are always a hit at our house. These tuna burgers also use frozen corn and shredded carrots. If you don’t have bell pepper, you can just leave it out. Top them with a delicious dill mayo. Serve with Roasted Asparagus for a simple side.

  • Valerie Brunmeier's Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

    Taco Pasta Skillet Recipe
    Alison Conklin

    Taco seasoning, ground beef, beans, pasta, and cheese swirled together into a Taco Tuesday extravaganza! This meal comes together in 30 minutes.

  • Chipotle Citrus Marinated Pork Tenderloin

    Chipotle Citrus Pork Tenderloin
    Elise Bauer

    Oh, tenderloin, how I love you! Lean, quick, inexpensive and feeds the whole family. The bright citrus marinade brings the sunshine right to the table. Keep an oven mitt handy for moving the hot skillet from the oven to the stovetop. The pork could be marinated in the morning to make dinner time even easier. Serve with Easy Black Beans and Rice.

  • Three Teacup Chicken

    Three Teacup Chicken
    Elise Bauer

    The name alone makes me want to put this on the menu. Ginger, garlic, and soy sauce combine for a zingy Chinese braising liquid for stir-frying the bite-sized chicken. Serve with rice and Sichuan Style Stir-Fried Chinese Long Beans for an easy vegetable side.

    Continue to 5 of 6 below.
  • Pasta Puttanesca

    Pasta Puttanesca
    Elise Bauer

    Pasta puttanesca is the perfect pantry pasta. It uses olive oil, canned tomatoes, and jarred olives and capers. If you don’t have capers, just leave them out. Boil a box of pasta. Delicious awaits!

  • Carrot Cake

    Carrot Cake
    Elise Bauer

    Carrot cake and spring go hand in hand for me. This cake recipe comes together so easily! No creaming butter and sugar required. I love carrot cake with all the tasty extra bits of raisin and pineapple but leave it out if you don’t feel the same way. Looking for something less grand, but still delicious, try these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.