Quick Pantry Dinners You Can Make When You’re Broke and Busy
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a busy, single mama on a budget, it’s this: having a few pantry staples on hand can save your whole week. Between work, kids, errands, and the never-ending “what’s for dinner,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Here are some dishes you can throw together when money is tight, time is limited, and energy is basically gone. No fancy recipes, no complicated steps. Just real food, real fast – using what you already have stocked. Today I’m sharing my favorite broke and busy pantry meals that always pull through in a pinch.
American Chop Suey
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: approximately 20 minutes depending on pasta cook-time
- Total Time: 30-40 Minutes
- Servings: 4-6 large bowls
What You’ll Need
- Measuring spoons
- saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Slotted spoon
- Strainer
- Large pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients:
1 box of elbow macaroni 16 oz.
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce, I use Rao’s Tomato Basil
1 tsp. of each- Italian seasoning, Oregano, Onion powder
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, brown the ground beef on medium- high, add your oregano, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Reduce heat to low, add your jar of sauce and simmer for as long as you’d like. The longer it simmers the better the flavor.
3. Boil your pasta in salted water, following the box instructions.
4. Strain your pasta and return it to the pot, then add in your pasta sauce and mix well.
Serve With
- Garlic bread
- Buttered Italian bread
- Fresh grated parmesan cheese
- Side Cesar or house salad
Substitutions & Variations
- Use any type of pasta you have on hand – Ziti and Fusilli are great options
- If you don’t have garlic bread on hand you can butter a slice of sandwich bread
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Ground Beef Burritos
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 tacos
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
1 lb. Ground beef
1 Packet Taco seasoning mix (If you don’t have it, you can make it! see note below)
1 Can black beans rinsed and drained
1 bag shredded Mexican blend cheese
Large flour tortillas
1 bag shredded lettuce
Instructions
1. Brown your ground beef in a skillet and add your taco seasoning mix according to packet instructions.
2. Rinse and drain black beans and add them to a small saucepan with about 1/2 cup of water, heat on medium for 15 minutes or until soft
3. Set up flour tortillas and fill them with desired toppings
Serve With
- Crunchy or soft taco shells
- Rice & refried beans – to stretch the meal & serve more people
Recipe Note
If you don’t have a taco seasoning packet you can make it yourself with a few staple spices.
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Leftovers?
- Serve as a protein over nachos
- Make a taco salad
Crockpot Salsa & Chicken Tacos
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4- 6 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 16 – 18 tacos
What You’ll Need
- Crockpot or Slow cooker
Ingredients:
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
1 Jar salsa (any heat)
1 Taco seasoning packet
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in crockpot, sprinkle evenly with taco seasoning, and pour your salsa evenly on top of the chicken.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours
3. Shred your chicken using 2 forks and mix back into the salsa.
Serve With
- Serve over rice with black beans
- Burrito bowl – add your favorite go-to toppings
- Serve as street tacos in corn tortillas, heat your tortillas lightly on a cast iron on both sides with a bit of olive oil, top with chicken + desired toppings. Enjoy!
Leftovers?
- Top your salad with this protein and enjoy a taco salad for lunch
- Top nachos with this protein to make them extra satisfying
📌Save this pin for inspiration when your next broke and busy weeknight hits.
Naan Pizza Night
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Servings: 4 individual pizzas
What You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients:
2 packages of individual naan bread
1 jar pizza sauce
2 bags of shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Toppings: If you have leftover meatballs, use those, leftover grilled chicken or chicken cutlet? great! bell peppers, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, spinach, or ricotta. Get creative & have fun with it!!
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Add sauce to each naan, spreading evenly over the surface
4. Top with mozzarella cheese and desired toppings
Substitutions & Variations
- Replace traditional pizza sauce with a nice basil pesto sauce – great with grilled or breaded chicken as a topping!
- Lightly brush the edges of the naan with extra virgin olive oil to give it some added flavor and a light crisp on the edges.
Serve With
- A nice garden or cesar salad
- A cup of soup
Smash Burgers
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 5
What You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Food safe gloves (optional)
- Meat press
- Parchment paper
Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp. dried parsley
Salt & Pepper
1-2 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions:
1. Add Ground beef and seasonings to one bowl.
2. Use food safe gloves to mix well with your hands.
3. Divide equally in rounded balls 4-6 depending on how many you need and how large your hamburger buns are.
3. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high
4. Fold 2 sheets of parchment paper into 4×4 squares, place each of your burgers in the skillet, place the parchment paper over each meat patty and firmly press down with your meat press.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes each side or until your desired temp is reached.
Final Thoughts
When life feels busy, stressful, or just plain exhausting, it’s easy to think a good meal is out of reach. But with a few pantry staples on hand, you’re never far from something warm, comforting, and totally doable. These simple recipes prove you don’t need a big budget or a lot of time to make things happen – just a handful of basics and a little creativity.
So, the next time your week gets hectic or money feels tight, remember that pantry meals are your secret weapon. Mix and match what you’ve got, keep it simple, and give yourself a little grace along the way.
Check out my new Pick-a-Box savings plan & Five Foods to Always Keep Stocked When Money is Tight for more budget-friendly tips.
From one busy mom to another – You’ve got this. Let’s keep dinner easy, affordable, and delicious.