A quick home-cooked meal does not have to mean extra stress or a sink full of dishes. With frozen veggies and pantry ingredients on hand, you can put together something hearty without much planning. Better yet, these meals fit right into busy afternoons and tired evenings when cooking feels like a chore.

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Pasta Primavera with Frozen Veggies

This pasta primavera is a fresh, light meal made with pantry pasta and frozen veggies. The dish cooks in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a busy evening. Whether for lunch or dinner, it offers a satisfying blend of texture and flavor with minimal prep. You can swap the veggies to suit what you have on hand, making it a versatile option.

Cook 8 oz of pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and saute 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 cups of frozen mixed veggies for about 7 minutes until they’re heated through. Once the pasta is done, toss it with the cooked veggies, 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Mix everything well, and serve hot.

Breakfast Burrito with Peppers and Onions

This hearty breakfast burrito features peppers and onions, offering a flavorful, filling start to the day. It comes together quickly, especially if you have frozen ingredients on hand. It’s best served at breakfast or brunch, but you could enjoy it anytime you’re craving a savory meal. The combination of eggs, veggies, and cheese creates a satisfying wrap that’s easy to eat on the go.

Scramble 2 eggs in a pan over medium heat until fully cooked. In another pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and saute 1/2 cup of frozen peppers and onions until tender, about 5 minutes. Place the scrambled eggs and sauteed veggies onto a tortilla, then top with 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of salsa. Fold it into a burrito, and enjoy!

Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice

This quick stir-fry combines colorful Vegetables and pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and rice for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and the flavors come together in no time. The beauty of this meal is that you can customize it based on what you have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a veggie-packed dish without spending much time in the kitchen.

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and saute until fragrant. Then, add 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups of cooked rice and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, stirring everything together for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot, and enjoy this easy, flavor-packed meal.

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

This hearty chickpea and spinach curry is a great vegetarian option packed with flavor. The dish comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With pantry items like canned chickpeas and frozen spinach, it’s a simple but flavorful choice. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook 1 teaspoon of curry powder for about 1 minute to release its flavor. Add 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 2 cups of frozen spinach, and 1/2 cup of coconut milk, then stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Serve the curry over 1 cup of cooked rice for a wholesome meal.

Egg Fried Rice

A classic egg fried rice comes together quickly using frozen veggies and leftover rice. It’s a great way to use up what you have while keeping the meal simple and satisfying. Best served for lunch or dinner, this dish offers a delicious balance of flavors in just a few minutes. The eggs add protein, while the soy sauce brings a savory depth to the rice.

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pan and scramble 2 eggs until just set. Add 1/2 cup of frozen peas and carrots and cook for 5 minutes until heated through. Stir in 2 cups of cooked rice and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and cook for another 3 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy this quick and tasty dish.

Lentil Soup with Frozen Veggies

This warm and comforting lentil soup is perfect for chilly days when you need something satisfying and quick. With pantry lentils and Vegetables, you can have a delicious meal on the table in just 20 minutes. It’s hearty and filling, ideal for lunch or dinner. Plus, lentils are full of protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice.

In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and saute 2 cups of frozen carrots and celery for about 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of rinsed lentils and 4 cups of vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot and enjoy this simple, nourishing soup.

Bean and Cheese Quesadilla

A simple bean and cheese quesadilla is quick to make and always a hit. With canned beans and shredded cheese, this meal comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, especially when you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying. You can add salsa or sour cream on the side for extra flavor.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and place a tortilla in the pan. Spread 1 can of drained black beans and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the tortilla, then place another tortilla on top. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Serve with salsa or sour cream for a complete meal.

Tomato and Basil Soup with Vegetables

This tomato basil soup is creamy, comforting, and made using pantry staples and Vegetables. It’s a great choice for lunch or dinner and comes together in 20 minutes. The combination of tomatoes, basil, and a few simple ingredients creates a soup that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and saute 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables for about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups of canned tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/2 cup of cream, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot with a slice of bread for dipping.

Veggie Tacos with Black Beans

These veggie tacos are a great way to enjoy a quick, healthy meal using frozen veggies and canned beans. They’re ideal for lunch or dinner and are a perfect option when you’re craving tacos but want to skip the meat. These tacos are packed with flavor and texture, thanks to the combination of veggies and black beans.

Heat 1/2 cup of frozen corn and 1/2 cup of frozen bell peppers in a pan for about 5 minutes. Warm 4 small tortillas in another pan or microwave. Assemble the tacos by adding 1 can of drained black beans, sauteed veggies, and 1/4 cup of shredded lettuce. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa or sour cream.

Vegetable Fried Quinoa

This vegetable fried quinoa is a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s ready in 20 minutes. Using frozen mixed vegetables and quinoa, it’s a great choice for lunch or dinner. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s both filling and nutritious. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to include any veggies you have on hand.

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pan and scramble 2 eggs until fully cooked. Add 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 cups of cooked quinoa and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and cook for another 3 minutes. Serve immediately for a healthy, tasty meal.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Frozen Broccoli

This classic spaghetti aglio e olio is elevated with the addition of frozen broccoli, making it even more filling. It’s a simple dish that’s full of flavor, and it’s ready in under 20 minutes. Best served for dinner, it combines garlic, olive oil, and a bit of spice for a satisfying meal. The frozen broccoli adds a nice crunch to balance out the richness of the oil.

Cook 8 oz of spaghetti according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and saute 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes until fragrant. Add 1 cup of frozen broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes. Toss the pasta with the garlic and broccoli mixture, and serve hot.

Spicy Bean Chili

This spicy bean chili is simple to make and full of bold flavors. Using canned beans and Vegetables, it comes together quickly and is perfect for lunch or dinner. The spice from chili powder and the heartiness of beans make it a filling, comforting meal.

In a pot, combine 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of black beans, 2 cups of frozen corn, and 2 tablespoons of chili powder. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, and adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Sweet potatoes and black beans come together in this tasty taco recipe that’s full of flavor. With pantry staples and frozen veggies, this meal is ready in no time. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, offering a delicious mix of sweetness and earthiness.

Peel and dice 1 sweet potato, then heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and saute the sweet potato cubes until tender, about 10 minutes. Add 1 can of drained black beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Place the sweet potato mixture in 4 tortillas, and top with 1/4 cup of diced onions. Serve with your favorite taco toppings.

Vegetable Frittata

This vegetable frittata is a perfect meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it cooks in 20 minutes. Using Vegetables and pantry eggs, it’s easy to whip up and enjoy at any time of day. The frittata is packed with protein and can be customized with any vegetables you have in your freezer.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and saute 2 cups of frozen spinach for about 5 minutes. Beat 6 eggs with 1/4 cup of milk and pour into the pan. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and bake for 10 minutes or until the eggs are fully set. Serve warm and enjoy!

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.