13 Foods That Make a Great Emergency Dinner to Keep on Hand

A well-stocked kitchen can make all the difference when dinner plans fall apart. A few shelf-stable and freezer-friendly foods can help you put something warm and satisfying on the table without much notice. These kinds of ingredients are useful for busy weekdays, late nights, or days when cooking feels like a lot. With that in mind, take a look at the foods worth keeping around.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Pasta

Pasta is one of the easiest foods to keep around for an emergency dinner because it lasts a long time and cooks fast. Most dried pasta is ready in about 8 to 12 minutes, which makes it useful on busy nights. It also works with many sauces, cheeses, vegetables, and proteins that may already be in the kitchen. A box or two in the pantry can save dinner when the fridge looks nearly empty.

Cook 8 ounces of spaghetti in salted water until tender, then drain and save 1 fourth cup of the pasta water. In a skillet, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil with 3 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute, then stir in 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 half teaspoon salt, 1 fourth teaspoon black pepper, and 1 half teaspoon dried basil. Let the sauce simmer for 8 minutes, then toss in the pasta and add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed. Finish with 1 fourth cup grated Parmesan and serve hot.

Rice

Rice is a dependable emergency dinner food because it is filling, cheap, and easy to pair with whatever else you have. White rice usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cook, while some quick versions are done even sooner. It can turn canned beans, frozen vegetables, or leftover meat into a full meal. Since it stores well in the pantry, it is always worth keeping on hand.

Cook 1 cup white rice with 2 cups water and 1 fourth teaspoon salt until tender. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and cook 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables for 4 minutes, then stir in 1 can drained black beans, 1 half teaspoon of cumin, and 1 fourth teaspoon garlic powder. Spoon the rice into bowls and top with the bean mixture. Add shredded cheese or salsa if you have them, and serve warm.

Canned Soup

Canned soup works well for emergency dinners because it needs very little effort and is ready in about 5 to 10 minutes. It is especially helpful on nights when cooking feels like too much work. Many soups can be turned into a fuller meal with toast, crackers, or a sandwich on the side. Keeping a few kinds in the pantry gives you an easy backup plan.

Pour 1 can of tomato soup into a saucepan with 1 can of milk or water, depending on the soup directions, and heat until hot. Butter 4 slices of bread, then fill 2 sandwiches with 4 slices of cheddar cheese. Cook the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and melted. Serve the soup in bowls with the grilled cheese on the side.

Eggs

Eggs make a great emergency dinner because they cook quickly and work in many simple meals. Most egg dishes take only 5 to 10 minutes, which is helpful when time is short. They also pair well with toast, rice, vegetables, and cheese. Since they can sit in the fridge for a while, they are a very handy item to keep around.

Whisk 6 eggs with 2 tablespoons milk, 1 fourth teaspoon salt, and 1 fourth teaspoon pepper. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and cook 1 half cup diced onion and 1 half cup chopped spinach for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the eggs and gently stir until softly set, then sprinkle 1 fourth cup shredded cheese over the top. Serve with toasted bread or roasted potatoes if you have them.

Frozen Vegetables

Frozen vegetables are useful for emergency dinners because they are already cleaned, cut, and ready to cook. Most are done in about 5 to 8 minutes, so they can quickly round out a meal. They also work in stir-fries, soups, pasta, and rice dishes. A few bags in the freezer can help make dinner feel more complete.

Cook 8 ounces of penne according to the package directions. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook 2 cups frozen broccoli or mixed vegetables for 5 minutes, then stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 half teaspoon salt. Add the drained pasta and 2 tablespoons butter, then toss until everything is coated and hot. Finish with 1 fourth cup grated Parmesan and serve right away.

Canned Beans

Canned beans are a very good emergency dinner food because they are filling, packed with protein, and ready in minutes. They only need to be drained, rinsed, and heated, so dinner can come together in about 10 minutes. Beans also work in tacos, rice bowls, soups, and salads. A few cans in the pantry can help on nights when there is not much else to cook.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet and cook 1 small chopped onion for 3 minutes. Add 2 cans of drained pinto or black beans, 1 half teaspoon of cumin, 1 half teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 fourth cup of water, then cook for 5 minutes while lightly mashing some of the beans. Spoon the mixture into 6 warm tortillas and top with shredded lettuce, salsa, or cheese. Serve with rice or chips if you want a fuller meal.

Tortillas

Tortillas are great to keep on hand because they can turn simple fillings into a quick dinner. They are ready in just a few minutes and work for quesadillas, wraps, tacos, and breakfast-style meals. They also store well in the fridge or freezer for later use. Having a pack ready can make dinner feel much easier.

Lay 4 flour tortillas on a flat surface and divide 1 and 1 half cups of shredded cheese between them. Add 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or 1 cup canned beans, plus 1 fourth cup salsa if you like, then fold each tortilla in half. Cook them in a lightly oiled skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and melted inside. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream or extra salsa.

Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is a handy emergency dinner food because it is shelf-stable, fast to use, and very filling. It can be turned into sandwiches, pasta, or rice bowls in about 10 to 15 minutes. Since it already comes cooked, it saves time when there is no energy for a bigger meal. Keeping a few cans on hand can help stretch a pantry dinner.

Cook 8 ounces of pasta until tender, then drain and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, mix 2 cans of drained tuna, 1 third cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 fourth cup of chopped celery, 1 fourth teaspoon salt, and 1 fourth teaspoon black pepper. Stir in the pasta and 1 fourth cup of frozen peas that have been thawed under warm water. Chill for a few minutes or serve right away.

Frozen Meatballs

Frozen meatballs are a strong emergency dinner item because they go from freezer to table with very little effort. Most are hot and ready in about 15 to 20 minutes. They work over pasta, in subs, or with rice for a filling meal. Since they are already shaped and seasoned, they save a lot of prep time.

Bake 16 frozen meatballs according to the package directions or heat them in a skillet until hot. Warm 1 and 1 half cups of marinara sauce in a saucepan and stir in the cooked meatballs. Spoon them into 4 toasted hoagie rolls and top with 4 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese. Place under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts, then serve.

Instant Noodles

Instant noodles are useful for emergency dinners because they cook in only a few minutes and are easy to dress up. On their own, they are simple, though they become much better with eggs, vegetables, or leftover meat. Most packs are done in about 3 to 5 minutes. Keeping a few in the pantry can help on very busy nights.

Boil 2 packs of instant noodles according to the package directions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add 1 cup frozen peas or spinach and crack in 2 eggs, then let them poach gently in the broth. Stir in the seasoning packets and 1 teaspoon soy sauce if you want more flavor. Divide into bowls and top with sliced green onions if you have them.

Jarred Pasta Sauce

Jarred pasta sauce helps make emergency dinners easy because it cuts out a big part of the cooking. It is ready to heat and usually pairs with pasta, meatballs, or bread in about 15 minutes. It also keeps well in the pantry until you need it. A jar or two can make dinner feel much less stressful.

Cook 8 ounces of rotini until tender and drain it well. In a baking dish, mix the pasta with 1 and 1 half cups jarred marinara, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1 fourth teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan on top and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes until bubbly. Serve with toast or a side salad if available.

Frozen Breaded Chicken

Frozen breaded chicken is a helpful emergency dinner item because it cooks with very little prep and feels filling right away. Most pieces are ready in about 20 to 25 minutes in the oven or air fryer. They work in sandwiches, wraps, or simple plates with vegetables on the side. Keeping a bag in the freezer can save a lot of time.

Bake 4 frozen breaded chicken patties or tenders according to the package directions. Toast 4 buns and spread each with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or ranch dressing. Add the hot chicken, lettuce, tomato slices, and a pickle if you have one. Serve with frozen fries or fruit on the side for an easy meal.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a useful emergency dinner food because they last well and can become a meal in many ways. Depending on the method, they usually take about 8 minutes in the microwave or 30 to 40 minutes in the oven. They are filling and work with cheese, beans, eggs, or leftover meat. A bag of potatoes can help when the pantry is running low.

Pierce 4 medium russet potatoes with a fork and microwave them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until soft. Cut them open and fluff the centers with a fork. Top each potato with 1 half cup canned chili, 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar, and 1 tablespoon sour cream. Add chopped green onions if you have them and serve hot.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.