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13 Quick Dinners If You Have An Almost-Empty Fridge

Ever found yourself staring into your fridge, thinking it’s almost empty and dinner seems like a distant dream? Well, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, and it’s not the end of the world because we’ve got some quick dinner ideas that’ll turn that situation around.

Who says you need a fully stocked kitchen to whip up something good to eat? Sometimes, the best meals come from throwing together what you’ve got. These 13 quick dinner solutions are about making the most of the few items left in your fridge.

No need to stress over elaborate recipes or rush to the grocery store. With a bit of creativity and these easy-to-follow suggestions, you’ll have dinner ready in no time. And the best part? You’ll surprise yourself with how much you can do with so little.

Broccoli Cheese Soup in two bowls with spoons nearby.
Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Tacos Dorados

Ever find yourself staring into a nearly bare fridge wondering what to make? Tacos Dorados are your answer for a quick dinner fix. They’re super easy to throw together with whatever’s left in your kitchen. Plus, they’re crunchy and fulfilling, hitting the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

When it feels like your options are limited for a hearty meal, Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup comes to the rescue. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for when you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel, ingredient-wise. Whip up this soup in no time and enjoy a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Got some random bits in your fridge and need a dinner that feels kind of fancy but is actually easy? Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is your go-to. It’s a real game changer for quick, filling meals with minimal ingredients. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious this dish is.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

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Steak & Pasta Salad

Wondering how to make a near-empty fridge work for dinner? Steak & Pasta Salad is a brilliant way to mix and match whatever you’ve got. It’s quick to prepare and surprisingly filling, making it perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” moments. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers in a fresh way.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

When you need a dinner that’s both quick and comforting, Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is there for you. It’s perfect for those times when your fridge is almost empty but you still want something wholesome. Easy to make and full of goodness, it’s exactly what you need on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Brisket Fried Rice

If you’re down to the last few items in your kitchen, Brisket Fried Rice can turn them into something special. It’s all about getting creative with what you have, and this dish is the epitome of that. Quick, delicious, and super fulfilling, it transforms your leftovers into a meal you’ll look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

A Pastrami Reuben sandwich on a plate with chips and pickles.
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Ever find yourself with a fridge that’s nearly empty and dinner time ticking closer? A Pastrami Reuben Sandwich is your quick fix. It’s the kind of meal that makes an empty fridge seem not so bad after all, turning simple ingredients into a dinner worth talking about. Plus, it’s super quick to make, meaning you’re only moments away from a delicious solution.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Wondering what to cook when the fridge is looking bare? Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg comes to the rescue. It’s a perfect mix of easy and nutritious, proving you don’t need a full fridge for a delicious dinner. Quick to prepare, it’s a go-to for turning those few leftovers into something surprisingly good.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Facing a nearly empty kitchen and need something warm and filling? Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe has got you covered. It’s your answer to a comforting meal that feels like it took hours to make, without actually needing to. This recipe is all about making the most of what you have, whipping up a quick dinner that’s big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Got minimal ingredients and need a dinner idea? Cuban Sandwich Casserole is your kitchen hack. This dish is about transforming basic items into a meal that’s both fulfilling and a little different. It’s a creative way to deal with an almost-empty fridge, quickly turning dinner despair into something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

When you’re down to the last few items in your fridge and need something light yet fulfilling, a Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is the way to go. It’s a quick dinner solution that doesn’t skimp on flavor, proving simple ingredients can still make a great meal. This dish is all about making a little go a long way, especially when your grocery run is overdue.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Looking for a comfort meal but the fridge is nearly empty? Broccoli Cheese Soup is here to save your dinner plans. It’s easy to whip up with just a few ingredients, and it’s the epitome of comfort food. Quick to make, this soup turns a scant fridge into a dinner that’s both warming and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Piccata

If your fridge is looking sparse and you’re in need of a dinner that feels a bit more special, Chicken Piccata is your answer. Perfect for those days when you’re short on ingredients but still want something delicious. This dish shows that an almost-empty fridge can still produce a dinner that’s quick to make and nice enough for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

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