35 Easy Lunches That Make the Most of Pantry Staples

Read Time: 15 mins

35 Easy Lunches That Make the Most of Pantry Staples2/34 Taco Bowls 12 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved ALEJANDRO MONFORT FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 7 hours 15 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We love this delicious taco-style dish because of its super simple prep. Each serving is so easy to customize to everyone’s individual tastes thanks to the toppings. It’s become a regular when we’re entertaining. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 389 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 550mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat. 3/34 Indian Spiced Chickpea Wraps 11 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Indian Spiced Chickpea Wraps Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Raita, an Indian condiment made with yogurt, elevates this vegetarian dish to a satisfying gourmet wrap. If you’re in the mood to experiment, try diced mango or cucumber for the pineapple and add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap: 321 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol,

734mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein

734mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein. 4/34 Quinoa Patties 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Cumin Quinoa Patties Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This easy to make veggie burger packs an amazing taste, and the crunch from the addition of quinoa makes the texture to die for. This is an easy and delicious vegetarian burger option that you must try. Pan-frying adds a perfect crisp that takes it to the next level. The mixture can be made ahead of time, and it

freezes very well

freezes very well. Enjoy! —Beth Klein, Arlington, Virginia Nutrition Facts: 2 patties: 235 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat. 5/34 Chicken, Rice and Beans 65 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Black Bean Chicken with Rice Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, including chicken, black beans and rice, so it’s quick and easy to stir up

in your skillet on a weeknight

in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup bean mixture and 1/2 cup cooked rice: 400 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 32g protein. 6/34 Moroccan Chickpea Stew 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Easy Moroccan Chickpea Stew Recipe photo by Eric Kleinberg for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When I’m invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the

crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors

crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 217 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein. 7/34 Chickpea Salad Sandwiches 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chickpea Salad Sandwiches Recipe photo by Jena Carlin for Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 295 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein. 8/34 Skillet Nachos 9 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Skillet Nachos

My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most

Recipe photo by Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 676 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1293mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. 9/34 Cauliflower & Tofu Curry 8 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Cauliflower & Tofu Curry Recipe photo by Taste of

We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it

Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Cauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are each subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 338 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein. 10/34 How to Make Vegan Sloppy Joes with Lentils 8 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe photo by Taste of Home

My preschooler will always eat every bite of these tangy lentil joes

Total Time 1 hour 5 min Servings 14 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When I experimented with making more vegetarian-friendly recipes, this was one of my biggest hits—we still eat it weekly! My preschooler will always eat every bite of these tangy lentil joes. —Christina Rock, Covington, Washington Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 215 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 438mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat. 11/34 Skillet Mac and Cheese 96 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Skillet Mac and Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:

Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. 12/34 Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas 12 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min

Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:

Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota Nutrition Facts: 1 quesadilla with 3 tablespoons salsa: 306 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 531mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein. 13/34 Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs 41 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Tangy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs Recipe photo by Kristina Vanni for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A tangy sauce, combine with green pepper

Gather zucchini from your garden or farmers market and start cooking

and pineapple, tranforms Ruther’s pre-made meatballs into a delightful main dish served over rice. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington Nutrition Facts: 5 meatballs: 389 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein. 14/34 Zucchini & Sausage Stovetop Casserole 32 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Zucchini & Sausage Stovetop Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Gather zucchini from your garden or farmers market and start cooking. My family goes wild for this wholesome casserole. You can grate the

zucchini if you’d like

zucchini if you’d like. —LeAnn Gray, Taylorsville, Utah Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 394 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. 15/34 Italian Shredded Pork Stew 11 Reviews Italian Shredded Pork Stew Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 8 hours 20 min Servings 9 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Need a warm meal for a chilly night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew that’s brightened with fresh sweet potatoes, kale and Italian seasoning. The shredded pork is so tender, you’re going to want

to make this dish all season long

to make this dish all season long. —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 283 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 860mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. 16/34 Pizza Burgers 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Open-Faced Pizza Burgers Recipe photo by Orly Catz for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I’m not sure where I first saw this pizza burger recipe, but I’m glad I did! My family requests this meal often. A dash of oregano livens up canned pizza sauce. —Sharon

This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes

Schwartz, Burlington, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 205 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein. 17/34 Easy Chili Mac 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Easy Chili Mac Recipe photo by Isabella Cassini Total Time 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 422 calories, 21g fat

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Expert Tips

• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

• Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.

• Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.

✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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