Busy fall days don’t have to mean takeout! I’ve got a helpful plan for Quick Fall Pantry Meals for Busy Weeknights to create a delicious, wholesome homemade meal for your family that’s fast and easy. I’m sharing my favorite tips for stocking a pantry that saves time and keeps everyone around the table happy.
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Ready to Make Pantry Meals Easier and More Delicious?
I don’t know about you, but by the end of September, I feel Fall seems to fly. Between school and work, sports practices, and the start of holiday planning, it can feel like there’s barely time to catch a breath, let alone make a home-cooked meal. But I’ve found that with some pantry planning and a list of go-to recipes, whipping up a quick, comforting dinner doesn’t have to be a chore.
If you’re wondering how to make the most of what you already have at home, you’re in the right place. Stocking just a few key ingredients can turn those busy weeknights into family dinnertime without the stress. Keep reading for my favorite tips on using a well-stocked pantry to create meals everyone around the table will look forward to!
Bean Soups
Bean soup is one of my go-to meals (and a family favorite)when I want something hearty, filling, and flavorful. Whether you have canned or dried beans, this soup is versatile and easy to assemble. For dried beans, I often use my Instant Pot or slow cooker to speed up the cooking, then mix them with beef, chicken, or veggie broth and my favorite seasonings. In no time, I’ve got a warm, comforting bowl ready to go! I just add a side of crackers or cornbread and a simple salad, and I’ve got a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Slow Cooker Ham & White Bean Soup
Tender, white beans, ham, and veggies, cooked in a rich broth with herbs make a soup that's hearty and satisfying. It's a great, no-stress meal on its own, especially when the slow cooker does all the work for you! This is how to stretch your food budget without sacrificing taste!
Crock Pot Beef And Bean Soup
Crock Pot Beef And Bean Soup with creamy white beans, and hearty beef is the perfect winter soup. It’s incredibly easy to make and packed with tons of filling ingredients so it will keep you fueled through busy winter days and warm on lazy weekends.
15 Bean Soup
15 Bean Soup is a family favorite recipe that’s comfort food at it’s best! A bowl of this rich, hearty soup is just the thing to warm you up from the inside out on a chilly fall or winter evening.
Easy To Make Chili
If you’ve got canned beans and tomatoes tucked away in your pantry, you’re already halfway to a delicious pot of chili! Add a sprinkle of chili powder, cumin, and oregano to your beans and tomatoes, and you have a simple yet flavorful base. If you’re stocked with extras like ground beef, bell peppers, or onions, toss those in for even more hearty goodness. Let it cook low and slow in the crock pot or simmer on the stove until the flavors meld, then serve it up for a perfect cozy fall pantry meal! For a twist, spoon your chili over a baked potato for a filling and satisfying dinner.
Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
The Best Chili recipe starts off with beef and beans in a rich sauce is loaded with amazing flavor! That's perfect for tailgating, game day, or when you're feeding a crowd. Simmered for hours, it is comfort food at its BEST.
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Made with cream cheese and tender chicken, this chili hits the spot on a cool night and is great for game day.
Bloody Mary Chili Recipe
If you're a Bloody Mary fan, then you're going to LOVE this chili! With all the bold flavors of that popular drink, it's a hearty bowl of goodness that's loaded with beef, beans, and warm spicy flavors.
Hearty Turkey Chili
This amazingly flavorful Hearty Turkey Chili is loaded with tender ground turkey and beans in a rich tomato sauce with just the right amount of warm spice. It's healthy comfort food you can feel good about eating without skimping on taste!
Quick And Easy Ground Beef Chili
Ground Beef Chili has all the flavors of your favorite classic chili recipe but made in half the time! It's comfort food that warms the soul with each hearty bite.
Easy Cheesy Chili Mac (One Pot Recipe)
This Easy Chili Mac recipe combines thick and flavorful chili with homemade macaroni and cheese, a classic mashup that’s sure to warm you from the inside out! This comfort food meal will become a family favorite that's made in just one pot in about half an hour.
Hot Dog Chili Sauce
Home Run Hot Dog Chili is the ultimate topping for your grilled dogs, sausages, and burgers! This meaty, tangy, slightly sweet sauce is simmered in just the right combination of herbs and spices. It's a winning recipe for your next cookout, BBQ or tailgate party!
Pasta and Sauce
Pasta with sauce is a go-to fall dinner that comes together in no time! Just boil your favorite pasta, warm up your favorite sauce, and you’ve got a comforting meal ready to serve. For a complete dinner, pair it with a simple side salad or veggies, and you’re set with a cozy, well-rounded meal everyone will enjoy.
Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
My Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce recipe, packed with savory ground beef, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs, is about to become your go-to for family dinners! Whether served over a big bowl of pasta or used in your favorite Italian-inspired recipes, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but you can have it ready in about an hour!
White Ravioli Casserole (Lazy Lasagna)
Lazy White Lasagna Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal that’s quick and packed with flavor. Made with Italian sausage and cheese ravioli, this creamy, cheesy dish requires only 20 minutes of prep. It's the perfect easy dinner idea for busy weeknights, offering a hearty twist on traditional lasagna without all the work.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Making Homemade Marinara Sauce is easier than you might expect! This sauce is made with simple, wholesome ingredients with no preservatives or additives like in store-bought options. With the rich flavor of crushed tomatoes, fresh garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes, it’s a versatile and budget-friendly sauce you’ll love using on everything from pasta to pizza!
Easy Shells And Cheese
This take on classic Shells and Cheese is easy to make and requires just 6 main ingredients. To really elevate this cheesy dish, top it with my toasted breadcrumbs mixture.
Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Cheesy, creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake is a family favorite dish that's irresistible! When you're craving comfort food, look no further than this recipe. It's a make-ahead one-dish wonder that's great for potlucks, covered dish suppers, a weeknight meal, or when you're feeding a crowd.
Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Noodles
Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Noodles, made in less than 20 minutes, is the ultimate one-pot side dish. It's cheesy, garlicky with just the right amount of butter and seasoning for a family-friendly recipe that's perfect for busy weeknight meals or when you're feeding a crowd.
Creamy Stovetop Cheese Tortellini
Cheesy tortellini tossed in a creamy garlic and herb sauce is an easy-to-make recipe that will complement any meal! Whether served as a hearty main dish or a side for steak, chicken, or pork, Creamy Stovetop Cheese Tortellini is always a favorite.
Creamy Baked Fettuccine With Cheese
Creamy Baked Fettuccine With Cheese is a pasta lover's dream! Tender pasta is tossed in a super creamy sauce, then baked until golden brown and crunchy on top. This is a side dish destined to be a favorite on the dinner table for years to come.
Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is another fall dinner staple that you can make straight from your pantry. All you need is a couple of cans of diced tomatoes, canned mixed vegetables, beef or vegetable broth, and some seasonings. If you have ground beef, you can add that to your soup for vegetable beef soup. If you would like to fill it out a little more, add some rice or pasta. How easy is that?
Garden Vegetable Soup
Bring freshness to your dinner table with this delicious homemade Garden Vegetable Soup. It’s easy to make, low in fat and calories and features flavors that can be enjoyed during any season.
Healthy Mushroom Soup
This healthier version of mushroom soup with no dairy added is rich, loaded with meaty Portabella mushrooms, and has a deep flavor that's amazing. If you're a mushroom lover, then this is the soup for you!
Roasted Cabbage Soup
Roasted Cabbage Soup is a perfect go-to meal full of warm and comforting flavors. This healthy, good-for-you soup is simple to make and easy to customize, too!
Roasted Sweet Potato Soup
Rich, creamy sweet potato soup is a bowl full of comfort on a chilly day. It’s even better with homemade croutons!
Crock Pot Potato Soup
Crock Pot Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with amazing flavors. Topped with bacon, cheese, and chives, this easy-to-make soup tastes like a loaded baked potato spoonful after spoonful!
My Favorite Tools For Making Pantry Meals
When it comes to whipping up cozy, pantry-friendly meals, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. From my trusty Dutch oven and slow cooker to a handy vegetable chopper and perfectly sized soup and pasta bowls, these essentials make cooking easy, quick, and fun.
- Wooden Ladles – as beautiful as they are helpful.
- 8-quart Slow Cooker – counts down cooking time for easy monitoring.
- Stock Pot with Lid – great for home cooking and large crowds.
- Dutch Oven – this is my FAVORITE pot, and I use it almost daily in fall and winter.
- 8-Blade Veggie Chopper – this tool saves me so much time and energy.
- Stackable White Soup Bowls – these are beautiful and oven-safe with handles.
- Set of 2 Large Serving Bowls – perfect for pasta or big salads.
- Pasta Bowls – I love these bowls for pasta or salad; they are dishwasher-safe.
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