17 Pantry Meals to Make When You're Snowed In

If you're in the Northeast, chances are you're not venturing too far from home over the next couple of days. But your family still has to eat, right? The good news is, even if the provisions are limited, the dinners can still be delicious. These 17 meal ideas require only basic ingredients that you're likely to have in the pantry and fridge. And if you're missing something, they can all be easily improvised. It's time to get cooking . . . it's not like you've got anywhere else to be!

01
3-Ingredient Tomato Sauce
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

3-Ingredient Tomato Sauce

A legend among the culinary circuit, Marcella Hazan's three-ingredient tomato sauce is so sophisticated that you could serve it at a dinner party, but so simple all you need are butter, a can of tomatoes, and an onion.

02
Peanut Butter Noodles
Flickr user Stacy Spensley

Peanut Butter Noodles

Just because your favorite takeout spot is closed for business doesn't mean that you can't re-create this healthier take on the Chinese-inspired favorite at home. Dinner: A Love Story's peanut butter noodles are completely craveable.

03
Omelets
Flickr user lizrary

Omelets

Let eggs serve as the vehicle for delivering whatever veggies you have in the fridge or freezer to your family's plates. No recipe required!

04
Vegan Veggie Soup
POPSUGAR Fitness

Vegan Veggie Soup

A delicious, satisfying way to use up your leftover veggies, vegan vegetable soup is a flexible recipe that you can adjust to suit your family's tastes (and what's in the fridge!).

05
Turkey Cheese Waffles
So Says Sarah

Turkey Cheese Waffles

Grilled cheese waffles? Why not? Turn the basic waffle into grilled cheese goodness with this recipe from So Says Sarah. It's also a great way to use up lunch meat (the turkey can easily be swapped out for ham).

06
Weeknight Two-Bean Chili
FoodNetwork.com

Weeknight Two-Bean Chili

A hearty vegetarian chili is a welcome way to come in from the cold!

07
Lunch Box Ramen
Mom's Kitchen Handbook

Lunch Box Ramen

If you have some of that good old-fashioned packaged ramen in the pantry, Mom's Kitchen Handbook's Lunch Box Ramen is an easy upgrade. Amp up those noodles as the recipe suggests or with whatever veggies and proteins (frozen or fresh) you have on hand.

08
Crisper Drawer Pasta
Melissa d'Arabian

Crisper Drawer Pasta

With four daughters running around her home, Melissa d'Arabian knows about the chaos that can occur at dinnertime. The Food Network host and author of Ten Dollar Dinners also knows that busy moms can't always remember what's hiding in the corners of the refrigerator. That's how she came up with Crisper Drawer Pasta, a quick and productive weeknight meal — the whole recipe can be made in 30 minutes — that helps use up everything in the crisper drawer.

09
Quesadillas
Flickr user Paul's World Photography

Quesadillas

Start with tortillas and cheese, then amp up your quesadillas with peppers, onions, mushrooms, chicken, steak, or whatever other leftovers are available. Top them with salsa and avocado (if you have it!).

10
The Anything-Goes Burrito
Anna Monette Roberts

The Anything-Goes Burrito

While no meat is required for these versatile burritos, if you have leftover or frozen chicken or ground turkey or beef on hand, just wrap it in!

11
Grilled Cheese Casserole
Silvana's Kitchen

Grilled Cheese Casserole

Your kids will love this new interpretation of the classic grilled cheese from Silvana's Kitchen (plus, you're likely to have leftovers for tomorrow).

12
Mexican Skillet Casserole
Rebecca Gruber

Mexican Skillet Casserole

The most requested recipe on Amanda Haas's site, this Mexican skillet casserole is bound to become a family favorite. Filled with pantry basics like rice, cheese, and beans, it can easily be eaten on its own or rolled up in a burrito.

13
Confetti Mac and Cheese
Peas and Crayons

Confetti Mac and Cheese

Peas and Crayons takes mac and cheese to the next level by adding cooked veggies and a dash of mustard.

14
Pita Pizzas
Flickr user carlyfg

Pita Pizzas

Whether pizza delivery's out of the question or you're just trying to avoid it, make-your-own pita pizzas are a fun DIY dinner idea that the kids will love.

15
Chicken Noodle Soup
Anna Monette Roberts

Chicken Noodle Soup

What's more appealing on a frigid Winter day than a steaming bowl of classic chicken noodle soup? No chicken? It's just as yummy in veg-only form.

16
Fried Rice
POPSUGAR Moms

Fried Rice

Another meal idea that's supercustomizable, use this easy fried rice recipe as a starting point, and improvise as you go along.

17
Scrambled-Up Scrambled Eggs
Flickr user Jules

Scrambled-Up Scrambled Eggs

Go for the traditional approach (with a side of toast), or try one of seven creative takes on scrambled eggs. Who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?