Here’s a selection of favourite store-cupboard recipes that are full of flavour and rely mainly on pantry staples.
Store-cupboard dinners don’t have to be dull or complicated. These recipes use simple pantry ingredients plus a few fresh items like meat or vegetables, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.
Store Cupboard Dinners:
Sausage Casserole
This hearty sausage casserole is bursting with warming spices and chorizo, making it a cosy family favourite for winter. It also keeps well if made ahead.
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Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake
An easy pasta bake with tuna in a creamy tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar. A reliable weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.
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Chilli Con Carne
Our favourite chilli con carne — rich, smoky and full of flavour. This recipe stretches a small amount of minced beef to feed a crowd and keeps costs down.
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Spaghetti Bolognese
A rich, satisfying bolognese that’s ready in around 30 minutes. Simple ingredients but big on taste — perfect for busy evenings.
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Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake
A classic creamy tuna pasta bake made mostly from store-cupboard ingredients — comforting, cheesy and family-friendly.
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Lasagne
A classic homemade lasagne with a rich beef ragu, creamy béchamel and a golden cheese topping — comforting and crowd-pleasing.
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Sweet and Sour Chicken
Crispy sweet and sour chicken with a tangy sauce made from pantry ingredients. Quick to prepare and ready in about 25 minutes.
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Make-Ahead Spaghetti
A flavourful spaghetti you can make ahead without it clumping together. Packed with veg and crispy bacon, it reheats well and can be frozen.
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Creamy Tomato Risotto with Crispy Garlic Crumbs
A moreish creamy tomato risotto topped with crispy garlic breadcrumbs, made mostly from store-cupboard ingredients.
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Garlic Bread Spaghetti
Simple spaghetti tossed with golden fried garlic breadcrumbs, a touch of chilli and lemon — a surprising and delicious dinner.
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Beef Goulash
A warming stew of fall-apart beef in a rich, slightly smoky tomato and paprika sauce. Perfect for the oven or slow cooker.
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Slow Cooked Steak Diane Casserole
A make-ahead casserole that’s ideal for feeding a crowd. Cook in the oven, slow cooker or on the hob for tender, flavourful results.
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Special Fried Rice
Step-by-step tips for perfect fried rice — from preparing the rice to getting the temperature and texture just right.
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Cheesy Pasta Bake with Chicken and Bacon
A family favourite that makes great leftovers — cheesy, comforting and easy to prepare from pantry basics with a few fresh ingredients.
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If you’re looking for Instant Pot pantry recipes, check out Recipes From A Pantry for more ideas.
How about some bread to go with dinner
Soft and Light Brioche Burger Buns
These brioche buns are light and not overly sweet — ideal for homemade juicy burgers or as an accompaniment to many dinners.
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Dessert Ideas
And for dessert:
Banana Oat Cookies
Banana oat cookies make a great make-ahead breakfast or snack and are naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free oats.
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Only six ingredients. These no-bake granola bars are quick to prepare and are perfect as a make-ahead breakfast or snack.
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Chocolate Caramel Mug Cake
A quick single-serve chocolate caramel mug cake — ideal when you need dessert right away.
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PB&J Mug Cake
A peanut butter and jelly mug cake that’s ready in five minutes — perfect for a quick sweet fix.
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