What Worked When The Fridge Looked Empty—29 Low Cost Recipes

When it felt like the fridge had given up, these 29 low cost recipes pulled through. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated—just meals that worked when things looked bleak. You won’t need a long shopping list or a pep talk to make any of them. Honestly, it’s like winning dinner with loose change and stubborn optimism.

Mushroom Stroganoff

When the fridge looks empty, Mushroom Stroganoff comes through. It’s a quick and easy dish that feels like comfort. You don’t need much to make it come together, and it’ll keep you full. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta or rice, this recipe stretches your pantry staples into a fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Garlic Knots

Stuck with limited options? Garlic Knots can save the day. They’re simple to whip up and perfect for pairing with whatever’s on hand. Plus, they’re fun to make and always a hit at the table, especially if you’re craving something with a little crunch.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Hasselback Potatoes

If you’re working with just potatoes, Hasselback Potatoes are your go-to. The texture makes them stand out, and they’re fulfilling on their own. They don’t take much to prep but feel like a treat. With the right seasoning, these potatoes turn into a filling meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Penne Alla Vodka

Penne Alla Vodka takes what you already have and transforms it into something simple yet impressive. It’s creamy, comforting, and doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. You’ll find yourself making it when you’re low on options. It’s a dish that makes you feel like you’ve got more than just the basics in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Grilled Peppers

When you’re looking for a side that pairs with anything, Grilled Peppers should be on your radar. They’re easy, colorful, and full of flavor. You can toss them on the grill with whatever you’re cooking, adding a nice pop to your meal. They make a great addition when your fridge is bare, and you’re just trying to get by.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Focaccia Bread

If you’ve got a bit of flour and yeast, Focaccia Bread will save your meal. It’s not only super simple, but it also makes any meal feel complete. Plus, it fills the house with a great smell, turning a basic dish into something special. You’ll be amazed at how much this humble bread can do for a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Gnocchi

Gnocchi is a great dish when you need something quick and filling. It’s a great base for whatever else you might have in your fridge. Just throw some sauce or spices on it, and you’ve got a meal. It’s a simple way to make a fulfilling meal from a few basics, and it comes together faster than you think.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Twice Baked Potatoes

Running low on supplies? Twice Baked Potatoes are the answer. They’re hearty, easy to prepare, and the best part is, you can fill them with almost anything. Whether you load them up with cheese or just keep it simple, they turn into a full meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup is perfect for when the fridge is bare but you still want something hearty. It’s nutritious, simple, and doesn’t need much to be fulfilling. You can easily adjust it to what you have available. Packed with protein and fiber, this soup keeps you full without taking much time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Ravioli Casserole

If you’re craving something that feels more like comfort food, Ravioli Casserole is perfect. It’s easy to assemble and feels like a full meal, even when ingredients are scarce. This dish does the trick when you don’t want to fuss too much. Just layer it all together, and it bakes into a cheesy casserole.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Sweet Potato Wedges

When you’ve got some sweet potatoes hanging around, make Sweet Potato Wedges. They’re simple, fulfilling, and don’t require much more than a few spices. You can pair them with whatever protein or veggies you have, turning them into a complete dish. A reliable recipe that’s easy to pull together, even when your fridge is running low.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

White Bean Soup

White Bean Soup is an ideal meal for those times when you’re working with minimal ingredients. It’s comforting, filling, and you can make it in one pot. It’s an easy way to bring together a healthy meal with little effort. The simplicity of this soup makes it perfect when you just need something quick and nourishing.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Vegan Ratatouille

This dish is a great way to use up leftover veggies, even when your fridge isn’t fully stocked. The mix of flavors makes it interesting without being complicated. Vegan Ratatouille is a filling meal that you can whip up quickly. Just throw everything in and let it simmer, and you’ve got a nutritious meal on your hands.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is a go-to when you need comfort food without a lot of prep. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and can be eaten as a main or side. Plus, it’s super customizable with what’s on hand. This classic will always hit the spot, whether you’re making it for one or the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Vegetable Stir Fry

When you’re down to the basics, Vegetable Stir Fry is a great option. It’s flexible, quick, and uses up whatever veggies you have left. You can toss it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s a great way to clear out your fridge, and with just a few sauces, you can create a tasty dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Marry Me Butter Beans

Marry Me Butter Beans is one of those easy dishes you can count on. Even if the fridge is practically empty, this meal makes the most of what you have. It’s all about getting the job done with minimal ingredients. No need to overthink it—just a simple meal that works, and it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans

Vegetable Soup

With Vegetable Soup, you can stretch a few veggies into something hearty. It’s great for those days when you need a meal that goes far without breaking the bank. This dish doesn’t need much to be fulfilling, and it keeps well for leftovers. You can rely on it to clear out the fridge without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup

Hashbrown Casserole

When you’re low on ingredients, Hashbrown Casserole gets the job done. It’s a simple dish that keeps you full without requiring a lot of effort. It works well as a quick fix when the fridge is running low. This recipe takes basic pantry items and turns them into a filling meal, making it a go-to for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

When there’s not much in the fridge, Vegetarian Shepherds Pie will fill the gap. It’s a solid, low-cost recipe that gets better with whatever veggies you can find. It’s a no-fuss way to make a meal that satisfies. No need for fancy ingredients—just what you’ve got on hand, making it a perfect fridge clean-out meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is perfect when you’re down to the basics in your kitchen. You don’t need a lot to make this dish come together, just what’s already in your pantry. It’s one of those recipes that just works, especially when options are slim. In a pinch, it’s a filling option that’s easy to pull off with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Veggie Sliders

If you’ve got a little bit of everything, Veggie Sliders can bring it all together. This dish lets you use up leftover veggies in a creative way. It’s easy to make without requiring much thought or prep time. You can always rely on this to keep it simple and tasty, making it a great fridge-scrap recipe.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Sliders

Mushroom Soup

With Mushroom Soup, you don’t need a lot to make a great meal. It’s easy, filling, and perfect when you don’t have many ingredients to work with. The recipe is simple but offers a lot in return, especially when you’re low on options. Even with limited supplies, it still manages to be comforting and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers are a go-to when your fridge is nearly empty. You can fill them with whatever leftovers you’ve got, and they’ll still turn out great. It’s an easy, low-cost meal that doesn’t need much. This recipe is flexible and lets you work with what’s available, giving you a lot of freedom to customize.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Even when things are sparse, Spinach Artichoke Dip comes through. It’s a great way to use what you’ve got lying around to make a rich, flavorful dish. Don’t need to overcomplicate it—just mix what you have. This dip is simple but packs a punch, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Pea and Mint Soup

Pea and Mint Soup is a refreshing option when the fridge is looking empty. It’s light, simple, and doesn’t require a lot to make. A quick and easy fix when you’re working with what’s left in your fridge. This soup is filling without needing too much, and it’s perfect for those busy days.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup

Refried Beans

This dish work when you’re out of ideas but still need something filling. It’s a cheap option that’s perfect when you want something hearty without much effort. With minimal ingredients, this dish hits the mark every time. Refried Beans is a solid choice when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Tortellini Soup

If you’re working with a mostly empty fridge, Tortellini Soup has you covered. It’s a simple recipe that makes the most of what’s available. You don’t need many ingredients to make it fulfilling, and it’s perfect for when you’re short on time. This soup is quick, easy, and perfect when you’re scraping the bottom of the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Zucchini Fritters

These fritters are a great way to use up what’s left in the fridge. They’re easy to whip up and require minimal ingredients. It’s a no-fuss, low-cost dish that makes a filling meal. When you’ve got little to work with, Zucchini Fritters comes through, giving you a crispy, satisfying option.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti Marinara is a classic that’s great when you don’t have much in the fridge. A few basic ingredients, and you’ve got a meal that works. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any complex prep. This recipe comes together quickly, filling you up with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara