How to always know what to make for dinner

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The secret to knowing what to make for dinner at any time is a well-stocked pantry. Keep ingredients on hand for the same few meals that you like, especially things with really basic ingredients such as rice and pasta.

Our pantry always holds 

    • Pantry
      • dried beans
      • pasta
        • spaghetti
        • macaroni
        • twists or other shapes
        • rice
        • ramen
        • mac n cheese
      • canned vegetables
      • canned tuna
        • cream of... soup
          • cream of chicken, mushroom, golden mushroom
        • flour
        • sugar
        • baking powder
        • baking soda
        • red pasta sauce
        • Pioneer packet instant mashed potatoes
        • Peanut butter
        • loaf bread
        • Freezer, fridge:
          • chicken
          • ground beef
          • eggs
          • milk 
          • jelly
          • sliced cheese
          • sliced lunch meat
          • stir fry vegetables
        • Fruit & vegetables
          • potatoes
          • onion
          • apples, bananas, oranges (rotating)
        • Seasoning
          • McCormick's spaghetti seasoning
          • Pioneer gravy packet
          • chicken stock and/or chicken bullion
          • garlic powder
          • onion powder
          • paprika
          • salt and pepper
          • oregano
        • Condiments
          • mayonnaise
          • sweet relish
          • ketchup
          • mustard
          • barbeque sauce
          • steak sauce
          • Worcestershire sauce
          • minced garlic
          • Parmesan cheese
        • Some meals that I'm always prepared for:


      Baked chicken, canned vegetable, mashed potatoes and gravy
      Banana bread
      Barbeque chicken
      Bean stew (add meat: neckbones, ham hocks, or salted pork)
      Beefy mac
      Boiled eggs
      Chicken cordon bleu (need ham, swiss cheese)
      Chicken and rice
      Chicken salad (get celery)
      Egg salad
      Fried potatoes
      Fried eggs
      Fruit salad
      Hamburger steak
      Mac n cheese
      Meat and cheese sandwich
      Meatloaf
      Pancakes
      Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
      Potato salad
      Pulled barbeque chicken sandwiches (need buns or sliced bread, get coleslaw)
      Ramen (add boiled egg and vegetables)
      Spaghetti and meat sauce
      Shakshuka
      Tuna salad (need celery)
      Scalloped potatoes
      Scrambled eggs
      Toast
      Tuna casserole 

      There's got to be more than I listed. Drop more recipe ideas in the comments.

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