When I think about pantry staples, my mind usually goes straight to baking. I like to keep flour, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract stocked at all times. Then there are the seasonings, of course, because no kitchen feels complete without a solid little library of herbs, spices, and salts.
But I’ll admit that canned goods are the pantry category I forget about way too often. I know I should keep a variety of beans, plenty of rice, and a few dependable cans of tomatoes on hand. Recipes with canned tomatoes are everywhere for a reason, and more than once I’ve found myself craving chili only to realize I’m missing that very necessary 28-ounce can of crushed maters.
If you’re looking through your own canned goods and trying to use up crushed, diced, or fire-roasted tomatoes, I’ve pulled together some dinner inspiration that will not disappoint.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Cheesy tortellini, spicy sausage, and a rich, creamy broth are exactly the kind of thing I want at the end of a long day. All The Healthy Things’ tortellini soup recipe is also a good reminder that fire-roasted tomatoes deserve a permanent spot in the pantry.
Sunday Slow-Cooker Beef Ragu
I might need to grab a boneless beef shoulder roast for this one, but most of the other ingredients for Budget Bytes’ slow-cooker beef ragu are probably already waiting in the pantry. It’s an easy, deeply satisfying canned tomato recipe that makes so much sauce, which means I can freeze some for a future dinner.
30-Minute One-Pot Cabbage Rolls
A 30-minute meal that only uses one pot is an immediate yes from me. Averie Cooks’ unstuffed cabbage rolls bring all the cozy flavor and texture of classic cabbage rolls without the rolling and assembling. This isn’t a dish I usually remember to put in my weeknight rotation, but it’s a smart way to use a big can of crushed tomatoes.
Seven-Can Chicken Taco Soup
On a night when I’m leaning hard on canned goods, Princess Pinky Girl’s seven-can chicken taco soup is exactly the kind of recipe I want. It uses canned chicken, broth, beans, tomatoes, and enchilada sauce to make a flavorful soup with very little effort. I can keep it simple or load it up with all my favorite taco toppings.
Easy Lasagna Soup
Making lasagna from scratch is a labor of love, and honestly, I’m not up for that most weeknights. An easy lasagna soup like this one from All The Healthy Things feels much more doable. Crushed and fire-roasted canned tomatoes create the flavorful broth, and then those cheesy dollops melt right in.
Creamy Saucy Chipotle Chicken
Averie Cooks has another weeknight-friendly gem with this creamy sauce chipotle chicken, which comes together in about 35 minutes. I love that it turns boneless, skinless chicken thighs into something bold and saucy, and it works just as well over rice as it does tucked into tortillas.
Ravioli & Italian Sausage Skillet
Sometimes I just need a cheesy comfort meal without a lot of waiting, and Damn Delicious’ ravioli and Italian sausage skillet gets the job done in about 30 minutes. It’s simple, hearty, and tasty enough to earn a repeat spot on the dinner list.
Crockpot Chili
Chili is the dish I most often keep canned tomatoes around for, and Princess Pinky Girl’s slow-cooker version is perfect for the days when I do not want to stand over a stock pot. Most of the ingredients are inexpensive canned goods, but I would not skip the little bit of chocolate. Yes, seriously.
Creamy Tomato Soup With Cheesy Croutons
Jessica in the Kitchen’s vegan creamy tomato soup works with fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, or a mix of both. Since it calls for 56 ounces, it’s especially helpful when I have a lot of canned tomatoes to use. The result is a savory, slightly sweet classic tomato soup with homemade cheesy croutons floating on top.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
I love the idea of getting chicken parm flavor without standing over a skillet, and Damn Delicious’ chicken parmesan pasta makes that happen. It has the comfort of the classic dish, but it’s much easier, and the pasta is actually incorporated into the sauce and chicken instead of sitting awkwardly on the side.
Lentil Bolognese
Lentils are so affordable, and they’re full of protein and fiber. I like that Budget Bytes’ lentil bolognese uses this under-hyped pantry staple with a can of crushed tomatoes to make a satisfying vegan sauce. It only takes about 10 minutes of prep before simmering into something rich and cozy.
Honestly, every time I remember how many dinners canned tomatoes can save, I wonder why I ever let myself run out.
Inspired by this post on Scary Mom.
