So I always keep certain staples on hand, like canned tomatoes, beans, and rice.

Ill for sure keep bread around, and there are always onions and fresh garlic.

So what can I make with these staples?

Linguine with tuna and capers on two plates at a table setting with a bowl of parsley, a denim table napkin, salt and pepper shakers, and a glass of water

Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster

For me, I can make spaghetti, pizza, quesadillas, eggs, and sandwiches.

Use a Microplane for the garlic and ginger to ensure the flavor infuses the whole dish.

Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini With Wilted Greens

Save water (and time!)

Linguine with tuna and capers on a plate at a table setting with a bowl of parsley, a denim table napkin, salt and pepper shakers, and a glass of water

Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ana Kelly / Prop Styling by Shell Royster

by sauteing cheese tortellini in a skillet instead of boiling it in a pot of water.

you might use fresh or frozen tortellini and whatever dark, leafy greens you have in your crisper.

By slightly crisping the tortilla before adding the toppings, you ensure that the quesadilla stays crispy.

Ground Beef with Rice

Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn

Adding a fried egg and spinach makes this feel even more satisfying than a classic grilled cheese.

Use whatever bread, cheese, and greens you have on hand.

My family’s 5-ingredient pasta bake

Simply Recipes / Sara Haas

Plate of Kai Jeow (Thai Omelet) with Cucumber Slices, Romaine Leaves, Rice, and a Small Bowl of Sriracha on a Circular Wooden Serving Board and Surrounded by a Table Setting with a Glass of Water, a Table Napkin, a Small Bowl of Slice Scallions and Thai Chili, a Small Bowl of Fish Sauce, and Another Plate of Kai Jeow

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Skillet Cacio e Pepe Tortellini With Wilted Greens in a Pot With a Serving Spoon, All on a White Kitchen Towel on the Counter, and Next to It, a Bowl of Cracked Pepper, a Glass of Water, and a Block of Pecorino Romani Cheese

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Bowlful of assassin’s spaghetti at a table setting with more in a bowl, a glass of water, utensils, and light blue kitchen towel

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

A plate of quesedillas and toppings.

Sally Vargas

Marry Me Beans in a white bowl

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Overhead view: bowl of kimchi and spam fried rice at a table setting with another serving in a bowl, two spoons on a blue kitchen linen, and a plate with a fried egg

Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

Pork Stir Fry with Green Onion

Elise Bauer

Greens Eggs Ham Sandwich

Sandwiches are a low effort, high reward dinner. Adding a fried egg and spinach makes this feel even more satisfying than a classic grilled cheese. Use whatever bread, cheese, and greens you have on hand.