18 Fridge Clean-Out Meal Ideas to Prevent End-of-Week Food Waste

If you’re anything like us, you probably find yourself looking into your fridge at the end of the week wondering how the heck you’re going to cobble a meal together from all the odds and ends you’ve accumulated. You’ve got a half an onion here, some leftover herbs there, and your Misfits box won’t arrive for another few days. Or, you’re just feeling totally uninspired to cook. 

Luckily that’s where we come in! All 15 of these recipes are designed to work with whatever you’ve got kicking around. And not only are all of these dishes totally customizable—they’re also easy to whip up in a pinch.

Fast and Easy One Pot and One Pan Recipes

Now that fall has unofficially begun, we’re fully back into our weeknight routines. That means we’re on the lookout for recipes that get dinner on the table fast—bonus points if they cut down on dishes, too!

One Pot Cheesy Broccoli Pasta

One-Pot Pantry Pasta with Tomatoes and Squash

One-Pot French Onion Pasta

One Pot Lemony Rigatoni Alfredo with Mushrooms and Peas

One Pot Broccoli Rabe and Mushroom Pasta Bake

One Pot Vegetable Stock

Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink Rice and Quinoa Dishes

We’re generally not very “go-with-the-grain”—except when it comes to these rice and quinoa favorites. Throw in whatever veggies you have, some beans or eggs, and you’ll have yourself a well-rounded skillet meal in no time.

One Pan Mexican-Inspired Quinoa Skillet

Freestyle Fried Rice Skillet

Vegan Poke Bowls

Anything with Beans and Lentils

Beans and lentils aren’t just mealtime saviors for vegetarians and vegans—they’re an easy and fast way for everyone to get some protein in. And, with just a little TLC, they taste just as delicious as any meat dish.

How to Soak, Cook, and Make Dried Bean Soup

Lentil “Chorizo” Tacos

Everything But the Kitchen Sink Chili

Add-Anything-You-Have Salads

Our favorite thing about end-of-the-week salads is that all bets are off. No lettuce? Use cabbage instead. No dressing? Whisk some water and olive oil with a dollop of hummus, or blend your carrots into a dressing. And when all else fails, chop whatever veggies you’ve got up and call it a chopped salad.

Food Scrap Mediterranean Salad

Simple Side Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing

Mediterranean-Inspired Salad with Roasted Chickpeas

Unique End-of-Summer Tomato Recipes

As the season comes to a close, we’ll find any excuse to use those peak summer tomatoes in any dish. And tomatoes aren’t just a complement, either. Use them in things from sauces to salad dressings and more.

Spaghetti with Cherry Tomato Sauce

Easy Tomato Vinaigrette

One-Pot Chicken and Rice Bake with Herby Tomatoes

Hungry for more? Keep reading for more recipes to clean out your fridge at the end of the week:

5 Recipes to Use Every Last Drop of Your Jarred Dips

6 Ways to Give New Life to Plain Butter

How to Pickle Produce with Leftover Brine