The summer school holidays are wonderful, but keeping everyone fed can feel like a full-time job. Between beach trips, playdates, hungry teenagers and unexpected visitors, having a few easy meals you can make from pantry staples can save time, money and plenty of stress.
For families in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, December and January often mean a change in routine. The kids are home, meal times become less predictable and another trip to the supermarket isn’t always appealing.
The solution? Keep ingredients for a handful of simple meals that don’t require complicated recipes or expensive shopping lists.
1. Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Tuna
A packet of pasta, a can of tomatoes, some herbs and canned tuna are all you need for a quick family dinner.
Add frozen peas, spinach or any vegetables you have available.
2. Homemade Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
Keep wraps, canned beans and grated cheese on hand.
Spread the beans over a wrap, add cheese and fold. Cook in a frying pan until golden and the cheese has melted.
Serve with salsa, avocado or leftover vegetables.
3. Quick Fried Rice
Leftover rice, eggs and frozen vegetables make an easy lunch or dinner.
Add soy sauce and any leftover cooked chicken or vegetables.
For food safety, cool cooked rice promptly, refrigerate it and use it within a day. Reheat until steaming hot.
4. Tuna and Sweetcorn Patties
Combine canned tuna, sweetcorn, mashed potato and an egg.
Shape into patties and cook in a frying pan until golden and cooked through.
These are also great for lunchboxes or picnic lunches when kept properly chilled.
5. Homemade Pizza Wraps
Use wraps as pizza bases and top with tomato paste, cheese and whatever vegetables or cooked meat you have.
Bake until the cheese melts and the toppings are heated through.
6. Easy Lentil Soup
Combine canned lentils, canned tomatoes, vegetable stock and herbs.
Simmer until heated through and serve with toast.
Make extra portions to freeze for another day.
7. Baked Potatoes with Family-Friendly Toppings
Potatoes are inexpensive, filling and incredibly versatile.
Bake until tender and top with baked beans, cheese, tuna or leftover vegetables.
Let everyone choose their own toppings.
8. Breakfast for Dinner
Who says breakfast foods are only for mornings?
Scrambled eggs, toast, baked beans and grilled tomatoes can make a quick and affordable dinner.
It’s particularly useful after a long day at the beach.
9. Quick Noodle Bowls
Keep noodles and stock in the pantry and add frozen vegetables, eggs or leftover cooked chicken.
It’s an easy way to use small quantities of ingredients before they go to waste.
10. Chickpea and Vegetable Curry
Combine canned chickpeas, canned tomatoes, curry powder and vegetables.
Simmer until the vegetables are tender and serve with rice.
For a creamier version, add coconut milk.
Make School Holiday Meals Easier with a Well-Stocked Pantry
The secret to easy school holiday meals isn’t having hundreds of ingredients. It’s keeping a small selection of versatile products that can be turned into several different dishes.
Pasta, rice, canned tomatoes, beans, wraps and frozen vegetables are particularly useful because they work across so many meals.
Buying extra pantry staples when they’re on special can also help keep the grocery budget under control.
For more practical tips, read our guide: The Family Pantry: How to Always Have Food on Hand Without Wasting Money or Groceries.
The Family Pantry: How to Always Have Food on Hand Without Wasting Money or Groceries
How to Avoid Food Waste Over Christmas: Simple Tips That Could Save Your Family Money
What Every Family Should Keep in the Fridge and Freezer During the Australian Summer
No Supermarket Trip Needed: How to Feed the Family with What You Already Have
