15 Warming Snow Day Meals That Are Already in Your Pantry

As communities across the Northeast, upper Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic brace for snow, we're thinking that staying inside on Tuesday (and maybe Wednesday, too!) is looking like a better and better idea.

Instead of venturing out, we'll be firmly rooted to our couches, with a book in hand and a meal simmering on the stove. The only problem with this, of course, is the groceries: Without access to roads and stores, our boeuf bourguignon will be boeuf-less and our kale gratin both kale- and cheese-less. Saddest gratin ever.

Fortunately, it doesn't take more than a well-stocked pantry to create a warming winter meal. A bag of rice, beans, or quinoa, paired with the other odds n' ends you likely have in your refrigerator and pantry can make for a more-than-satisfying snow day meal. You may need to make some swaps—like trading Parmesan for breadcrumbs—but a few trades are a small price to pay for staying in.

Here's how to make a delicious meal during any winter storm—without leaving your house:

If You Have Beans:

If You Have Pasta:

If You Have Rice or Risotto Rice:

If You Have Canned Tomatoes:

If You Have Quinoa:

If You Have Polenta:

What do you cook when your snowed in? Tell us in the comments below!