Making a delicious recipe with staple pantry items is a great way to make a cheap & easy meal. Cooking from pantry staples does not have to be boring or redundant. Having a well-stocked pantry can be all you need to be creative to cook a healthy meal the whole family will love.
Here is all you need to know about how to stock your cupboard with the essentials. Make sure to keep the pantry and the rest of your kitchen organized, so items are easy to find. The organization helps you know what food categories you have on hand to make a well-balanced meal when you need to. Below are some easy-to-make recipes that every household needs in their recipe rotation.
As a bonus, I have shared some of my own recipes that you can make from pantry items. I often refer to these as "half-scratch" recipes since you utilize store-bought or ready-made items to complete a recipe. But first, let's get your pantry ready. So make a list if your pantry is low and use this great cheat sheet for Cheap Grocery List Ideas.
Jump to:
- Food Inflation & Budgeting
- Pantry Must-Have Cheap Staples
- Spices & Oils
- Canned Goods
- Cheap Dry Goods
- What Can I Make with Pantry Items?
- Cheap & Easy Meals with Pantry Items
- Cheap Pantry Breakfast Recipes
- Pantry Staple Main Dishes & Casseroles
- Cheap Soup Recipes
- Homemade Baked Goods
- Desserts on a Budget
- Cooking & Baking Equipment
Food Inflation & Budgeting
And oh boy are food prices just insane right now. Shopping on a budget and buying cheap ingredients or items in bulk has never been more popular. Making recipes with what is on sale or you already have in your pantry can really be a money saver these days.
Below you will find over 20 amazing recipes that are budget-friendly, nutritious, tasty, and family-approved. Find ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, & desserts. All of these recipes are made mainly with ingredients that are low-cost pantry staples - along with a few fresh ingredients too.
What is in a Well-Stocked Pantry?
Basic pantry staples include baking ingredients, spices, oils, canned goods, and dry goods like grains. Everyone obviously has their own personal favorites. There are also items that some people may not stock due to allergies, religious reasons, or taste preferences.
Whatever you may like or dislike, here are some basics that go into a well-stocked pantry. Feel free to substitute, mix things up, or add to this based on your household needs.
Here is a go-to list of inexpensive proteins that should be in your pantry. These canned, jarred, & boxed items are protein-packed at a cheap price. Canned beans are the protein of choice in my rich, spicy, & creamy Zucchini, Potato, & Chickpea Curry recipe.
- Canned tuna
- Peanut butter
- Canned chicken
- Dry & canned beans
- Nuts
- Beef Jerky / Meat Sticks
Pantry Must-Have Cheap Staples
Here is a go-to list of inexpensive ingredients that should be in your pantry. These canned, jarred, & boxed items are the common ingredients for baking fresh items at home. Often making your own cookies, bread, rolls, & more is less costly than buying it premade at the store. Make your own Rustic Ciabatta Bread that is so amazingly warm from the oven and costs just pennies to make.
- Flour (AP or Gluten-Free blends)
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Yeast
- Honey
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Condensed & evaporated kinds of milk
- Chocolate chips
Spices & Oils
Here is a go-to list of inexpensive items that can add a ton of flavor to recipes without a big price tag. Keep these spices, seasonings, & oils in your pantry or spice drawer. Save money and make your own Homemade Ranch Dressing.
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Curry powder
- Cumin
- Cayenne pepper
- Minced dry onion
- Dried basil
- Cinnamon
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Vegetable oil
- do not forget the kinds of vinegar (red & white wine, plus balsamic)
Canned Goods
Here is the best list of inexpensive canned goods that should be in your pantry. These items are great ingredients and sides to have around. They are filling, satisfying, & cheap. Canned condensed soup helps make the comforting gravy in Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak.
- Corn
- Beans, different kinds like black, garbanzo, kidney, & pinto
- Green beans
- Refried beans
- Condensed cream soups
- Broth / Bouillon
- Tomato puree
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
Cheap Dry Goods
Here includes dry goods like beans and rice that are inexpensive and should be in your pantry. These cheap items make any meal stretch & will fill you up. Stock up on these and many easy meals are at your fingertips. A great complete meal that is a family favorite here is the cheesy sauce baked rigatoni in Pasta Al Forno.
- Pasta
- Long grain rice
- Short grain rice
- Breadcrumbs
- Cereals
- Cornmeal
- Oats
- Corn & flour tortillas
- Applesauce
- Dried fruits
- Crackers
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Onions
What Can I Make with Pantry Items?
Here are the categories of recipes that are great thanks to your pantry. You will also find healthy, gluten-free, low-carb, keto, low-calorie, paleo, diabetic-friendly, vegan, and many other recipes for those on special diets. Whatever you may be looking for, these recipes may not cost much and have mainly pantry staples.
- Homemade Breakfast Items
- Main Entrees & Casseroles
- Soups
- Baked Goods
- Desserts
Cheap & Easy Meals with Pantry Items
Here are all the best recipes to make with pantry items. All are cheap, quick, easy, delicious, & filling. Stretch your dollar & feed your family with these inexpensive ideas. The categories below include recipes for any meal of the day, plus desserts!
Cheap Pantry Breakfast Recipes
Here are some recipes that use up those pantry staples for some yummy breakfast ideas. You may need some things like eggs and other fresh items but most of the items will be cheap.
Pantry Staple Main Dishes & Casseroles
Here are some budget-friendly recipes for main dishes that will get you a big thumbs-up at dinner. The main ingredients in these recipes are pantry staples and/or cheap items that will not stress your bank account.
Cheap Soup Recipes
Soups are typically a cost conscience way to put a meal on the table. All of these soup recipes are budget-friendly, yummy, and use pantry items. Whether you want a low-carb soup, spicy, or something packed with vegetables, all of these soups are fantastic. A great salad to accompany any of these soups is my Vegan Italian Chopped Salad, packed with beans, olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and more.
Homemade Baked Goods
These lovely fresh-baked goods are great for making something filling and hearty with very little money. It is often much cheaper to bake than buy store-bought. So hopefully you find a new love for baking while saving a few pennies on these recipe ideas.
Desserts on a Budget
Homemade desserts are a budget-friendly way to save a lot of money. Baked cookies, cakes, and other things cost a lot at a bakery, specialty store, or even your everyday grocery store. Here is how to save the most in your wallet and still enjoy a sweet treat now and again.
Cooking & Baking Equipment
Here are some budget-friendly kitchen items that make cooking and baking at home so much easier & cheaper! These are some of my favorite products and I cannot imagine cooking without them.
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Beth Shields says
I love cooking on a shoestring! The challenge and the outcome. Have had some real disasters - we ended up going out to eat. And had some real successes that became favorites! Thanks for the post - its a good reminder of making do with what you have!
Angela says
It is always an adventure - keep at it and I hope you have a lot more successes in the future!
Hillari says
Oh my goodness, YES!! I have reorganized my pantry about 10 times and I still feel like I am missing essentials or need to restock. And of course, I don't realize it until I NEED the ingredient. Thank you so much for this information - it will make my kitchen interactions so much easier!
Angela says
Keep at it and enjoy the recipes!
Jill DeMasi says
We have most of the above in our pantry so I must try some of these recipes with all the time on my hands now!
Angela says
Great, now is a great time for home cooking and experimenting!
Debbie says
I agree! Mix up those ingredients and create as many different dishes as you can. Keeps us from wasting food too!
Lisa Manderino says
I am missing a few of these! I love the recipes to use with these staples1
Tiffany says
I am actually looking forward to making tuna casserole! Using some of the pantry items I usually keep for lunches will be used for some dinner ideas now!
Angela says
Great, I am loving all the cooking we are doing as a family during this time. We do it probably more than many families but even more so now!
Diane Kurzava says
This is how I cook every single night! I've been told my kitchen is like an episode of Chopped 🙄 Love all your recipes!
Angela says
I love it!
Brianna says
These are great tips for organizing and buying food that we can utilize! Thank you!
Sandi says
Great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Angela says
You are welcome
Adrienne says
Thanks for sharing these ideas!
Jennifer says
We're keep a well stocked pantry here too. It's the fresh and fridge items that run out.
Holly says
Great selection of recipes! My pantry is always full but you list reminded me of a few things that could make my life easier! Thank you!!
Angela says
Glad I can help.
Debbi H says
This is a very helpful post. I'm going to try the banana muffins and beef and bacon chili. They sound delicious!
jen says
Some really amazing thought went into this post. Really well laid out and smart!!! Thank you!
Angela says
Ah so sweet to say - thank you!
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life says
Thanks for a great, comprehensive list and with recipes to boot!
Angela says
Glad you like the list!
Jason Gowin says
I cannot wait to try the creamcheese Christmas Bars and the Banana Muffins, they and well...everything looked amazing but we are definitely going to get a jump on those ones I mentioned here at home.
Angela says
Great enjoy!
Kendra Kaiser says
Great ideas! Tuna noodle casserole was a staple growing up. Sounds really good now!
Angela says
I plan to make a small one with spag squash for myself! Gluten-free and I am the only tuna lover in the house.
Jaci says
Great list! I definitely need to get better at concocting with what we have!
Angela says
Think of it as your own personal CHOPPED challenge!
Lina says
This is such a great post! And all your recipes just look so delicious.
Erica says
As I sit here looking at my open pantry door and cringing at the thought of even starting to organize, I found your piece very timely and spot on! Thank you!
Angela says
Ah good luck! I hope you find some good items to make some of these recipes.
Noelle says
Thank you for this great list!
Sydney says
Your chili recipe is one of my favorites!!
Angela says
Thanks so much for saying so - we love the chili recipe too.
Liz says
The recipes sound amazing! I have to try some of them out!
Lisa says
Great ideas! So useful at a time like this
Melissa Jones says
I love all the ideas and I love how we can use our normal, every day things in our pantry!!
April J Harris says
Our pantries are more and more important these days! You've shared some great organising ideas and some lovely recipes as well. Thank you for sharing this helpful post with the Hearth and Soul Link Party and for being a part of our community! Take care, and stay safe and well. Hope to 'see' you at the party again this week!
Angela says
You are welcome! Stay safe and healthy
April J Harris says
PS - I'm featuring your post at the party this week! Thank you again!
Angela says
Great, thank you so much. I hope it helps many people.