17 Delicious Budget-Friendly Pantry Meals

Feeling the pinch from rising grocery bills lately? You’re not alone! As food costs continue to climb, many families are looking for ways to cut costs in the kitchen. 

The good news is that your pantry is filled with money-saving potential. In this article, I’ll share recipes for cooking up thrifty, delicious meals with items you already have in your pantry or freezer!

This beefy chili recipe is packed with black beans, kidney beans, corn, and tomatoes with a homemade chili seasoning blend. It’s a hearty soup that’s simple to make and is a great option for busy weeknight dinners as it’s made with just pantry staples.

Credit: Simply Stacie

CREAMY VEGAN PANTRY PASTA

This Creamy Vegan Pantry Pasta is made with just a handful of everyday pantry staples, and it’s sure to become part of your regular easy dinner rotation. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with a healthy twist on creamy pasta.

Credit: Rainbow Plant Life

QUICK PEA PESTO PASTA

Between the pesto, peas and pasta this is a flavor-packed dish! Pasta with Peas is versatile as it can be enjoyed warm or cold. It is effortless to prepare, making it a quick (just 20 minutes!) and convenient option. 

Credit: The Feathered Nester

TACO SOUP

This taco soup recipe comes together with 7 cans and seasoning packets. All you need is some ground beef, an onion and any preferred toppings to finish it off! 

Credit: Finding Zest

RED LENTIL PASTA

Have a craving for Italian? Pasta e Lenticchie is a one-pot dish made with lentils, pasta, tomato paste, plus just a few other ingredients. This dish is high in protein and is a great option if you are looking for a meatless option for lunch or dinner.

Credit: Savas Kitchen

ROASTED PEPPER AND TOMATO SOUP

This 30-minute homemade Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup is made with only eight ingredients, four of which are pantry staples! When served with homemade croutons, it becomes a warm and satisfying meal that is perfect on cold fall and winter nights. 

Credit: Sugar & Snap Peas

TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE

Tuna Noodle Casserole is a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal for families everywhere. This casserole is cheesy and packed with flavor. This is a classic recipe that is sure to make your monthly dinner rotation.

Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND RICE SKILLET

Looking for a new meal for those busy weeknights? Don’t miss this easy Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet is simple, delicious, and filling! Grab some Italian sausage links, veggies you have on hand (fresh or frozen will work), and a few pantry essentials. That’s all you need to make this one-pot meal! So easy and so delicious.

Credit: For the Love of Leftovers

PARMESAN BUTTER NOODLES

Enjoy the simple goodness of our Parmesan butter noodles, a comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Tender pasta coated in a luscious Parmesan butter sauce makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Credit: Heavenly Home Cooking

GREEN CHILE CHICKEN CASSEROLE

This is a simple and easy-to-make pantry favorite. Canned chicken, canned soup, canned green chiles, and tortillas combine with cheese to make this easy chicken casserole

Credit: Fluxing Well

CORNBREAD CHILLI CASSEROLE

This Cornbread Chili Casserole is a hearty dinner that is perfect for using up pantry staples! Using a variety of beans, meat, cornbread, and spices, this is a great dish to whip up at the last minute!

Credit: Dancing Through the Rain

ONE POT HOMEMADE HAMBURGER HELPER

If you love the comfort of the classic cheeseburger macaroni, you are going to love this one-pot Homemade Hamburger Helper . This homemade version isn’t just healthier than the boxed version; it’s also loaded with flavor- rich and cheesy. If you are looking for an easy dish your kids will love, look no further.

Credit: The Salty Marshmallow

CHICKEN TORTILLA CASSEROLE

This flavorful Chicken Tortilla Casserole with Salsa Verde is a snap to put together thanks to rotisserie chicken and a few pantry staples. This quick and easy recipe is a great meal solution for a busy week! 

Credit: Valerie’s Kitchen

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEA STEW

This chickpea stew is super simple to make– it’s just 4 ingredients. It’s creamy, flavourful, healthy and let’s not forget delicious.

Credit: Let’s Go Tomato

10 MINUTE CHILLI GARLIC RAMEN

Love the price tag of store-bought ramen, but not a fan of the taste. Upgrade your ramen to this deliciously spicy chili garlic ramen. The fresh garlic, sriracha, chili, and onion are cooked and then reduced to a sauce with tons of flavor that you simply pour over the noodles. Best part? It is ready in less than 10 minutes!

Credit: Bless this Meal

INSTANT POT PINTO BEANS

Instant Pot Pinto Beans are a convenient and delicious option for a quick weeknight meal. With minimal prep and cooking time, they’re perfect for busy families!

Credit: The Feathered Nester

INSTANT POT MEXICAN RICE AND BEANS

Want something that’s easy, healthy, and quick? Check out this recipe for Instant Pot Mexican Rice and beans. Made with just 6 pantry staples and tons of flavor. This simple recipe is great on its own or great for filling for burritos!

Instant Pot Chicken and Homemade Yellow Rice

This Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe is as easy as a dinner recipe can get. It’s truly a one-pot, dump the ingredients and forget about it kind of meal. That’s the kind of meal that I need in my life around this time of year (#endofschool).

Credit: Live Simply

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    Cooking dinner for your family doesn’t have to break the bank. Before heading to the grocery store, be sure to shop your pantry, fridge, and freezer first. It’s a simple way to keep your grocery budget under control and save more money.

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    Kristen

    Kristen is the founder and content creator at Mom Managing Chaos where she teaches busy moms how to simplify and organize their life and finances. She writes about frugal living, budgeting, productivity and organization.