6 Cheap Meals That Use Only Pantry Staples

Finding affordable meals that don’t require a trip to the store can be a challenge, especially when your fridge is running low. Using pantry staples means you can easily pull together satisfying dishes with ingredients you already have on hand.

You can create simple, tasty meals without spending much by relying solely on shelf-stable items. This approach saves both time and money, making it perfect for busy nights or tight budgets.

Chickpea and Tomato Curry

You can make a tasty chickpea and tomato curry using just pantry staples like canned chickpeas, tomatoes, and a few spices. It’s a simple recipe that cooks in one pot, saving you time and cleanup.

This curry combines warming spices with creamy coconut milk or tomatoes for a comforting meal. You can easily customize the spice level to suit your taste.

It’s budget-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling without much effort. Try this easy chickpea and tomato curry to add variety and flavor using what you already have on hand.

Check out this simple chickpea and tomato curry recipe for details.

Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil

You can make a tasty meal with just a few pantry staples: pasta, garlic, and olive oil. It’s quick, simple, and perfect when your fridge is running low.

Cook your pasta until it’s al dente. While it’s cooking, gently sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.

Toss the hot pasta with the garlic oil, adding some pasta water to create a smooth, light sauce that clings to every strand. You can customize it with chili flakes or Parmesan if you have some on hand.

This dish is easy, budget-friendly, and feels like a classic Italian meal you made yourself. Check this garlic and oil pasta recipe for helpful tips.

Rice and Beans Bowl

You can make a filling meal with just rice, beans, and a few pantry staples. Start with cooked rice and add canned beans like black or kidney beans for protein and fiber.

Spice it up with garlic powder, cumin, or chili flakes from your pantry. A splash of canned tomatoes or salsa adds flavor and moisture.

This meal is easy to customize with whatever seasonings you enjoy. It’s budget-friendly, satisfying, and ready in minutes using only shelf-stable ingredients. For more ideas, check out these 20 rice and beans recipes to cook on a tight budget.

Lentil Soup with Canned Vegetables

You can make a comforting lentil soup using just canned vegetables and lentils from your pantry. This meal comes together quickly and requires minimal prep.

Start by sautéing some onion and garlic if you have them, then add your canned lentils and vegetables. Pour in broth and season with your favorite herbs or spices.

This soup is flexible, so you can swap in different canned veggies depending on what you have. It’s a warming, budget-friendly meal perfect for busy days or when fresh produce is low. For more ideas, see this quick and easy guide to lentil soup with canned lentils.

Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookies

You can make peanut butter and oatmeal cookies quickly with just a few pantry staples. These cookies combine creamy peanut butter and hearty oats for a soft, chewy treat.

No baking is needed for some versions, so you save time and energy. They’re easy to customize by adding honey or chocolate chips if you have them on hand.

These cookies are perfect for when you want something satisfying without a long prep. You can find simple recipes that use only common ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and a sweetener in this no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies guide.

Tuna Salad with Shelf-Stable Mayo

You can make a simple tuna salad using just pantry staples like canned tuna and shelf-stable mayo. This combo keeps your meal easy, quick, and budget-friendly.

Add some sweet pickles or diced onions if you have them for a little extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This tuna salad works great on its own, in sandwiches, or as a quick snack. It’s a reliable choice when fresh ingredients aren’t available but you still want something tasty and filling.

Try this version for a convenient, no-fuss meal using ingredients you probably already have. For ideas on making shelf-stable meals, check out this easy pantry meal guide.