15 Budget-Friendly Meals Made with Pantry Staples

Lentil Soup

Dried lentils are a fantastic, protein-rich legume that don't require soaking before cooking. When simmered into a comforting soup with just a few fresh aromatics, they become a filling and satisfying meal. For a creamier texture, you can blend a few cups of the finished soup and mix it back in for extra smoothness.

Red Lentil Curry

Red lentils are a type of split pea, and since they’re hulled before drying, they cook incredibly quickly. This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes to cook, making it the perfect weeknight meal. You can have it ready by the time you’ve changed clothes and taken the dog for a walk. Serve it over rice for a complete dinner.

Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry

Looking for a delicious vegan dish? Try this sweet potato chickpea curry. It’s rich, flavorful, and filling enough to satisfy even the most dedicated meat-eaters. Serve it with rice, or pair it with naan or pita to scoop up all that delicious, spicy sauce.

Black Bean Chili

A hearty vegetable chili is an excellent and budget-friendly way to feed a crowd, making it a must-have recipe in your collection. This version uses fresh corn and tomatoes, but you can easily swap in canned varieties when they’re out of season or if you have them stocked in your pantry.

Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl

This Asian-inspired rice bowl combines equal parts rice and tuna by weight, ensuring the perfect balance of protein and carbs in one meal. Make a double batch and enjoy the leftovers cold over chopped lettuce for a satisfying lunch salad.

Black Bean Tacos

Taco Tuesdays get a budget-friendly twist with canned black beans cooked in a flavorful sauce made from green salsa and a mix of savory spices. No tortillas on hand? Turn it into a taco salad with lettuce, or stuff it into baked white or sweet potatoes for a hearty alternative.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Fried rice is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, but this dish is so tasty you’ll want to make fresh rice just for it! The recipe calls for quick-cooking brown rice, which adds great texture, and includes a variety of vegetables, including frozen peas. For an extra protein boost, add some scrambled eggs or strips of omelet at the end.

Salmon Patties

Canned salmon is a cost-effective and convenient way to add more fish to your diet without overspending. These salmon patties come together in just 25 minutes, making them the perfect quick dinner after a long day. Serve with rice or potatoes, on top of a salad, or even place on buns for a delicious twist on salmon burgers.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

If you ask any Italian what they whip up when they need a quick and easy meal from their pantry, they’ll probably say spaghetti aglio e olio. Pasta in garlic-infused olive oil, topped with Parmesan, is simple yet delicious, and can be served as either a main dish or a side. The secret to success is taking your time to toast the garlic: overcook it and it will turn bitter and ruin the flavor.

Black Bean and Couscous Salad

Couscous is a pantry staple we always keep on hand—it only takes a few minutes to steep in boiling water, making it one of the fastest carbs to prepare. Combine it with canned and frozen vegetables and a zesty lime vinaigrette, and you’ve got a salad that’s hearty enough to be a full meal.

Chef John's Stuffed Peppers

With rice, onions, canned tomatoes, Italian sausage in the freezer, and bell peppers in your fridge, you're just 30 minutes away from a batch of delicious stuffed peppers baking in the oven. Got leftovers? Chop them up, make a savory hash, and top it with fried or poached eggs for a hearty breakfast the next day.

Spanish Rice Bake

This hearty casserole is perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening. With just a simple salad on the side, it transforms into an incredible dinner. This recipe uses one pound of ground beef and pantry staples to create a meal that serves 4-6 people.

Simple Tomato Soup

Craving tomato soup but don't have any in the pantry? If you’ve got canned tomatoes, you're just 30 minutes away from homemade soup that's perfect for dunking a grilled cheese. It’s so simple to make, you may never buy canned tomato soup again.

Chana Masala (Savory Indian Chickpeas)

Indian cuisine has long made the most of beans and pulses (the edible part of legumes), and this spiced chickpea dish is a perfect example of an affordable, pantry-friendly meal. Serve it over rice, with naan or pita, or even stuff it into baked white or sweet potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Canned black beans form the base of a veggie burger that’s so easy to make, you might never buy frozen patties again. Want to enjoy that convenience? Make a double batch, shape into patties, and freeze them uncovered until firm. Then wrap in plastic and store in a freezer bag. Grill them straight from the freezer, just adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.