15 Cheap Pantry Meals With 4-Ingredients or Less (FREE PRINTABLE!)

I’ve always been a big fan of keeping a well-stocked pantry and having a few weeks worth of meals on hand.

With everything that is going on in the world today, I know a lot of people are thinking about how to best take care of their families in times of need and also how to best cook from food that’s already in the pantry.

That’s why today I’m going to share with you 15 cheap pantry meals that you can make using 4-ingredients or less.

I try to eat mostly whole foods and this list will reflect that, however I do keep some convenience foods on hand and I’ve included a couple of them here for that reason, so please don’t leave hate comments just because hot dogs and macaroni and cheese are on the list.

Also, true pantry staples would consist of only shelf stable foods, but I’ve included some fridge and freezer essentials here because unless you are without power, you should have access to these items.

I talk a lot about being frugal around here, so this list is mainly made up of frugal sources of carbs and proteins.

Also, I’m assuming you have some basic cooking knowledge here, such as how to make a quesadilla, cook pasta or scramble eggs without me having to give you the instructions, so this list is pretty basic, you will have to fill in the directions for each meal as needed.

Feel free to leave any questions you might have pertaining to the recipes in the comment section below.

I hope this list of cheap pantry meals is an inspiration to you on how to feed your family homemade food, on a budget, with basic ingredients.

Also, this list is by no means exhaustive, so be sure to leave your ideas and recipes in the comment section below. Lastly, if you want to keep this list of meals handy in your pantry or recipe book, then be sure to download the free printable recipe list here.

• rice
• sliced bread
• spaghetti
• tortillas
• shredded cheese
• eggs
• hot dogs
• boxed shells and cheese (no need for milk and butter)
• frozen or canned peas
• frozen or canned mixed vegetables
• fresh or frozen diced potatoes
• canned black beans
• canned chili beans
• canned baked beans
• canned refried beans
• canned pasta sauce
• canned diced tomatoes
• canned tomato sauce
• canned chicken
• chicken broth
• boxed pancake mix
• taco seasoning ( learn to make your own)
• chili seasoning ( learn to make your own)

• Vegetarian Spaghetti

  
  

  • cooked spaghetti
  • pasta sauce
  • shredded cheese

  
  

• Grilled Cheese

  
  

  • sliced bread
  • shredded cheese

  
  

• Black Bean and Chicken Quesadilla

  
  

  • tortillas
  • shredded cheese
  • canned black beans
  • canned chicken

  
  

• Chicken Beans and Rice

  
  

  • canned black beans
  • cooked rice
  • canned chicken
  • taco seasoning

  
  

• Bean and Cheese Burritos

  
  

  • tortillas
  • canned refried beans
  • canned diced tomatoes
  • shredded cheese

  
  

• Taco Breakfast Bowls

  
  

  • scrambled eggs
  • fried diced potatoes
  • shredded cheese
  • taco seasoning

  
  

• Fried Rice

  
  

  • cooked rice
  • canned chicken
  • scrambled eggs
  • mixed vegetables (canned or frozen)

  
  

• Shells and Cheese Dinner

  
  

  • prepared shells and cheese
  • diced hot dogs
  • peas (canned or frozen)

  
  

• Homemade Pancakes with Scrambled Eggs

  
  

  • pancake mix
  • water
  • scrambled eggs (on the side)

  
  

• Beanie Weenies

  
  

  • canned baked beans
  • hot dogs

  
  

• Chicken Noodle Soup

  
  

  • cooked spaghetti noodles
  • chicken broth
  • canned chicken
  • mixed vegetables (canned or frozen)

  
  

• Vegetarian Chili

  
  

  • canned chili beans
  • canned diced tomatoes
  • canned tomato sauce
  • chili seasoning

  
  

• Chili Mac

  
  

  • leftover chili (see above)
  • prepared shells and cheese dinner
  • shredded cheese

  
  

• Taco Pasta

  
  

  • prepared shells and cheese
  • canned diced tomatoes
  • canned black beans
  • taco seasoning

  
  

• Chicken and Rice Soup

  
  

  • canned chicken
  • chicken broth
  • cooked rice
  • mixed vegetables (canned or frozen)

  
  

30 Frugal Meal Ideas (for when you’re broke)

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