Simple Cheap Dinner Recipes with Pantry Staples

When you’re looking to whip up a meal without a trip to the grocery store, pantry staples can be your best friends. Here are some simple cheap dinner recipes that use ingredients you likely already have on hand, making them both budget-friendly and convenient.

1. Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil

This classic pasta with garlic and olive oil is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta ($1.00)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50)
• 1/4 cup olive oil ($0.75)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional) ($0.25)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $2.50

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Toss the cooked pasta in the pan with garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

2. Bean and Rice Burritos

These bean and rice burritos are filling, easy to make, and perfect for using up pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice ($0.50)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed ($1.00)
• 1 teaspoon cumin ($0.10)
• 4 tortillas ($1.00)
• Salsa (optional) ($0.75)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $3.35

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine cooked rice, black beans, and cumin. Mix well.
2. Place a portion of the mixture in the center of each tortilla, roll it up, and place seam-side down on a plate.
3. Serve with salsa, if desired.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry

This vegetable stir-fry is a quick and colorful way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh) ($1.50)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce ($0.25)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ($0.10)
• Cooked rice or noodles to serve ($0.50)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $2.35

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
2. Pour in the soy sauce and stir until everything is coated and heated through.
3. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.

4. Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

This comforting tomato soup and grilled cheese combo is a classic and super easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 can tomato soup ($1.00)
• 4 slices of bread ($0.50)
• 4 slices of cheese ($1.50)
• Butter ($0.25)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $3.25

Instructions:

1. Heat the tomato soup in a pot according to package instructions.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place cheese between two slices and grill in a pan until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
3. Serve the grilled cheese with the hot tomato soup.

5. One-Pot Vegetable Pasta

This one-pot vegetable pasta recipe is a great way to combine multiple pantry staples into one dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta ($1.00)
• 1 can diced tomatoes ($1.00)
• 1 cup vegetable broth ($0.50)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables ($1.50)
• Italian seasoning to taste ($0.25)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $4.25

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine pasta, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, and mixed vegetables.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
3. Stir in Italian seasoning and serve warm.

Conclusion

These simple cheap dinner recipes with pantry staples prove that you don’t need to spend a lot to create delicious meals. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up satisfying dishes that the whole family will enjoy.

ient that can transform any dish into a budget-friendly feast.