Cheap Pantry Meals

Tight budgets are no problem when it comes to these simple and basic meal recipes. Made with pantry staple ingredients like flour, seasonings, eggs, and milk, you can have any number of cheap pantry meals at your disposal.

a plate of honey soy chicken bites topped with sesame seeds and green onions with white rice to the side

Whether you've had to Cut Your Grocery Bill or are trying to do The No Spend Challenge or Clean Out the Pantry Challenge, these recipes are sure to help give you some great ideas to use up odds and ends.

Did you know that Messy Pantry Costs You Money? By using up the half-used bags or boxes of this and that, you can clear space, organize the pantry, and Make a Grocery List On a Budget that prioritizes the food that's already in your home first.

Check out these cheap pantry meals that you're going to want to enjoy over and over again!

1. Dairy Free Waffles by BeeyondCereal

pouring syrup on a waffle with fresh berries all around

Did you know that you can make waffles at home for less than $1, using basics like flour, baking powder, and sugar? These waffles are fabulous and delicious. Fluffy, crispy, and golden- perfect for any toppings or syrups!

2. Spicy Ramen by NaturalliePlantBased

This easy spicy ramen is an inexpensive, delicious meal you can make in just 10 minutes.

3. Simple Cherokee Fry Bread by BeeyondCereal

We eat fry bread in our house because it's cheap and because it's what I grew up on. I went to a Native American school from k-12. My school served chili and frybread every Wednesday. For a cheap dinner, make some frybread and grab a can of chili to serve over the top.

4. Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats by PlantedintheKitchen

cinnamon overnight oats plantedinthekitchen

These Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats are filled with incredible flavor for an incredibly cost-effective price and value! Over half of the ingredient are cheap pantry staples and fall under $5 for two servings!

5. Easy 45 Minute Cinnamon Rolls by BeeyondCereal

two cinnamon rolls on a gray plate with more in a baking dish in the background next to coffee

Low on costs an time, these pizza dough cinnamon rolls are very fast to throw together and can even be prepared in advance! Perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert when you're low on funds.

6. Spicy Italian Beans by ThreeOlivesBanch

Arrabbiata Beans inspired by the pasta, also known as "angry pasta." Traditionally a spicy dish that gets its heat from the garlic and red pepper flakes. An easy pantry meal that is very budget friendly and filling.

7. Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole by BeeyondCereal

mac and cheese tuna casserole in a white oval dish with some missing and placed onto a plate in the background

This is one of those recipes that everyone agrees on. To cut costs, I usually skip the Ritz cracker topping and just serve the pasta from the pot, but it's truly delicious either way.

8. Egg Drop Soup by TheForkedSpoon

Egg Drop Soup is so easy to make at home with simple ingredients including chicken broth, eggs, soy sauce, and scallions. Just like at your favorite Chinese restaurant, enjoy this cozy and comforting egg drop soup recipe in less than 20 minutes.

9. Hot Dog Fried Rice by BeeyondCereal

hot dog fried rice in a white bowl with sliced green onions on top

Fried rice is usually a go-to recipe for me. We enjoy it several times a month when I'm trying to be cheap. There's starch, protein, and veggies and it all comes at a low cost. Especially when you use up leftover white rice and leftover hot dogs.

10. One Pot Pasta by LittleSunnyKitchen

Easy 15-minute one-pot pasta made with very basic ingredients! This pasta recipe is perfect for busy people, or those of you who don’t like spending too much time in the kitchen, and the lazy cooks! It’s simple, frugal and delicious! https://littlesunnykitchen.com/one-pot-pasta/