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

ByMissy Rakes

Check out this list of 15 cheap pantry meals that use only 4 basic ingredients or less and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!

15 Cheap Pantry Meals with 4-Ingredients or Less

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.

Pantry Staples You Will Need:

  • 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)

15 Cheap Pantry Meals with 4-Ingredients or Less

 

  • 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
  • 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)

Download your Cheap Pantry Meals Guide

Want more frugal cooking tips? Here are some of my favorites:

30 Frugal Meal Ideas (for when you’re broke)
40 Groceries to Stop Buying and Start Making at Home
50 Cheap and Easy Recipes for when You’re on a Budget
How to Meal Plan on a Tight Budget
7 Frugal Cooking Tips from the Great Depression

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21 Comments

    1. Another way to have the Mac and cheese is to pit in a can of tuna and peas. Also check out meatballs and cabbage. You can either make your own meatballs or use frozen. Just throw the cut up cabin the pan with some water and when it caramelizes put in the meatballs. Heat up the meatballs and serve
      Reply
  2. I know it’s not part of your pantry, but a great meatless dinner is Lentil-Rice Casserole. It is super easy and super super cheap. Google recipe from Tightwad Gazette page 151 lentil-rice casserole. I would enjoy hearing if you like it.
    Reply
  5. Hi! I loved this!!! My only "negative" (they're not criticisms, just observations! lol) are: 1. With tomatoes and basic pantry spices, you've got spaghetti sauce (esp with a little bouillon, either chicken or beef), plus no sugar/preservatives, etc. (I have an Autistic child with ADHD, so we're super-careful about all that!). Same holds true for tomato soup - I use an immersion blender, but it's SO MUCH better than a can!!! (Especially with home-canned tomatoes!); 2. Pancake mix is flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and a dash of sugar. 3. Most basic "mixes" are SO easily replicated - just google your favorite, from rice-a-roni to Bisquick... So much more control over ingredients, calories, sugar, etc. AND, if you mix up a batch, store in Ziplocs, put in freezer, etc. They keep for months!!! I know mixing up the mixes kindof violates the 4-ingredient rule, but it's cheaper, healthier and, in the long-run, just better - less shopping, less spending, change up flavor profiles based on what your family likes (my family likes pancake mix when I pulse oatmeal into flour - they love the crumbly texture!! "Buttermilk" is easily achieved by adding a teaspoon of lemon to a cup of milk and letting sit a few minutes... It's just so fast...). Anyway, your basic pantry list is fantastic - I just sent it to a young couple I counsel who are on "food stamps" as a way to keep their basic food costs to a minimum, especially given the rising food costs of late. I've been giving cooking lessons, so with their minimal cooking skills, a list of things that are quick, easy, and little-fuss is just so great!!! Thank you so much for pulling it together and sharing!! :) Blessings! ~Chrissie
    Reply
  6. You have some pretty ideas but allow me to share a couple of mine. Pancakes made from scratch taste better and cost less. Boil a whole chicken , debonair it and devide into amounts your recipe called for. You can either freeze the broth in pint boxes ir seal it in pint jars. If you need more than a pint, that's OK because you can add water. This way you control the salt and whatever seasonings you want. For the price of a whole chicken and a little work you can get several meals.
    Reply
  8. Homemade pancakes are NOT made with boxed mix . You need flour, baking powder, salt egg and milk. And no I have not already said this. This is my first time to comment. I have no problem with your frugal tips and recipes. But you should know how to make homemade pancakes and biscuits etc.
    Reply
  10. Love these ideas!! We make these regularly and our newest favorite is Jimmy Johns day old bread. We get 4 loaves for $2.05 and we make French bread pizzas, subs, homemade croutons, etc. It’s a super easy and cheap way to feed 6 people! Also, you can totally make pancakes from mix without milk or eggs lol. Ask any vegan or Mama who has made a batch with just water when she’s out of those other ingredients : )
    Reply
  11. You mentioned the boxed shells & cheese, but stated no need for milk and butter. Are you talking about the kind with the liquid cheese-food or the powdered? If powdered, how would you make it, just water? BTW, I saved and printed out your meals to make when you are broke ebook years ago. I've used it many times and have shared it with others as well. Very helpful, even just for ideas for something different.
    Reply
  12. My husband and I wanted to try to use what we had in our pantry instead of going out to eat so often. Your suggestion of vegetarian spaghetti was a huge success for us.
    Reply
  13. Can I leave a hate comment because you put peas in the Mac n cheese with hot dogs? LOL just joking no hate here except for peas. I do mac n cheese with hot dogs for a cheap, fast and easy dinner, especially when I don't want to make dinner. I put tuna in mine and hot dogs in everyone else's, that's the way we prefer. This is a great list. Thank you for sharing.
    Reply
  14. This is such a fantastic list! I love how you kept it simple with just four ingredients. I can’t wait to try out some of these recipes, especially the pasta dish! The printable is a great bonus – thank you for sharing!
    Reply
  15. I absolutely love this list! It’s so helpful to have quick and affordable meal ideas, especially on busy days. Can't wait to try out the recipes and I appreciate the free printable! Thank you for sharing!
    Reply
  16. I love how simple and budget-friendly these meals are! The printable is a great touch too! Can't wait to try out some of these recipes with what I have on hand. Thanks for sharing!
    Reply

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