Whether you’re trying to avoid the crowds or just pinch a few pennies, your pantry is a treasure trove of dinnertime opportunities. Here’s a few ways to spice up your meals without breaking the bank.
1

Stir Fry

Stir fry is a sure-fire way to use up your collection of canned vegetables or assortment of close-to-rotten produce. Whether you throw in some leftover chicken breast or go for a meatless option, this quick and easy meal will leave you wanting more.

2

Casseroles

Casseroles work best when getting creative with pantry items. One spare tomato, some wilting spinach, a few sticks of string cheese and a whole lot of love can make dinner memorable. Combine them together with a pound of pasta and some tomato paste, and you’ll have a casserole fit for your Italian grandmother’s table.

Casseroles work best when getting creative with pantry items. One spare tomato, some wilting spinach, a few sticks of string cheese and a whole lot of love can make dinner memorable. Combine them together [hyperlink Penne Pasta Casserole recipe] with a pound of pasta and some tomato paste, and you’ll have a casserole fit for your Italian grandmother’s table.

3

Dips

Ditch dinner and opt for a night of fun appetizers. While you watch the newest romcom with your girls or the home team with your hubby, use up a can of refried beans and a pound of Velveeta to make a stellar chip dip.

 

Pro tip: A good dip is the best way to trick your picky eater into getting their daily dose of veggies. Puree some spinach and artichokes into edible green slime, and you’re sure to trick them into at least one bite.

4

Salads

Iceberg lettuce no longer cutting it? Superfood your salads with spinach, berries and other nutrient-rich items. A good quinoa salad will leave you—and your wallet—a little lighter.

Iceberg lettuce no longer cutting it? Superfood your salads with spinach, berries and other nutrient-rich items. A good quinoa salad [hyperlink Plant-Based Go-To: Quinoa Salad] will leave you—and your wallet—a little lighter.

5

Frittatas

Morning, noon or night, breakfast is always a good option. Frittatas are the perfect meal to clean up your leftovers clutter. With a little creativity, this easy-to-transport dish will become your favorite addition to Sunday brunch. So grab a mimosa and dig in!

These penny-pinching meals can clear out your pantry and keep you from making another grocery store run. If you’re short on imagination, try using SuperCook.com. This site allows you to type in the items cluttering your pantry and receive a recipe match!

Morning, noon or night, breakfast is always a good option. Frittatas [hyperlink Spring Herb Frittata recipe] are the perfect meal to clean up your leftovers clutter. With a little creativity, this easy-to-transport dish will become your favorite addition to Sunday brunch. So grab a mimosa and dig in!

 

These penny-pinching meals can clear out your pantry and keep you from making another grocery store run. If you’re short on imagination, try using SuperCook.com. This site allows you to type in the items cluttering your pantry and receive a recipe match!

Not a member?
Join for FREE!

Enjoy encouraging, motivating, uplifting content created just for women like you, all from the health care name you trust: Franciscan Health.