1. Spicy Mashed Pinto Beans
- Onion
- Canned Pinto Beans
- Tomato Paste
- Chili Powder
- Vegetable Stock
An inexpensive can of beans becomes a filling meal base with four pantry ingredients.
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What to Cook Before Grocery Shopping: 8 Pantry Meals
Before ordering takeout or starting a new grocery list, check the pantry and freezer. These recipes were selected because most of their ingredients keep well and combine easily.
2. Egg Fried Rice
- Soy Sauce
- Instant Rice
- Onion
- Green Beans
- Egg
A dependable way to turn rice, eggs, and frozen or canned vegetables into dinner.
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3. Rice with Salsa
- Onion
- Rice
- Chicken Stock
- Salsa
Jarred salsa adds most of the flavor, making this a useful four-ingredient pantry dinner.
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4. Orzo Rice Pilaf
- Orzo Pasta
- Onion
- Garlic
- Rice
- Chicken Stock
A 19-minute pantry recipe that makes plain rice more interesting without extra shopping.
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5. Green Bean Cheddar Casserole
- Canned Green Beans
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Cheddar Cheese
Only three familiar ingredients and 20 minutes are needed for this budget-friendly casserole.
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6. Creamy Green Beans and Mushrooms
- Canned Green Beans
- Canned Sliced Mushrooms
- Cream Cheese
Three shelf-stable or long-lasting ingredients make a warm side with almost no prep.
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7. Creamy Tuna Egg Toast
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Egg
- Canned Tuna
- Bread
Four pantry and refrigerator basics become a filling lunch or inexpensive dinner.
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8. Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- Ground Beef
- Canned Stewed Tomatoes
- Tomato Sauce
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables
- Dry Onion Soup Mix
Frozen vegetables and canned tomatoes turn ground beef into a practical one-pot family meal.
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