Quick and Easy Pantry Staple Recipes

Pantry staple recipes are very important, especially right now. Keeping the cupboards stocked with nutritious items is key to being able to prepare meals for yourself and family. Being able to make a great meal quickly with easy to locate ingredients is a now a neccesity. I've got valuable tips on how to store your canned goods as well as mouthwatering recipes made with all those pantry staples.

I've noted recipes to make it easier to identify dairy-free, gluten, vegan recipes.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, we've got recipes for everyone. In addition, this is your guide on how to store cans of tuna, beans, tomatoes, and all your canned goods. Using canned goods doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. The recipes I have compiled are a variety of vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and meals with meat.

Where do I keep pantry staples?

A pantry closet or basement is a great place to store canned goods. Use old bookshelves or buy yourself a bookcase to store your canned goods. Keep the cans in a cool, dark place. Canned goods keep for a long time but they do expire. Be sure to move your cans to keep the oldest in the front so you use them first.

Canned Foods and Storage

Can canned food be kept in the can after opening?

As per the USDA, foods can be kept in their original packaging in the refrigerator. However, to obtain optimum quality place the product in a glass or plastic container.

Will canned foods lose their nutritional value the longer they sit on a shelf?

When food is canned, flavors get locked in and the nutritional value does not deplete.

Does rinsing beans really help to reduce sodium?

According to Old Ways Nutritional Exchange, draining beans reduce sodium by 31% and rinsing decreases sodium by 41%. Rinse those beans or use salt-free.

Rice Storage:

Purchasing food and having it go bad is never a goal. Be sure to store rice in a cool dark place. Once a box of rice is opened, to lengthen shelf life, transfer the rice to a well-sealed container in a cool dark location.

Large bags of rice can be divided into small sseealble bags. Use a food saver to store rice in small sealed bags.

Can rice go bad?

Yes. Over a long period of time and if moisture developes in rice, it can actually develop bugs. That rice needs to be discarded.

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Basic Pantry Staples

• dried beans: examples black beans, kidney beans, red beans
• canned beans: red beans, black beans, chickpeas
• lentils: dried or canned
• pasta: keep a variety in your cupboards
• canned fish: tuna fish, salmon
• canned tomatoes: diced, crushed, whole tomatoes
• beef, vegetable, and chicken stock: keep a variety of sizes in your pantry.

Canned Tuna and Fish Recipes

Tuna fish can go a long way when trying to feed yourself and your family. We have a great collection of recipe ideas to feed your family using canned tuna.

• Avocado tuna salad, a mayo-free, no-cook low-fat lunch or light dinner with a zesty kick from the lime. dairy-free, gluten-free
• Tuna Cakes from our new website, Meals by the Minute are super easy and budget-friendly made with canned tuna in 20 minutes.
• You'll love this 5-ingredient curried egg salad with tuna from Savor with Soul. The kick from curry puts this tasty salad over the top yum. gluten-free
• No need to order out at the local diner, make a fabulous homemade tuna melt from Spend with Pennies, anytime in less than 30 minutes and there are also a few variations for dinner ideas.
• A hearty meal full of fiber and loaded with flavor is this tasty tuna bulgar salad with chickpeas from Hint of Healthy. Only 5 ingredients and a very affordable meal. dairy-free
• Tuna Casserole from Unsophisticook to the next level of deliciousness is this easy meal that uses pantry staple food. A great way to feed your family quickly with amazing flavors.
• Canned Mackerel Fish Cakes from Krumpli is a hearty easy to prepare lunch or dinner choice.
• A delightful twist on tacos is Tostada de Atun from In Mama Maggies Kitchen, budget-friendly and so easy to make. Diry-free with an optionl cheese topping.
• Tuna Pasta Bake from Super Golden Bakes is a delectable pasta bake the entire family will enjoy.

Easy Rice Recipes

Rice is affordable and easy to keep in the pantry. Make any of these budget-friendly meals for your family. From the slow cooker to the Instant Pot, these rice recipes are delicious and easy to prepare.

• Texas Hash, a mouthwatering skillet meal made with pantry staples for a budget-friendly dinner to please everyone.
• Instant Pot Beans and Rice, from Belly Rules the Mind, a hearty vegetarian lunch or side dish. A fabulous tutorial to make the most delicious rice and beans include freezer instructions. gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free ( optional toppings include cheese)
• A wonderful recipe for perfect rice everything is this Instant Pot Garlic Rice from Mrishtanna. gluten-free, vegan
• The flavors in this 30 minute Turkey Taco Rice Skillet from Key to My Lime are rich and robust.
• Black Bean and Rice Open-Faced Tacos from A Mummy Too are a great choice for lunch or dinner. vegetarian
• 15 Minute Vegan Burrito Bowl from A Healthy Palate is billowing with flavor and easy to prepare. vegan

Delicious Bean Recipes

Whether you love dried or canned beans, we have a variety of recipes to feed the family with delicious recipes from the pantry. Easy recipes using beans for pleasing meals everyone will enjoy.

• Chipotle Chili, hearty and robust chili to make your day better. Don't forget to top with some shredded cheese. This chili freezes really well. gluten-free
• Slow Cooker Baked Beans,  one of my favorite recipes with the most delicious results. You will make this often, trust me!
• Tuscan Bean Salad is my go-to for a quick tasty lunch that is filling and ready in minutes. dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan
• Enjoy Southern Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks from Grand Baby Cakes. The beans slowly simmer in a meaty broth for classic comfort food. dairy-free, gluten-free
• I love this Tuna White Bean Puttanesca from Garlic and Zest, a fresh and delicious salad with zesty flavors. dairy-free
• Caribbean Curried Butter Beans from That Girl Cooks Healthy, a slow cooker creamy bean dinner with wholesome flavors. dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan
• Tamale Pie Recipe is a Texas classic recipe from Restless Chipotle, loaded with robust flavors for a hearty dinner. glue-free
• Enjoy a meatless dinner with this scrumptious Vegan Chili with Beans and Millet from my Pure Plants. dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan
• I just want to bite into this ridiculously delicious Black Bean Burger from Elke Living. dairy-free, vegetarian
• Spanish Beans with Tomatoes from Veggie Desserts is a full-bodied dish overflowing with flavor and ready in 20 minutes. dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan
• A wholesome Slow Cooker Vegan Chili from Happy Kitchen made with a variety of grains and beans will blow you away with great flavor. dairy-free, vegan
• You cannot go wrong with these lightly sauteed Lazy Falafels from Rhian's Recipes ready in less than 30 minutes. They are vegan, gluten-free, and delish! dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan

Quick Soup Recipes

Tasty soups made with your favorite pantry items. This collection are easy to prepare and all flavor-filled fantastic recipes made from pantry staples.

• Slow Cooker Manhattan Clam Chowder, never order out again, make a delicious chowder at home. dairy-free, gluten-free
• A family favorite is a robust Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup, the ingredients go right into the slow cooker and dinner is ready in a few hours.
• Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup from Dishes Delish is going to deliver one comforting meal. dairy-free
• Potatoes can be stored for a while in a cool, dark location. Enjoy this Potato Soup from Bowl Me Over with simple ingredients to make a hearty soup for a great dinner and the leftovers reheat well. vegetarian
• You will love this pot of comfort with this hearty Cabbage Roll Soup with a rich broth and beef chunks from Rising Spoons. Such a versatile soup that can also be made in the slow cooker. There is also the option of making this low-carb. gluten-free
• 5 Soup Pasta is a delightful dinner made with 5 different types of soup, egg noodles, and ground beef. A much better hamburger helper homemade bowl of yum.
• The instant pot is a favorite vessel of mine and this rich Tomato Soup from Peas and Crayons is a great soup to make using canned tomatoes and broth. dairy-free, gluten-free
• Taco Soup from Downshifology is a great choice using canned beans and corn for a wonderful soup. gluten-free.
•  A spicy and zesty Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup from Girl Heart Food will warm you right up with its rich flavors. gluten-free

Easy Pasta Recipes

Pasta, one of the most popular pantry staples and budget-friendly items in any kitchen cabinet. Enjoy this succelent recipes which are all simple, quick, and delectable.

• Linguine with White Clam Sauce, a favorite meal made with canned clams and ready in 20 minutes. dairy-free
• Canned Tuna Pasta from Salt and Lavender is ready in 15 minutes and packs a punch of flavor. dairy-free
• This rustic Spaghetti Peperonata with Tuna and Olives from The View from Great Island is a winning dinner with a little kick of spice. A budget-friendly meal that delivers amazing flavor.
• Vegan Red Pepper Pasta from Lavender and Macarons, a quick sweet sauce that makes a mouthwatering dinner. dairy-free
• American Chop Suey from Sugar and Soul with a base of ground beef and macaroni is one big bowl of comfort. dairy-free
• Pasta e Ceci from Pina Bresciani is a tasty combo of pasta and chickpeas in a tasty broth. An easy dinner recipe.
• Enjoy a hearty vegetarian Taco Pasta with options for adding meat from Spice Cravings.
• Everyone is going to love this hearty Sloppy Joe Pasta made with tender ground beef and pasta. dairy-free
•  Chili Mac Recipe from The Good Hearted Woman is an American classic with bold flavors made with simple pantry ingredients. dairy-free with an optional Parmesan cheese topping
• One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce from Swirls of Flavor is a crowd pleaser and ready in less than 30 minutes, yum!
• A big hit will be this Vegetarian Creamy Penne Pasta with Artichoke and Peas from Jersey Girl Cooks is a winner dinner. vegetarian
• A tasty Cornbread Chili Casserole from Dancing Through the Rain is packed with tasty ingredients for a flavorful meal.

Easy Lentil Recipes

Lentils are nutritious and keep for a long period of time in your cupboard. They are loaded with nutrition and the recipe ideas are endless. Enjoy these recipes made from both dried or canned lentils.

• This delicious Red Lentil Salad is a great choice for a lunch or dinner side salad. Make ahead and enjoy all week. dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan
• Enjoy this rich and flavor-packed Crock Pot Madras Lentils, everything goes right into the pot. gluten-free, vegetarian
• Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup from A Cedar Spoon is not only full of delicious ingredients, but it also freezes well too. dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan
• Looking for a vegan dinner packed with flavor and ready in 30 minutes, Red Lentil Dal from Eat with Clarity is going to make your tummy happy. dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan
• A rich Vegan Lenil Ragu from Vegan on Board is a hearty sauce to serve over pasta, calzones, or in a lasagne. dairy-free, gluten-free option, vegan

More Dinner Ideas

It doesn't have to be all beans and legumes when we cook from the pantry. These recipes use canned tomatoed or other pantry staples to make fabulous meals.

• Morrocan Shakshuka from Urban Farmie is a delightful recipe with a spicy tomato sauce topped with an egg for a great meal. gluten-free, vegetarian
• Hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes from Neighbor Food Blog, a one-pot skillet dinner to satisfy the whole family.
• For a tasty meat curry recipe with bold Indian flavors, indulge in mouthwatering Beef Keema Curry from My Indian Stove, use your favorite ground meat.
• Another Meditteranean favorite is this Moroccan Beef Pie from Scotch and Scones, enjoy a comfort filled savory pie. dairy-free, vegetarian option
• Yummy Lentil Quinoa Sloppy Joes are a wonderful slow cooker recipe for a vegan twist to a sloppy joe. dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan

Desserts and Snacks

Never fear, desserts and snacks can be made very quickly with pantry staples. Enjoy these delicious treats.

• No-Bake Coconut Energy Bites are my kid's favorite snack. Easy to make too. dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan
• Fresh Strawberry Pudding from Ramshackle Pantry is a refreshing dessert everyone will enjoy.
• Dessert in 5 Minutes, how could we pass it up, enjoy 5 Minute Fluff Salad from Nums the Word.
• Edible Cookie Dough from Real and Vibrant, oh my is this delish! Eggless and a must make my friends.
• Bake some delicious Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins from JZ Eats, so moist and a great snack.

Looking for more ideas for delicious recipes from the pantry, check out these recipes from That Skinny Chick Can Bake. Not only delicious desserts, fantastic main dishes as well.

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