8 Easy Meals You Can Make With Pantry Staples

A well-stocked pantry can do more than get you through an unexpected night without a grocery run. Canned beans, pasta, rice, tomatoes, tuna, oats, and shelf-stable ingredients can become surprisingly satisfying breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with a little seasoning and creativity. These pantry meals are flexible, too, so you can use what you already have and make substitutions based on what’s in your kitchen.

Chickpea Curry

Canned chickpeas make an excellent base for a quick curry because they absorb the flavor of the sauce without requiring a long cooking time. Simmer them with coconut milk, canned tomatoes, curry powder or other warm spices, garlic, and onion if you have them. Serve the curry over rice to turn a handful of pantry staples into a complete meal. If you have frozen spinach or peas in the freezer, they’re easy additions for extra color and texture.

Tuna Pasta

Tuna and pasta are two dependable pantry staples that can be turned into a meal with very little effort. Toss cooked pasta with canned tuna, olive oil or butter, garlic, black pepper, and a splash of pasta water to make a simple sauce. Canned peas, corn, tomatoes, or beans can add texture if you have them available. For a creamier version, stir in a little milk, cream cheese, or shelf-stable cream before serving.

Rice & Beans

Rice and beans are pantry staples for good reason: together, they create a versatile meal that can take on many different flavors. Start with canned black, kidney, pinto, or red beans and season them with broth, garlic, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, or your favorite spice blend. Spoon the seasoned beans over cooked rice, or mix everything together for an easy one-pot-style meal. Leftovers can also become burrito filling, taco bowls, or a base for a quick soup.

Tomato Soup with Toasted Croutons

Canned tomatoes can be transformed into a simple homemade soup with broth, seasonings, and a few minutes of simmering. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender or carefully blend it in batches; adding a little milk or cream is optional if you prefer a richer texture. Don’t throw out bread that’s starting to go stale—cut it into cubes, toss with oil and seasonings, and bake or toast until crisp. The homemade croutons add a satisfying crunch and make a simple bowl of soup feel much more substantial.

Pantry Chili

You don’t need fresh meat or vegetables to make a flavorful pot of chili. Combine canned beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili seasoning, then let everything simmer until the flavors come together. If you have canned corn, green chiles, or leftover cooked meat, any of them can be added without changing the basic recipe. Serve it on its own, over rice or baked potatoes, or use leftovers as a topping for nachos..

Peanut Noodles

Peanut butter isn’t just for sandwiches—it can form the base of a quick savory sauce for noodles. Whisk peanut butter with soy sauce, a little broth or hot water, and a small amount of sugar or honey until smooth, then toss it with cooked spaghetti, ramen, or another noodle you have on hand. Red pepper flakes, garlic, or a splash of vinegar can brighten the sauce and add more flavor. Chopped peanuts or sesame seeds make a nice topping, but the dish works without them.

Lentil Stew

Lentils are one of the most useful pantry ingredients for hearty meals because dried lentils cook relatively quickly and don’t require soaking. Simmer them with broth, canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and seasonings until tender and thick. Canned carrots, frozen vegetables, or leftover cooked vegetables can easily be added if you have them. Serve the stew with bread, rice, or crackers for a cozy meal that also holds up well for leftovers.

Baked Oatmeal

Oatmeal doesn’t have to be limited to the stovetop. Combine old-fashioned oats with milk, eggs, cinnamon, and a little maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, or another sweetener, then bake until set. Dried cranberries, raisins, chopped nuts, applesauce, or frozen berries can be folded into the mixture depending on what you have available. It can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it a practical option for breakfasts throughout the week.

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