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Pantry Recipes

Erin Sellin

Mar 13, 2020, Updated Sep 22, 2025

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Pantry Recipes – whether you are trying to use up what you have in your kitchen or prepping for an emergency here are 40 pantry recipes to get you through!  

When you have a stocked pantry you can get dinner on the table without a lot of prep! These pantry-friendly recipes make the most of shelf-stable staples like pasta, beans, rice, and canned goods—no last-minute grocery run required. From comforting classics to flavorful favorites, you’ll be surprised just how delicious and easy dinner can be with what you already have on hand.

 

What Is A Pantry Recipe

There are a lot of definitions around about what people consider a recipe from the pantry.  For this list I am including both room temperature non-perishable ingredients, but also things that you can keep in the freezer.  I am skipping fresh fruit and vegetables (aside from onions and garlic, because those both last forever, and if push comes to shove you could leave them out.)  But if you can freeze it (meat, cheese, or butter) those are included.  I have left out milk, cream, and eggs from these recipes.

What Ingredients Are Included

• Non-perishable items that are stored at room temperature.  These include things like pasta, canned tomato products, beans, flour, sugar, rice, dried spices, peanut butter, bread, tortillas, evaporated milk, cream soup etc. 
• Fresh Foods – these are ones that can last in the fridge for a long time or can even be frozen.  Meat, blocks of cheese, butter, ginger, and bread.
• Frozen Foods – Frozen vegetables (these are great to have for side dishes as well as using in a recipes)

How to Freeze Ingredients

• Meats.  I like to buy these in bulk normally, and then divide into 1 pound packages.  I place them in a freezer safe plastic storage bag and then it is easy to take out and thaw when I need it.  
• Cheese.  Blocks of cheese are very easy to freeze.  You can either cut them into smaller pieces, so you only take out what you need at the time, or freeze in the package directly from the store.  
• Butter.  All you have to do is place the package of butter in the freezer as is.  Then you can take out a stick of it when you need it.  
• Ginger.  I always buy a big piece of ginger at the store.  Just peel and then tightly wrap in plastic to store in the freezer.  When you need to use it, it is very easy to grate the amount you need from the frozen form.  
• Bread.  I like to freeze both hamburger and hot dog buns as well as loaves of bread.  To limit the freezer burn, I take the store bought package and then tie it in a plastic bag.  This keeps it fresher longer.

1

Taco Sloppy Joes

Taco Sloppy Joes – homemade sloppy Joes just got a Mexican makeover!  Seasoned with taco seasoning, chilies and topped with cheese make them perfect for any night of the week!

2

Mexican Rice Skillet

This Mexican rice skillet is a one pot meal you'll make again and again. Especially because you can make it in under 30 minutes!

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3

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

Chicken Parmesan pasta skillet – all the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan in a quick and easy one pan meal. Dinner tonight is sorted!

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4

Cashew Chicken

Cashew Chicken – Skip the take out and make this super easy cashew chicken recipe at home.  Comes together in minutes using ingredients you probably already have!

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5

Crock Pot Chili

Crock Pot Chili – thick and hearty chili made in the crock pot. Easy, delicious, and super comforting for a cold day!

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6

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Slow cooker red beans and rice is hearty, rich, smoky, and spicy. It's a super easy dinner and the ultimate comfort food.

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7

Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni- Ditch the box mix Hamburger Helper and make this homemade version instead! Dinner is ready in minutes, with just a few pantry ingredients.

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8

Oven Baked Pork Chops

Oven Baked Pork Chop Recipe -juicy pork chops that are seasoned and baked to perfection. Quick and easy for those busy weeknights.

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9

Ground Mongolian Beef Recipe

Ground Mongolian Beef Recipe – a budget friendly twist on classic Mongolian beef. All the great taste in a cheap and easy dinner you can have ready in minutes!

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10

Old Fashioned Goulash

This old fashioned goulash recipe is hearty and comforting. It's full of juicy beef, melty cheese, and a rich tomato sauce.

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11

Chicken Enchilada Chili

Chicken Enchilada Chili – a favorite mexican dinner gets turned into a 20 minute warm and comforting chili!  Great for any night of the week.

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12

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Sandwich

This Crispy Chicken Sandwich is kind of like a homemade McChicken sandwich made in the air fryer. Super easy to make, ready in no time, and the perfect quick weeknight meal!

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13

Crispy Baked Shrimp

Crispy Baked Shrimp – get all the crispiness of fried shrimp in a quick and easy healthy way. Super crunchy, ready in minutes, and delicious!

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14

Slow Cooker Pork Roast

This Crock Pot Pork Roast is tender, flavorful, and perfectly juicy every time. Slow-cooked with simple ingredients, it’s an easy, comforting dinner that’s great for busy weeknights or Sunday suppers.

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15

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas – easy enchiladas filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and lots of cheese! Absolutely delicious with just a few simple ingredients. Get a restaurant quality dinner on the table for dinner tonight! 

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16

Sausage & Rice Skillet

Sausage and Rice Skillet – smoked sausage and rice come together in one pan for a delicious and easy dinner.  Ready in just minutes, so perfect for busy weeknight dinners. 

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17

Pasta with Breadcrumbs

Pasta with Breadcrumbs is a quick, easy, and traditional Italian meal you can make with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect when you just need something fast!

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18

Tuna Melt

This classic tuna melt recipe has plenty of crunch, juicy tomatoes, and melty cheese between two golden, crispy bread slices.

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19

Italian Sausage Casserole

Italian Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting dinner you can make in just minutes. The gooey melty cheese on top just takes it to a whole new level!

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20

Crockpot Ranch Chicken

This 5-ingredients Crockpot Ranch Chicken is creamy, comforting and delicious. Not to mention super easy to make!

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21

Chicken Cobbler (Viral TikTok Recipe)

This easy chicken cobbler is topped with fluffy Cheddar Bay biscuits and packed with juicy chicken and tender veggies. Made in one pan, it's perfect for weeknights!

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22

Porcupine Meatballs

Tender, flavorful porcupine meatballs are made with juicy, seasoned ground beef and rice, simmered in tomato sauce. Adding rice is a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef even further!

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23

Hamburger Rice Casserole

My family's favorite hamburger rice casserole is a filling dinner with fluffy rice, juicy ground beef, and veggies cooked in cream of mushroom soup. It's a Midwest classic!

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24

Chow Mein Noodles with Chicken

Chow Mein Noodles with Chicken is an easy recipe to get dinner on the table in minutes.  So much better than take out in the same amount of time.

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25

One Pan Southwest Chicken Skillet

One Pan Southwest Chicken Skillet – Up your chicken dinner game with lots of Southwest flavor in a quick and easy one pan dinner!

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26

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken – sweet and tangy, fall apart tender and juicy chicken. It is ready in minutes and perfect for sandwiches, salads, wraps, or to just eat with a fork!

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27

Taco Mac and Cheese

This easy taco mac and cheese combines two favorite comfort foods into a cheesy, flavor-packed skillet dinner. This recipe is quick to make and family-friendly!

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28

Pokey Sticks

Pokey Sticks – Homemade cheese breadsticks that are the perfect addition to your next pizza night! 

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29

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Baked Chicken Parmesan with Roasted Broccoli – a healthier version of chicken Parmesan all made on one baking sheet! Super easy, quick and definitely family friendly.

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30

One Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

One Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – classic spaghetti with meat sauce that comes together in just minutes all in one pan!  

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Pantry Side Dish Recipes

31

Easy Biscuit Recipe

These easy drop biscuits are light, fluffy, and super buttery. They only have a handful of ingredients, and take just 20 minutes to make.

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32

Slow Cooker Black Beans

Slow Cooker Black Beans – dried black beans that are cooked in the crock pot all day.  Perfectly seasoned and cooked until soft and delicious.

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33

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Edamame

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Edamame – need a new way to get your kids to eat their vegetables?  These soy beans are roasted until crispy and coated in Parmesan cheese.  Great for picky eaters! 

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34

Olive Garden Breadsticks

These Olive Garden breadsticks are even better than the ones you get at the restaurant. They're soft and tender, buttery and garlicky, and super easy to make.

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35

Parmesan Garlic Knots

Easy Garlic Knots – homemade garlic knots are so much easier than you think to make.  Super light, fluffy and smothered in a garlic butter sauce and plenty of Parmesan cheese! 

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36

Baked Beans Recipe

Baked Beans Recipe – The BEST homemade baked beans recipe. Super simple to make and it is all done in the crock pot!  Make for all your get togethers and barbecues this summer!

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37

Classic Oatmeal Bread

Classic Oatmeal Bread – Soft and tender bread that is amazing fresh out of the oven!  The oats give it a great texture and makes great sandwiches and toast, or just have a slice slathered with butter. 

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38

French Onion Rice

This French Onion Rice is rich, savory, and a super easy side dish you can serve with just about anything.

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39

Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Instant Pot Spanish Rice – tastes just like the Mexican rice for your local Mexican restaurant. It comes together in just minutes, with pantry staple ingredients you probably have on hand already!

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40

Cheesy Quick Bread

This cheesy quick bread is a soft cheddar cheese bread recipe filled with savory garlic and herbs. Made without yeast, it's perfect for everyday baking!

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