Pantry Essentials for Quick and Affordable Meals
Photo: Laura Matulla on Unsplash
Growing up 115 miles from the nearest Target or other major big box store has a way of causing you to have a well-stocked pantry and freezer at all times. My husband and I had the luxury of sitting back to watch as others lined up in special queues for their allotment of toilet paper. While others were scavenging the shelves for the last can of organic pinto beans that they’ll store for a year before donating to the food shelf, we calmly planned our regular menus with items from this pantry essentials list.
Most of our grocery store trips happen when we run out of milk or fresh fruit and vegetables. Some days I wish I had an extra refrigerator just so I could keep my son supplied with whole milk for more than a few days.
A well stocked pantry and freezer makes it so much easier to whip up a simple meal without having to plan ahead or make extra trips to the store. Grocery stores are full of temptations, enticing you to indulge in the donuts from the bakery section or those chips that are on sale. We all have our triggers and the easiest way to avoid them is to not go to the store in the first place.
Additionally, when you know you have the ingredients to make a quick meal at home, you’re less likely to eat out or order in as often. Yes, there will still be nights where you just don’t have the time or energy, but the likelihood is reduced when you have a list of meal ideas and the ingredients with which to make them.
Items I always have on hand
Spaghetti sauce
Tomato paste
Canned black beans and garbanzo beans
Dried beans
Diced tomatoes
Boxes of spaghetti and other pasta
Quinoa
Brown rice
Barley
Tortillas
Pickles
Garlic
Onions (red, yellow, and green onions)
Carrots
Celery
Assorted fresh vegetables
Potatoes
Herbs and spices
Chicken Broth
Salsa
Olive oil
Soy sauce
Mustard
Sriracha
Mayo
Lemon and lime juice
Balsamic vinegar
Sesame oil
Plain yogurt
Peanut butter
Frozen chicken breasts
Frozen ground beef and/or turkey
Italian sausage (links and bulk)
Steak (sirloin tip, round steak, or other inexpensive cut)
Bacon
Tuna
Eggs
Cheese (usually parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar)
Mac and cheese
Sugar (brown and granulated)
Flour
Yeast
Whole grain bread
Heavy Whipping Cream
Find out what meals I make: Easy Meals to Save You Time and Money
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