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Prices at the grocery store seem to be going up quickly. Pretty much everything has skyrocketed. And the food you have relied on regularly is no longer budget-friendly. But the incomes of most people haven’t increased as quickly to keep up with the rising prices of the goods we use every day. Because of this, more people are looking for ways to cut costs. Many are opting to eat at home instead of eating out. It simply isn’t in the budget to eat out, since even fast food meals have gotten more expensive than most can afford.
The growing cost of eating out has led more people back to the kitchen to create more budget-friendly meals than they can get eating out. And I’ve definitely seen a big increase in people coming to Simple Clean Living looking for recipes.
If you have been used to eating out or have relied on fast food or convenience foods, switching to a whole, real food way of eating doesn’t have to be expensive. You can cook budget-friendly meals that are easy to make, and that taste good too! Having the right ingredients on hand can definitely help.
Keeping a well-stocked pantry with versatile, budget-friendly ingredients can make it easier to prepare a variety of meals without spending too much. Here are some of the best ingredients to keep on hand:
Budget-friendly ingredients to keep in your pantry
Budget-friendly staples
Rice- Rice is versatile and can be used in many dishes like stir-fries, soups, and casseroles. It is also a great side dish.
Pasta- Pasta is inexpensive and perfect for quick meals. It can be combined with various sauces and ingredients to make simple meals.
Dried Beans and Lentils- These are affordable sources of protein that can be used in soups, stews, salads, and more. Be sure to soak your beans and lentils well before cooking to remove as much phytic acid as possible!
Canned Tomatoes- Essential for sauces, soups, and stews.
Flour- Useful for baking, making bread, and thickening sauces.
Oats- Great for breakfast, baking, and even for use in savory dishes like meatloaf.
Budget-friendly protein
Eggs- Eggs are inexpensive and versatile for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Canned Tuna or Salmon- Budget-friendly options for quick meals like sandwiches, salads, and casseroles.
Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks- They are often cheaper than chicken breasts and just as versatile. I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs in soups and casseroles! It is easy to find that these are often on sale. I buy larger packages which I break down and freeze in smaller batches.
Ground Beef or Turkey- Ground beef with a higher fat content is less expensive than lower-fat ground beef. These can be used in a variety of dishes like tacos, meatballs, and casseroles. Always look for sales at your local stores!
Budget-friendly vegetables
Onions- A base for many recipes, adding flavor and depth.
Garlic- Adds a lot of flavor for little cost.
Carrots- Affordable and can be used in soups, stews, and salads.
Potatoes- Versatile and filling, good for baking, mashing, and frying.
Frozen Vegetables- Often cheaper than fresh vegetables and just as nutritious. Great as a quick addition to meals. Store brands are often less expensive than name brands. Look for sales on these!
Budget-friendly canned and packaged goods
Canned Beans- Ready to use for soups, salads, and sides.
Canned Vegetables- Canned vegetables are convenient and can be used in a pinch when fresh or frozen aren’t available.
Peanut Butter- A good source of protein and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Broth or Stock- Useful for soups, stews, and adding flavor to grains and rice.
Budget-friendly condiments and spices
Salt and Pepper- Basics for seasoning any dish.
Soy Sauce- Adds umami flavor to stir-fries and marinades.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil- For cooking and dressing salads.
Vinegar (White, Apple Cider, or Balsamic)- Useful for dressings, marinades, and adding acidity to dishes.
Dried Herbs and Spices- Such as basil, oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, and chili powder for adding flavor without cost.
Budget-friendly dairy and refrigerated items
Milk or Plant-Based Milk: For drinking, cooking, and baking.
Cheese: Cheese adds flavor and adds flavor to a variety of dishes.
Yogurt: Good for breakfasts, snacks, and as a base for sauces and dressings.
Budget-friendly baking essentials
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Essential for baking.
Sugar (Granulated, Brown, or Powdered): Necessary for baking and sweetening recipes.
Yeast: For making bread and other baked goods.
These are pantry staples for budget-friendly cooking. By keeping these ingredients on hand, you’ll be able to whip up a wide range of budget-friendly meals with minimal extra shopping.
