Sometimes whatever you’ve got in the pantry is all you need for a delicious, nutritious meal—and these recipes are proof. From flavorful, tried-and-true favorites like red beans and rice to fun, cozy comfort meals like spicy spaghetti and taquitos, you might be surprised to learn that these meals use only shelf-stable ingredients. Chances are you already have what you need, and if you don’t, there are plenty of substitutions, swaps, and adaptations to try. Save these recipes for the next time you’re looking to the pantry for inspiration.
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Instant Pot Mexican Rice
dotdash meredith food studios
“I’ve made this recipe at least 10-15 times since May with success! Truly delicious go-to for us. My husband even says it is one of the best Mex. Rice I’ve ever made and I agree…full of more flavor than I expected using the Instant Pot” —SZYQ1
Spaghetti All’Assassina (Assassin’s Spaghetti)
ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
“I have become OBSESSED with Pasta Assassina. Made this several times in several variations. So far my favorite is to use 2 cans of crushed or dices tomatoes with 2 cans water for 2 rounds of cook/char, instead of the full broth. Simple and shelf-stable.” —Lori Franklin
Black Beans and Rice
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Super easy to make and at times I add meat protein like beef, chicken or turkey…all three work well into this recipe!” —SavvyCurd4529
Easy Chicken Taquitos
footballgrl16
Canned chicken, hot sauce, and corn tortillas make this protein-forward recipe flavorful and easy. If you’d like to incorporate cheese and don’t have it on hand, swap shredded Cheddar for a shelf-stable cheesy spread.
Easy Tuna Casserole
Melissa Goff
Using canned soup, macaroni noodles, and canned tuna for a no-frills tuna casserole. While the recipe technically calls for shredded cheese, it’s not crucial to the recipe—simply add another can of soup to ensure a balanced cheesy, creamy taste, and add cheese—or other canned veggies—if you wish!
“Excellent as is,” says reviewer Skynayrd. “We do usually add a can of sweet corn as well,”
American-Style Red Beans and Rice
“This was really good and very easy. I used tomato paste instead of tomato sauce. I also used less than half the amount of adobo. Everything else was exact. I will definitely make it again.” —Laraine
White Chicken Chili
Canned chicken, canned beans, and a jar of salsa make for a surprisingly simple and flavorful white chicken chili—without the need for a lot of extra ingredients. Add black pepper or red pepper flakes for some spice, and skip the cheese if you need to.
Salmon Patties
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Easily make salmon patties with shelf-stable pantry items by using onion powder in place of fresh onion for aromatics and added flavor. Skip the egg and use a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise to help the patties bind together well.
Green Bean Casserole
Allrecipes/Julia Hartbeck
“I love green bean casserole and this recipe made it very easy and affordable to make without it being too much. One change I’ve made that I found delicious… try using a can of Italian-cut *seasoned* green beans.” —Jada
Easy Canned Chicken and Rice
Tammy Lynn
“An economic recipe that my teenage grandkids love. I use the rice cooker, as rice cooking instructions, add some thinly sliced celery, and the can of soup, the can of chicken chunks, 3/4 of the can of water to rinse the can of soup, a few tabs of butter, your choice of seasonings, I add a touch of steak and burger and Wha La, kids love it!” —QuaintDill8581
Quick Tuna Salad
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Quick and easy lunch. I followed recipe as stated. I tasted and then sprinkled in paparika, garlic and onion powder. Tastes better after being chilled. I have also made this using low-fat ranch dressing. In the summer I will use this to stuff a garden fresh tomato!” —GodivaGirl
Easy Lentil Soup
bhofack2 / Getty Images
“I love lentil soup, but never had it with curry powder. This is a delicious recipe. I made it just as the recipe calls for, and my family loved it!” —Jenn
