Don't be afraid to doctor your tomato sauces with fresh herbs, garlic, cheeses, or thickeners to get the results you want. You can even combined tomato sauce with paste for a slightly different take that uses up both ingredients. Now that you have some ideas about how to use up those delicious canned and jarred tomato soups, sauces, and pastes, let's talk beans!

Whether they're canned or whole, beans are good for so many things! Eat them plain, add them to meat to bulk up the meal, add them to a soup…. Those are just a few of the reasons that beans are one of the top pantry staples for the Freebs! You can even use your leftover canned beans in easy peasy dishes like my tamale casserole!

Beans are a delicious filler and add protein and other nutrients! These soups are so good to have on hand. They go with pretty much anything and can really help to take a few ingredients from being a random assortment of items to a casserole in no time!

Pro Tip: It is beyond easy to make your own cream of chicken soup if you keep broth on hand — just add milk, flour , and a little seasoning! Genius, right!? These are an obvious pantry staple! They're great to have by themselves as a side or added to a recipe.

Pro Tip: To improve the flavor of canned vegetables, first rinse them in a colander under cold water.

Then add to your recipes as usual. Whether it's beef, chicken, or vegetable, broth and stock are great pantry staples to keep on hand! Just buy the biggest carton or whatever is cheapest that you can find if you use it a lot.

Be sure to refrigerate it after opening so it doesn't go bad! Pro Tip: I like to buy Better Than Bouillon from Costco. It's amazing and lasts a while! Oatmeal is such a versatile pantry staple! It can either be eaten on its own or easily goes into so many kinds of recipes, from early morning breakfast to dessert.

Did you know that an ounce package of Old Fashioned Quaker Oats contains roughly 26, rolled oats? That's a lot of oats! BAKING POWDER BAKING SODA I love baking and since most cookies, cakes and brownies require baking powder or baking soda, I make sure to always keep them in my pantry! A few of our favorite easy desserts are Chocolate Chip Blonde Brownies , Best Ever Chocolate Cake and Easy Apple Dumpling Dessert.

COCOA POWDER I love using cocoa powder to get my chocolate fix with baked goods, Easy 3 Ingredient Healthy Fudge or even homemade hot cocoa. It is also great for things like Super Easy Homemade Chocolate Syrup and homemade Peppermint Mocha Frappes. PEANUT BUTTER From peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to energy bites to baked goods to Healthy Peanut Butter Fruit Dip , this is one of those inexpensive versatile ingredients that is just smart to keep on hand!

Plus, if you need a quick pick-me-up, a spoonful of peanut butter with a few chocolate chips does the trick perfectly. OIL Besides the traditional uses in baking and frying, I also use oil for making my own salad dressings and vinaigrettes.

One of our favorite homemade dressings is my easy Mexican Dressing. RICE This is probably one of the most frugal pantry items and very versatile too, plus a little bit of uncooked rice ends up being quite a lot once cooked!

Rice can stand alone by itself as a side dish and of course, is delicious in main dishes as well. I love using beans to make Creamy White Chicken Chili , 5 Minute Bean Dip and these Easy Mexican Rice Bowls. Making your own Homemade Refried Beans is so easy and cheap too!

Super Easy Beef and Macaroni Skillet is one of my go-to recipes for busy days. We also love this No Boil Lasagna recipe too! DRIED HERBS SPICES Dried herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor to your recipes. And while I occasionally buy fresh herbs, using dried is much more economical and they last much longer too!

A few of the ones that I use regularly: basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, red pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg. CHICKEN STOCK BOUILLON Chicken stock is a common ingredient in soups and casseroles and is super easy to make yourself! I also like to keep bouillon on hand since some recipes call for that instead.

Also, if I happen to be out of liquid chicken stock, I can always use the bouillon to make some- although the stock made using bouillon is not nearly as tasty or as good for you as the real thing! VINEGAR This is another ingredient that I use to make homemade salad dressings.

I also use it for various other recipes and it works great as a natural cleaner too! SALSA I have quite a few Mexican-inspired dishes that call for salsa, so I like to always keep this on hand. chips and salsa! DICED TOMATOES These are super inexpensive and way cheaper than buying fresh tomatoes.

I love using them in recipes to give a bit of added flavor and color. And I even show you how to can diced tomatoes yourself if you want to try that. PASTA SAUCE I know making your own pasta sauce is pretty easy, but since I can buy it so inexpensively, I prefer to just do that.

Pasta sauce is great for a quick meal of meatball subs, pizza, spaghetti or, lasagna to mention just a few. KETCHUP, MUSTARD, MAYO Okay, so maybe I should have listed these 3 things separately. I use many more condiments than these, but these are the three that I think every kitchen should for sure stock.

BREAD I typically make my own bread , but it is something that I always keep on hand. We often use it to make sandwiches for lunch, toast it to eat with eggs and occasionally use it in recipes like my Cheeseburger Casserole too!

TORTILLAS I use these all the time to make enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas and wraps. In fact, these Salsa Ranch Chicken Wraps are one of my favorite quick meals! And these easy recipes with tortillas are also great as well. ONIONS GARLIC I use both of these items regularly to inexpensively add extra flavor to lots of different recipes.

Of course, you can always freeze them too , if you prefer. CARROTS These are not only a great addition to many soups, but they also make a healthy snack or side dish. POTATOES Super versatile! You can use them in soups, casseroles, breakfast dishes or side dishes. A few of our favorite potato recipes are Creamy Sausage and Potatoes , Cream Cheese Potato Soup with Ham , and Country Potato Soup.

But if you have the time and inclination, dry beans are even cheaper than their canned cousins, and allow you more control over the flavor and texture. Use white beans in this ham hock and white bean stew from Bon Appetit.

Black beans, corn, avocado and tangy spices combine for a delicious and hearty black bean salad from The Spruce Eats. The frozen variety are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables, and last infinitely longer. We stockpile bags of peas, corn, broccoli, diced potatoes, sweet potatoes and mixes like peppers and onions.

For example, frozen broccoli florets are transformed in the oven. For a how-to guide, try this recipe from The Kitchn. I start with a bit of water to revitalize the veggies, then add butter or olive oil and turn up the heat to give the whole dish a roasted finish.

Canned tomatoes are great for easy chili or pureed into tomato soup. Tofu is a cheap alterative to meat. It soaks up flavors and is great in skillet meals and soups.

Tortillas and taco shells turn anything into a meal. Canned tuna is low in fat and high in protein, plus has omega-3s. I eat it with a dab of mayo and chopped pickles and onions for a quick tuna salad, while my kids love it in an old-school tuna casserole.

Whether they're canned tomatoes, or tomato paste or sauce, there are so many different recipes you can make with them! Don't be afraid to doctor your tomato sauces with fresh herbs, garlic, cheeses, or thickeners to get the results you want.

You can even combined tomato sauce with paste for a slightly different take that uses up both ingredients. Now that you have some ideas about how to use up those delicious canned and jarred tomato soups, sauces, and pastes, let's talk beans!

Whether they're canned or whole, beans are good for so many things! Eat them plain, add them to meat to bulk up the meal, add them to a soup…. Those are just a few of the reasons that beans are one of the top pantry staples for the Freebs!

You can even use your leftover canned beans in easy peasy dishes like my tamale casserole! Beans are a delicious filler and add protein and other nutrients! These soups are so good to have on hand. They go with pretty much anything and can really help to take a few ingredients from being a random assortment of items to a casserole in no time!

Pro Tip: It is beyond easy to make your own cream of chicken soup if you keep broth on hand — just add milk, flour , and a little seasoning!

Genius, right!? These are an obvious pantry staple! They're great to have by themselves as a side or added to a recipe. Pro Tip: To improve the flavor of canned vegetables, first rinse them in a colander under cold water. Then add to your recipes as usual.

Whether it's beef, chicken, or vegetable, broth and stock are great pantry staples to keep on hand! Just buy the biggest carton or whatever is cheapest that you can find if you use it a lot. Be sure to refrigerate it after opening so it doesn't go bad! Pro Tip: I like to buy Better Than Bouillon from Costco.

It's amazing and lasts a while! Oatmeal is such a versatile pantry staple! It can either be eaten on its own or easily goes into so many kinds of recipes, from early morning breakfast to dessert.

Did you know that an ounce package of Old Fashioned Quaker Oats contains roughly 26, rolled oats? Slow cooker carnitas are finished off in the broiler those crispy bits are the best part!

in this recipe from Gimme Some Oven. Which means you can easily buy in bulk to save even more money. Rice is amazing because it shines on its own or as part of a dish.

Dress up white rice with garlic and chicken broth in this garlic butter rice recipe from Cooking Classy. For easy meals, try one-pot rice and beans , Cuban rice with chicken or this easy jambalaya with chicken and sausage. Beans are a cheap and easy ingredient to add heft and nutrition to any meal even breakfast — just add some pinto beans to your burrito and you can use fewer eggs while keeping the protein level up.

But if you have the time and inclination, dry beans are even cheaper than their canned cousins, and allow you more control over the flavor and texture. Use white beans in this ham hock and white bean stew from Bon Appetit. Black beans, corn, avocado and tangy spices combine for a delicious and hearty black bean salad from The Spruce Eats.

The frozen variety are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables, and last infinitely longer. We stockpile bags of peas, corn, broccoli, diced potatoes, sweet potatoes and mixes like peppers and onions.

For example, frozen broccoli florets are transformed in the oven. For a how-to guide, try this recipe from The Kitchn. Just take it a little at a time, or ask your spouse to help you out. Holy, Hannah. Oats are amazing. Of course I knew what oats were.

I just had never done anything with them. I mean, outside of buying oatmeal packets, which are delicious, but really crappy for ya. The only thing I did with oats for a while was make oatmeal for my daughter. She loved it and now both of my girls eat it and love it.

So I made granola bars, baked oatmeal, smoothies, and more. It is really great what you can make with oats. You wanna know why? Because they are uber cheap! I can buy them in bulk at WinCo for 64 cents a pound. Try finding a packaged cereal that is that cheap!

Now you know you can do a lot more than just make boring, old oatmeal with oats! They can be turned into delicious snacks, breakfasts, desserts, and dinners! I actually go back and forth on potatoes. However, when it comes to lowering your grocery bill, potatoes can come to the rescue every time!

The other day, we had half a bag of potatoes that were about to go bad, so my husband spent an hour peeling and cutting those potatoes and making french fries out of them.

Homemade french fries are the best ever. When we run out of flour, the world stops turning and we have no idea what to do with ourselves! Speaking of…we only have about a cup or two left right now! So, it is to our advantage to always have flour on hand. I used to buy flour at WinCo, but that was before we had a Costco membership.

It keeps the cost of our bread way down, as well as anything else we make with flour. As long as I have tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes on hand, I can make just about any kind of sauce, soup, or pizza we like.

I usually buy these tomato products from Costco because they tend to be a bit cheaper, but I do have to buy a whole box at a time. One of the things I sometimes struggle with is using up a can of tomato paste, for example, before it goes bad.

Well, you can simply freeze it see my note below, though , but I would like to use it up in other ways. HOWEVER, if you do this, you may notice a stronger acidic taste. You can balance out the acidity of these tomato products by adding a bit of sugar to whatever you are making.

This is just what I have learned from my Italian foodie brother-in-law. If we have nothing in the house to eat except eggs, I can usually figure out something to make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Eggs are so versatile and can be cooked in so many ways that they should be on the menu at least once a week, if not more, especially when you want to cut back on meat and save some cash money.

Cheese livens things up! We like to keep mozzarella, colby jack, and parmesan cheese around for all our meals. However, if you only buy it when it is on sale or use coupons if that is one way you save on groceries , you can save a lot on something that is really a luxury.

I like to buy my mozzarella at Costco because it is usually cheaper per pound than I can get it anywhere else.

Although, sometimes you only have a small amount for groceries, and it might be better to just buy the smallest package even if you are actually spending more money.

You know? Here are all the ways we use cheese in our meals as well as some others you might like to remember. Before last year, I would buy chicken stock in the cans.

Rosler makes hauling back groceries less back-breaking. Soapy will be reading this so feel free to leave comments on your own favorite pantry items for a frugal pantry stock! Personal Capital : Sign up and use their net worth calculator for FREE. Imperfect Foods: We all need groceries.

Read my review of this revolutionary and money-saving grocery delivery service. ThredUp: The only online recycle clothing store I currently shop and sell with. Great mission statement, company model, customer service, prices, and selection.

We eat LOTS of pork in various forms in our family. When I was little, my parents used to make pork bone soup with potatoes and carrots a lot. Great list! Canned beans are fine, but dry is definitely better and healthier.

With canned goods you run the risk of BPA exposure. Dried oats, quinoa, and other whole grains should be staples too. As well as ground flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and raw unsalted nuts. Whole food, plant-based diets are generally not expensive. It can be somewhat expensive if you always buy produce that are organic and out of season.

But all things considered, plant based diets are significantly less expensive than meat based diets when you compare food of the same quality. You have to compare apples to apples 😉.

For example… organic, pasteurized, hormone-free meat and dairy is very expensive especially compared to organic vegetable produce. We did this by…. Cooking plant based meals is fun, creative, and A LOT cleaner 5 We planned meals and meal-prepped really well so that no food would be wasted.

But I love the list! We eat chicken mainly at our house. Tofu is also great to have fried with broccoli , soya sauce and garlic , it is good for you and not very expensive.

Costco in Canada sells it cheap. I never had used italian seasoning before…ever! Is that the powder stuff you get in packets? Is it salad dressing or a spice? Add a little olive oil and garlic:. Load up on those veggies! I always have potatoes, onions, bananas, berries, and lettuce on hand.

I hate making pantry-based meals with just shelf-stable foods; produce really elevates a dish. For example, I freeze old bananas and use them in smoothies. Picky Pincher. I like the way you think. Loading up on the veggies is the way to go.

I also freeze fruit and use them in smoothies!!! Canned chicken is an excellent option for those looking for the cheapest groceries that are also healthy.

This protein-rich food can be used in various ways, from chicken salad sandwiches to casseroles. While the quality and taste of canned chicken can vary, some brands offer a good product at a reasonable price. Anyone who has ever gone grocery shopping knows that dairy products are not some of the cheapest groceries to buy.

Milk is a staple in many households, but it can be expensive at many grocery stores. There are a few ways to save on milk for the budget-conscious shopper. Another way to save some money is to buy milk in larger containers and plan to use it all rather than waste it.

A gallon of milk costs less per ounce than a half-gallon, so buying more saves you more. When it comes to a cheap grocery list, there are a few essential items that you can permanently save some money on by opting for the cheaper option—for example, butter or margarine.

Margarine is typically cheaper than butter, though butter does have a richer taste. Use butter for some dishes that need that buttery flavor, but use margarine on others that have a lot of other seasonings to provide flavor.

Plain yogurt is relatively inexpensive, making it one of the cheapest foods and an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers. Plain yogurt can be used in place of sour cream or mayonnaise in recipes or enjoyed as a healthy snack by adding honey and canned fruit to it.

You can buy it in bulk to save money and have it on hand for other cheap meals on your list. What makes cottage cheese one of the best cheap foods to buy? It can be used in dishes like dips, salads, sauces, and baked goods, such as muffins and pancakes.

Try pairing cottage cheese with whole-grain bread or crackers or adding it to your favorite soup or chili recipe for a budget-friendly meal. Sour cream is a versatile dairy product that can be used in various dishes. While it is often used as a topping for baked potatoes, it can also be used in soups, stews, and casseroles.

In addition, sour cream can be mixed with other cheap foods even frozen vegetables to make a dip or spread. You pay for convenience with shredded and sliced cheeses, and you can do the same stuff with block cheese for a lower cost! With Capital One Shopping , you can save on your grocery list when you buy online.

Simply install the extension and start grocery shopping as usual. One helpful tool to help you save more money is Honey , a free app that you add to your browser. It helps you save money on your groceries by looking for price drops and coupons for your food orders.

Ibotta is another app to save money when you need to buy food. It offers cashback rewards on certain items, which can help you save money on your overall grocery bill. Ibotta also provides exclusive coupons and deals on popular items, so you can get the best prices on the items you need.

By signing up for Rakuten , you can instantly start receiving coupons and discounts on your groceries. Just like the other programs, Rakuten also offers a cashback program to earn money while you shop.

Hopefully, my list of the cheapest food has given you some options for your next grocery trip. By being mindful of your spending, you can further your budget and stock your pantry with some cheap foods.

Take advantage of apps and websites that offer cash back, coupons, and discounts on cheap groceries to save even more money. Hi, I'm Brittany Kline! A organization, productivity, and home systems expert. With my master's degree in education and life experience as a mom I help other moms simplify and organize their entires lives.

I have been featured in online publications like Forbes, TIME, USA Today, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Marie Claire, The Penny Hoarder, Bankrate, Nerd Wallet, CNBC, Acorns, Yahoo Finance, MSN, GoBankingRates, Her Money, Thrive Global, The Simple Dollar, Money Crashers, Readers Digest, FinCon, Best Company, Rent Cafe, Romper, Intuit Turbo, Opp Loans, CreditCards.

com, Debt. com, Discover, LifeLock, Quick Sprout, Money Geek and many more! Click here to read all of my posts. Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Skip to footer Home » Meal Planning 2 shares. This article may contain links from our partners.

Please read how we make money for more info. Table of Contents Toggle. Chaos to Control Starter Guide. Ready to Take Back Your Time Mama?

Join 75, Savvy Mamas Who Are Learning How to Control the Chaos and Stress Less! Related Articles You Might Like. Footer Search this website. Connect with us! Email Facebook Instagram Pinterest TikTok YouTube. About Us Our Team Contact Us. As Featured On. Navigate Advertise Editorial Guidelines Press Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Disclaimer.

Quinoa is also a great nutrient-dense grain that is safe for people with celiac disease The use of quinoa in cooking is similar to that of rice. With only 31 calories per cup 8 grams , you can eat a lot of it without gaining weight Furthermore, popcorn provides some filling fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants, as well as a fair amount of B vitamins and magnesium To make air-popped popcorn, place one-fourth cup of popcorn kernels into a brown paper bag and heat it in the microwave until it stops popping.

Add toppings of your choice, such as olive oil, sea salt or Parmesan cheese. They are full of some important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and manganese Additionally, bananas provide a decent amount of fiber, which may benefit digestive health, promote weight loss and protect against diabetes 20 , You can enjoy bananas as a quick snack food.

They also taste great combined with peanut butter or yogurt. They are prized for their vitamin C content. They also provide fiber, antioxidants and lots of other nutrients, including B vitamins, calcium and potassium Consuming oranges and other fruits on a regular basis has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, thus lowering the risk of several conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity 80 , It is simple to add oranges to your diet.

They are fairly convenient and can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or mixed with yogurt, salads and smoothies. Berries are nutrition superstars and reasonably priced when you purchase them frozen.

Their incredible antioxidant content makes them one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. In fact, berries are considered to be one of the best sources of natural antioxidants To reap the health benefits of berries, try to include them in your diet regularly.

They make for a delicious snack or healthy dessert and can be added to smoothies and salads. One medium apple contains two grams of fiber, which is mostly responsible for the positive effects that apples have been shown to have on serum cholesterol levels 89 , Moreover, apples provide some vitamin C, B vitamins and trace minerals, as well as several antioxidants.

Eating them regularly may help lower inflammation in the body, which is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases 85 , 89 , They are an easy, convenient food to add to your diet and commonly consumed as a snack or chopped into a salad.

One of its notable characteristics is its low calorie content. There are only 53 calories in one cup of cantaloupe, making it a weight loss friendly food 92 , Like other orange vegetables and fruits, cantaloupe contains the antioxidant beta-carotene, which has powerful health benefits such as cancer and heart disease prevention They are also high in fiber, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants, all of which work together to protect your cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic disease Canned fish has many health benefits and is significantly cheaper than fresh seafood.

Additionally, fish provides a decent amount of the trace mineral selenium, which may boost immune system health and protect against cancer You can pair canned fish with salads, sandwiches, crackers and avocado or use it in several dishes, such as seafood cakes and stir-fries.

In only three ounces of ground pork, there are 22 grams of protein, in addition to a significant amount of B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc, iron and selenium In half a chicken breast, there are 28 grams of high-quality protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids that your body needs , Chicken breast also contains high amounts of important vitamins and minerals, such as niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium Including chicken breast in a healthy, balanced diet has been shown to help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

It may also protect against the risk of cancer Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, providing In addition, it contains a variety of other nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, which are known for playing an important role in bone health You can enjoy cottage cheese as a delicious snack.

It tastes great when combined with fruit and is often added to salads. In only one cup grams of yogurt, there are 8. Furthermore, some yogurts are good sources of probiotics , which are healthy bacteria that may benefit digestive health , Yogurt tastes great when combined with fruit or nuts, or it can be added to smoothies.

It can also be made into a sauce and combined with cooked dishes. One cup grams of whole milk provides a significant amount of protein, calcium, B vitamins and phosphorus.

Consuming milk and other dairy products on a regular basis may help prevent several chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, dementia and certain cancers , , , The 29 foods listed in this article are both cheap and healthy, making them a great addition to your diet.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Numerous foods are marketed as healthy but contain hidden ingredients. Here are 14 "health foods" that aren't as nutritious as you thought.

While some sources of protein are expensive, there are also many affordable high protein foods. Here is a list of 17 healthy protein sources that…. While they're not typically able to prescribe, nutritionists can still benefits your overall health.

Let's look at benefits, limitations, and more. A new study found that healthy lifestyle choices — including being physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption —….

Many of their health benefits are attributed to their lycopene content. Lycopene is an antioxidant that may reduce inflammation, protect cells from damage and lower the risk of disease Canned tomatoes are a handy staple to have in your kitchen.

They can easily be added to soups, casseroles and stews. If your budget is tight, carrots are a cheap and nutrient-dense vegetable to include in your diet. Carrots are one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, which is responsible for their impressive vitamin A content.

Furthermore, carrots contain a significant amount of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and manganese Due to their high antioxidant content, eating carrots regularly may help decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of stomach cancer 35 , You can reap the health benefits of carrots by enjoying them raw or cooked.

They make an excellent addition to salads and cooked dishes. High amounts of vitamin C are found in green cabbage, in addition to some B vitamins and trace minerals Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables are unique because of their glucosinolate content. Glucosinolates are antioxidants that have been studied for their ability to protect against certain types of cancer 38 , Some studies have also found that cabbage consumption may lead to a significant reduction in the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes 40 , A versatile vegetable, cabbage is easy to add to your diet.

Compared to other winter squash varieties, butternut squash provides a higher amount of nutrients. There are several different ways to enjoy butternut squash. Brown rice is a fantastic, cheap food that provides fiber, vitamins and minerals. It consists mostly of carbs , with 3.

The health benefits of brown rice include reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as promoting weight control 43 , 47 , 48 , Including brown rice in your diet is simple.

It is quite easy to prepare and can be enjoyed with just about any meal. It contains an impressive amount of nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium Fiber promotes fullness and may help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , The combination of fiber, vitamins and minerals in oatmeal may have the potential to reduce the risk of several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity 50 , 56 , 57 , In general, oats are enjoyed as a breakfast food.

You can combine them with fruit, milk, yogurt and several other ingredients for a healthy and delicious meal. Canned beans are budget friendly, in addition to being very nutritious.

Beans contain a significant amount of fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, magnesium and potassium Furthermore, they are an excellent source of plant-based protein.

There are Protein is beneficial for weight maintenance and muscle strength 60 , Consuming beans and other legumes is also associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. This is likely due to their ability to lower cholesterol and promote blood sugar control 62 , 63 , Beans can be incorporated into just about any dish.

They are commonly added to soups, salads and burritos. They also contain an impressive amount of protein and fiber, which is why they are so filling and helpful for weight control This may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer Research also suggests that eating lentils is associated with improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is important for preventing heart disease The use of lentils is similar to that of beans, and there are several ways that they can be incorporated into the diet, such as in salads and soups.

Edamame is a healthy food with a fairly low price. Studies show that edamame and other soy-based foods may help lower the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. This is often attributed to their content of isoflavones, which function as antioxidants in the body 70 , 71 , Most often, edamame is prepared as a steamed side dish.

You can increase its flavor by adding seasonings of your choice. Quinoa is a complete source of protein , which means it provides all the essential amino acids your body needs. This sets it apart from other grains, which need to be paired with other foods to be considered complete protein sources.

Also, quinoa contains antioxidants, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, manganese, zinc and several other trace minerals, all of which protect your cells from damage that often leads to disease The health-promoting properties of quinoa have been shown to promote brain health and may help prevent the development of heart disease 74 , Quinoa is also a great nutrient-dense grain that is safe for people with celiac disease The use of quinoa in cooking is similar to that of rice.

With only 31 calories per cup 8 grams , you can eat a lot of it without gaining weight Furthermore, popcorn provides some filling fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants, as well as a fair amount of B vitamins and magnesium To make air-popped popcorn, place one-fourth cup of popcorn kernels into a brown paper bag and heat it in the microwave until it stops popping.

Add toppings of your choice, such as olive oil, sea salt or Parmesan cheese. VINEGAR This is another ingredient that I use to make homemade salad dressings.

I also use it for various other recipes and it works great as a natural cleaner too! SALSA I have quite a few Mexican-inspired dishes that call for salsa, so I like to always keep this on hand.

chips and salsa! DICED TOMATOES These are super inexpensive and way cheaper than buying fresh tomatoes. I love using them in recipes to give a bit of added flavor and color. And I even show you how to can diced tomatoes yourself if you want to try that. PASTA SAUCE I know making your own pasta sauce is pretty easy, but since I can buy it so inexpensively, I prefer to just do that.

Pasta sauce is great for a quick meal of meatball subs, pizza, spaghetti or, lasagna to mention just a few. KETCHUP, MUSTARD, MAYO Okay, so maybe I should have listed these 3 things separately.

I use many more condiments than these, but these are the three that I think every kitchen should for sure stock. BREAD I typically make my own bread , but it is something that I always keep on hand. We often use it to make sandwiches for lunch, toast it to eat with eggs and occasionally use it in recipes like my Cheeseburger Casserole too!

TORTILLAS I use these all the time to make enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas and wraps. In fact, these Salsa Ranch Chicken Wraps are one of my favorite quick meals! And these easy recipes with tortillas are also great as well.

ONIONS GARLIC I use both of these items regularly to inexpensively add extra flavor to lots of different recipes. Of course, you can always freeze them too , if you prefer.

CARROTS These are not only a great addition to many soups, but they also make a healthy snack or side dish. POTATOES Super versatile! You can use them in soups, casseroles, breakfast dishes or side dishes. A few of our favorite potato recipes are Creamy Sausage and Potatoes , Cream Cheese Potato Soup with Ham , and Country Potato Soup.

BUTTER This is probably the one thing that might seem iffy to put on a frugal pantry list. Plus, I love using it to make these easy Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits! SOUR CREAM I like to keep this on hand to use in soups, to make homemade dips and to use in several casserole recipes as well. But , since I cook almost entirely from scratch, I do end up using it quite a bit even so.

Just a little bit can make a lettuce salad, tuna salad sandwiches or refried bean quesadillas so much yummier! And we love these White Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches! FROZEN VEGGIES Often much cheaper than fresh veggies, the other handy thing about frozen ones is that they last much longer!

I use them a lot as a side dish and also in recipes like my Easy Chicken Pot Pie , Cheesy Ham, Potato and Green Bean Bake and Easy Vegetable Beef Soup. CHICKEN Probably the cheapest kind of meat there is and super versatile too! A few chicken recipes that we enjoy: Herb Roasted Chicken and Potatoes , One Pan Chicken and Rice , Creamy Crockpot Mexican Chicken and Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken.

In casseroles or soups, I often can get by with using less than the amount called for. A few ground beef recipes that we really like: Crockpot Tamale Pie and Super Easy Sloppy Joes.

It helps me be frugal because I can buy in bulk when food is on sale becoming less and less, it seems, these days , portion it and freeze for later. Yes, I love stocking up and freezing items that are on sale too!

Such a great way to save. I so agree with you. We have worn out many vacuum food sealers over the years. Our son upgraded so he can vacuum seal whole chickens raised on his property.

We opted for a slightly smaller model and use it daily. when canning diced tomatoes can I pressure can them in stead of water bath?

From flavor-enhancing anchovies to more substantial canned tuna, sardines , and more, they're not only on top of my list for my regular grocery trips, but also on the list of souvenirs to bring back from vacation in seaside destinations such as Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

My go-to is a can of oil-packed tuna, which can be used in a range of cuisines. If you're looking for quick and easy lunch ideas that use canned tuna, think about a quick pasta , sandwich , kimbap or onigiri , or even fried rice.

My love for canned chickpeas can probably be traced back to Alison Roman's stew, a flavorful spiced chickpea dish that has won the internet and been on my winter cooking routine since The lockdown hoarding craze solidified this relationship as I marveled at Chana masala and other dishes featuring crispy chickpeas.

The same goes for canned white beans, which I have been praising since I tried these Mediterranean-y baked beans. When I don't know what to cook, I grab one or two cans of beans and think from there. If you have enough time to soak them overnight, dried beans are great options too.

I can't overstate the joy of biting into a plump and juicy tomato. Tomatoes are essential in my kitchen for some of my favorite dishes, from a nostalgic tomato egg stir-fry to a quick tomato sauce. Their versatility extends to pizza, stew, quick lunch, and more.

However, the peak season for tomatoes here in Germany is only a few weeks, and for the rest of the year, they taste bland. Using canned tomatoes is not just a dupe for the fresh ones at off-seasons, they in fact have a ton of flavor. This pasta with spicy tomato sauce that I make on repeat is an excellent example.

If you already have a stash of canned tomatoes, adding a tube of tomato paste preferably a tube to a can for longer shelf life can bring the sunny, zesty flavor of tomatoes to the next level.

Even as someone who would gladly go through the trouble of making dumplings and wontons from scratch, I have my lazy days too. My freezer mainstay, a bag of frozen dumplings from Asian grocery stores, is there for emergencies, either in a bowl of warming soup , or on a plate of restaurant-grade crispy potstickers.