20 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Staples

Cooking smart doesn't have to be expensive. With a little knowledge and planning, you can stock up on the right budget-friendly kitchen staples to help you feed your family affordably!

Pantry shelves with jars of beans, nuts, and lentils.

As food prices continue to rise, it's more important than ever to have a repertoire of food essentials that are not only economical but also versatile and nutritious.

For myself, this list of kitchen staples are the go-to ingredients I find the most helpful to always have on hand, and so I'm sharing this to help budget-conscious home cooks everywhere!

From timeless classics to surprising gems, these ingredients will give you an arsenal of options so you can whip up delicious dishes that won't strain your wallet.

Uncooked rice in wooden bowls on a white background.

Looking to save money on meat? I also have tips on the cheapest meat to buy (and which to skip!).

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Rice

A timeless staple, rice is incredibly versatile. I love to use rice as a base for a quick stir-fry, as a side to further stretch a meal so I can minimize spend on a more expensive main dish, or in a hearty rice and beans main dish. It's a budget-friendly option that provides a lot of bang for your buck.

Here are some great rice recipes you can try!

Dried Beans

Speaking of beans, they're a powerhouse of protein and fiber. Stock up on varieties like black beans, chickpeas, and lentils. We love them in for soups, salads, and bean burgers.

For more ideas on how to leverage this inexpensive pantry staple for incredible savings, be sure to check out my comprehensive guide on cooking satisfying budget bean meals.

New to cooking with dried beans? Here's an article on how to cook dried beans to help you get started!

Canned Beans

If dried beans feel like too much effort to prepare, canned beans are a good second choice. Having canned beans like kidney beans, pinto beans, and black-eyed peas is a convenient option. They're ready to use for salads, chili, or bean dips without the need for soaking.

Looking for what to do with those canned beans? Here are some ideas!

Oats

Oats aren't just for breakfast! They make a hearty base for energy-boosting granola, add texture to meatloaf or veggie burgers, and can even be blended into a flour substitute for baking.

Here are some delicious recipes that use oats!

Canned Tomatoes

Whether whole, diced, or crushed, canned tomatoes are a lifesaver. They can be used as the base of countless sauces, soups, and stews, adding depth of flavor without breaking the bank. I love to use the diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor in casseroles and other dishes.

Check out these recipes that use canned tomatoes!

Pasta

Who doesn't love a comforting bowl of pasta? Keep a variety of shapes on hand for quick and satisfying meals. Pair with a simple tomato sauce or toss with olive oil and garlic for a classic dish.

I keep an eye out for sales and stock up on pasta since it keeps for so long! It's definitely handy to have around for those nights where you just don't have the energy to do more than cook some spaghetti and heat up some sauce.

There are so many pasta recipes out there, it's hard to choose, but here are a few good ones I recommend!

Pasta Sauce

A jar of pasta sauce can be a versatile base for many dishes. Use it not just for pasta but also as a pizza sauce, simmering it with beans for a quick chili, or adding it to soups for extra flavor.

It can be a little tricky to find a brand that is affordable but doesn't add a lot of sugar and/or salt. Now that I found a brand that we like that doesn't have a lot of sugar or salt, I watch out for sales and then try to stock up.

Use your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce in any of these yummy recipes!

Potatoes

Versatile and filling, potatoes are a pantry must-have. From mashed to roasted to sliced into a hearty gratin, they're a budget-friendly way to bulk up meals.

About twice a month, I make baked potatoes as a main dish. They are actually really good for you! I generally serve them with some optional toppings, like butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, or even leftover chili.

It's a really inexpensive meal and everyone loves being able to top their own baked potatoes!

Here are some potato recipes you may enjoy!

Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Roast Potatoes
Sauteed Potatoes
Roasted Chipotle Potatoes

Onions And Garlic

The dynamic duo of flavor, onions and garlic are essential for building depth in your dishes. They're inexpensive and can elevate everything from soups to sauces.

Vegetable Oil

A basic cooking oil like vegetable oil is a kitchen staple. It's ideal for sautéing, frying, and baking, ensuring your dishes come out just right every time. Canola oil is also a good, budget-conscious choice.

With these pantry essentials on hand, you'll be well-equipped to whip up delicious meals without breaking your budget.

Canned Tuna Or Salmon

For a budget-friendly source of protein, canned tuna or salmon is a winner. Add them to salads, pasta dishes, or sandwiches for a nutritious boost.

These recipes use canned fish to help save money.

Spices and Herbs

Don't underestimate the power of spices and herbs. They can transform even the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary. Stock up on basics like salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and cumin.

If you have a good selection of spices and herbs, you can make your own seasoning mixes, which is generally less expensive than buying them.

Top Tip

Check out my whole library of DIY seasoning mixes!

Peanut Butter

A jar of peanut butter is not just for sandwiches. It's a versatile ingredient for sauces, dressings, marinades, and of course, classic PB&J sandwiches. Look for natural varieties without added sugars for a healthier option.

Peanut butter makes these recipes creamy and delicious!

Frozen veggies on a wooden cutting board.

Frozen Vegetables

While fresh veggies are fantastic, frozen vegetables are a budget-friendly alternative that's just as nutritious. Keep a variety like peas, broccoli, corn, and mixed veggies in your freezer for quick and easy meal additions.

Frozen vegetables are a great way to trim your grocery budget!

Canned Vegetables

While fresh vegetables are great, having canned options like diced tomatoes, corn, and green beans can be a lifesaver. They're convenient for soups, stews, and casseroles, and they often retain their nutritional value.

There are so many ways you can use canned goods in delicious dinners to save time and enhance your meals!

It's so easy to keep canned vegetables on hand to make these recipes!

Cornbread Casserole
Chicken Taco Soup

Canned Coconut Milk

For a creamy touch in curries, soups, and desserts, canned coconut milk is a wallet-friendly choice. It adds richness and depth of flavor without the need for expensive creams or sauces.

Canned coconut milk adds a delicious creamy aspect to these recipes!

Other Grains/Seeds

Besides rice and oats, consider adding other grains like barley and whole wheat couscous. Quinoa is a little more expensive but it's really nutritious and delicious so it might be worth it for you. You can also get good deals if you are able to buy in bulk and if you don't mind not buying the pre-rinsed kind. All of these are nutrient-dense, filling, and can be used in salads, pilafs, or as a side dish.

Mix up your repertoire with these easy recipes using couscous and quinoa!

Eggs

Eggs are a protein-packed pantry staple that can be used in countless ways. From breakfast omelets to baking in cakes and bread, eggs are affordable and nutritious.

We love having breakfast for dinner a couple of times a month. Sometimes I make a frittata, or an egg-based casserole, or I'll just whip up some scrambled eggs and serve it alongside some whole grain toast and fresh fruit. Everyone loves it and it is an affordable and delicious meal!

Eggs - not just for breakfast!

Flour Tortillas

Keep a pack of flour tortillas in your pantry for easy wraps, quesadillas, and even homemade tortilla chips. They're a versatile and budget-friendly alternative to bread.

Flour tortillas taste great in these recipes!

Canned Pumpkin/Fruit

For a sweet treat or addition to salads and desserts, canned fruits like pineapple, peaches, and mandarin oranges are handy to have. Look for varieties packed in juice or water rather than syrup for a healthier option.

Keep canned fruit handy to make these recipes!

Cooking on a budget can be made much easier by knowing the right items to buy and have on hand. With a well-stocked pantry, you can whip up meals that are both wallet-friendly and satisfying.

So here's to smart shopping, savvy cooking, and enjoying delicious dishes that nourish your family.