Clean Out Your Freezer & Pantry with 2 Yummy Recipes | Budget Friendly Recipes

Utilizing pantry staples and freezer finds is a fantastic way to whip up delicious meals without the need for a grocery run!

These budget-friendly recipes for Hearty Pantry Pasta and Freezer-Friendly Stir Fry focus on everyday items you likely have on hand, turning them into satisfying, cost-effective, and flavorful meals.

So let’s clean out your freezer with these delicious recipes!

Clean Out Your Freezer & Pantry with 2 Yummy Recipes

Recipe 1: Hearty Pantry Pasta – A Freezer and Pantry Clean-Up Meal

Why This Meal?

This Hearty Pantry Pasta is the epitome of a pantry and freezer clean-up meal.

It’s designed to help you make the most of what you already have, utilizing staple ingredients like dry pasta, canned tomatoes, and frozen vegetables. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want a nutritious, comforting meal without a trip to the grocery store, effectively reducing waste and saving money.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. dry pasta (any type)
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 medium onion, diced (or 1 tablespoon onion powder)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 can (15 oz.) beans (chickpeas, black beans, or any available), drained and rinsed
• 2 cups frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, or a mix)

Directions:

1. Pasta: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Sauté: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer: Stir in the canned tomatoes (with their juice), drained beans, and frozen vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce and vegetables. Toss well to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if available.

Recipe 2: Freezer-Friendly Stir-Fry – A Versatile Clean-Out Meal

Why This Meal?

The Freezer-Friendly Stir-Fry is all about making a flavorful and nutritious meal with minimal effort, using ingredients straight from your freezer and pantry.

It’s an excellent way to utilize frozen proteins and vegetables, transforming them into a delicious, satisfying, and budget-friendly dish. This stir-fry is a testament to the versatility and convenience of freezer cooking, proving that you don’t need fresh ingredients to create a meal that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. frozen protein (chicken, beef strips, or tofu), thawed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups frozen mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, etc.)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ginger powder)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 8 oz. rice or noodles, cooked according to package instructions

Directions:

1. Prepare Protein: Thaw the protein as per package instructions. If not pre-cut, slice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook Rice/Noodles: Prepare rice or noodles as per package instructions. Set aside to serve with the stir-fry.
3. Stir-Fry Protein: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the protein and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the frozen vegetables and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, or until heated through and slightly tender.
5. Combine: Return the cooked protein to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce or tamari, tossing everything together to coat well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve: Serve the stir-fry over the cooked rice or mixed with the noodles. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Additional Savings & Hot Tips:

1. Maximize Freezer Space: Regularly organizing your freezer can uncover hidden ingredients that are perfect for recipes like stir-fries.
2. Embrace Bulk Purchases: Buying proteins and vegetables in bulk and freezing them ensures you always have stir-fry ingredients on hand.
3. Creative Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings and sauces from your pantry to add variety to your stir-fries without extra cost.
4. Repurpose Leftovers: Leftover stir-fry can be transformed into a new meal by adding it to soups, wraps, or omelets.
5. Cook Once, Eat Twice: Double the stir-fry recipe and freeze half for a future meal, saving both time and energy.

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Clean Out Your Freezer and Pantry!

Pantry and freezer clean-outs are not just about saving money; they’re about making the most of what you have, reducing waste, and enjoying the process of cooking.

These recipes are meant to inspire and demonstrate that with a bit of creativity, you can turn simple ingredients into satisfying and budget-friendly meals.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published Feb 13, 2024 and has been updated to improve reader experience.