Healthy Recipes from Pantry and Freezer Ingredients
I’ve grouped the recipes by common pantry and freezer ingredients, but you’ll find some overlap (many recipes use ingredients from multiple categories, for example). Don’t be afraid to make adjustments based on what you have on hand. You can often swap one vegetable for another, use frozen vegetables instead of fresh, or change up the type of beans the recipe calls for, to name but a few examples. When in doubt, you can always leave a comment on the corresponding recipe post, and I’ll do my best to respond within a day. Scoped out this list and can’t find what you are looking for? Feel free to use the search bar at the top of the page, or browse my full recipe index, which groups the recipes into dozens of helpful categories. You can also search recipes by specific ingredient.
Rice
Rice is one of the most versatile pantry staples. Rice can be used to make stir fries, burrito-style bowls, casseroles, soups, and so much more!
Homemade Fried Rice Sausage and Rice Casserole Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup Broccoli Rice Casserole Instant Pot Mexican Casserole Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Golden Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Fiesta Chicken Mexican Chicken and Rice Healthy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Crock Pot Mexican Casserole
Beans
Beans are a powerhouse when it comes to healthy pantry recipes. They’re filled with protein and fiber, which help keep you full, and taste deliciously creamy once cooked. Most of the recipes below call for canned beans. You also can the beans yourself from dried, then swap them in for recipes that call for canned beans.
Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili 15 Bean Soup Instant Pot Refried Beans Crock Pot Pinto Beans Tofu Tacos Instant Pot Black Beans Crock Pot White Chicken Chili Instant Pot Chili Freezer Breakfast Quesadilla Slow Cooker Turkey Quinoa Chili with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
Lentils
If you’re looking for a pantry staple that’s low in calories and high in protein, lentils are your answer! Lentils add wonderful body to soup and curry recipes and bring hearty, filling protein to vegetarian recipes. They’re also quick cooking.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup Crockpot Lentil Soup Red Lentil Curry with Sweet Potatoes Instant Pot Lentil Curry Lentil Meatballs Slow Cooker Red Lentil Cauliflower Curry Lentil Mushroom Stroganoff
Pasta
A classic pantry staple that the entire family loves! These pasta recipes include mainly simple and shelf-stable or frozen ingredients, but they’re also easily adaptable to whatever you have on hand. I like to use whole wheat pasta for maximum nutritional benefits.
Adult Mac and Cheese Chicken Broccoli Ziti Pressure Cooker Beef and Noodles Crock Pot Pasta Taco Pasta Mediterranean Pasta Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Crockpot Tortellini Soup Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken Crock Pot Tomato Soup Turkey Bolognese
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen veggies are one of my favorite items to stock up on and use in healthy recipes. This list has ideas for using them in pasta, pot pies, soups, or roasted on their own.
Roasted Frozen Broccoli Roasted Frozen Brussels Sprouts Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Quinoa Fried Rice Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Garlic Shrimp Pasta Crockpot Beef Stew Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Chicken and Biscuits
Pantry Baking: Simple Breakfasts and Desserts
During these anxious times, nothing warms my soul quite like a scrumptious baking recipe. I especially love when that recipe is also filled with wholesome, simple ingredients that I already have in my pantry. I hope you’ll try one of these comforting recipes soon and that it will bring a smile to your face!
Healthy Banana Muffins Banana Oatmeal Muffins Healthy Peanut Butter Cookie Chocolate Hummus Vegan Pancakes Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Mug Cake Vegan Pumpkin Bread Pumpkin Banana Bread Peanut Butter Banana Cookies 2 Ingredient Homemade Hot Chocolate Edible Cookie Dough 2 Ingredient Quinoa Chocolate Bark
Freezer-Friendly Recipe Ideas
In addition to searching for recipes by specific pantry or freezer ingredient, I know many of you are also seeking all-around recipes that you can generally make ahead and freeze. Below, I’ve compiled a list of meal categories that are generally very freezer-friendly. Click on any category to view the recipes within it. From there, choose a recipe that looks good to you. In that recipe’s post, wherever possible I’ve listed specific tips on freezing and reheating it.
Soups, Stews, and Chilis Pastas Stir Fries Slow Cooker Instant Pot Chicken Recipes<—I know that it’s hard to get ahold of boneless, skinless chicken breasts right now (at least it is near us!). Most of these can be made with chicken thighs, which are also lean and especially delicious in the slow cooker as they are less likely to dry out than chicken breasts. Vegetarian Recipes<—You don’t need meat for a fabulous, filling meal. Many of these are freezer friendly. Casseroles
I’m here to be a resource for you! Be sure to join The Well Plated Community Facebook Group, where we will be sharing even more healthy pantry recipe ideas. If you have a specific request, feel free to leave it in the comments section below.
