No matter who you are, there are most likely times when you’d like to save a little money. Whether it be after the hemorrhage of money around Christmas time, when you’ve just shelled out your life savings for a medical bill, or just when you’d like to save up for something nice. Buckling down your finances is just part of life for most. And then there are weeks when you just don’t feel like braving the stores or searching for deals.

It doesn’t matter what the case, there are staple ingredients that can save you money and create meals in a pinch. Also very versatile, these also provide the base for several different types of meals in case you have a craving.

Here are 5 ingredients that you should have in your pantry (in no particular order) that can keep you AND your wallet sane when necessary.

1) Rice
Of course this is on the list! There are so many recipes that can easily be adapted and prepared with rice. From shining as the most important ingredient in a main dish to being mixed with herbs as a side dish, rice never disappoints even the pickiest of eaters. Not only is it extremely versatile, but it’s also very affordable. Buying it in bulk can really save your pennies in the long run. Coupons can also help to save money on rice. Mahatma and Riceland Rices usually have coupons out that can often make a bag close to free at stores that double coupons.

When it comes to rice, a little goes a long way. Since the grains absorb the water that it is cooked in, your cup of rice will actually become 2 cups when cooked properly.

Some simple ways to use rice:

• Cheeseburger Rice- 1 lb ground beef, 1 and 3/4 c. water, 2/3 c. ketchup, 1 tbsp mustard, 2 c. uncooked minute rice, 1 c. cheddar cheese. Brown the meat then drain, add water ketchup and mustard and bring to boil. Stir in the rice and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook 5 minutes and serve. (courtesy Razzle Dazzle)
• Leftover Rice in Chicken Fried Rice– Using leftover rice, throw it in the skillet with chopped onion, bite-size pieces of chicken, a scrambled egg or two, and any vegetables that suit your fancy. A few tablespoons of teriyaki and soy sauce and you have chicken fried rice worthy of being called homemade takeout.
• Slow-Cooker Red Beans and Rice– Throw a pound of dried red beans along with a chopped onion and garlic into a slow cooker with 7 cups of water. (Add smoked sausage if preferred) Cook on high for 6-7 hours. Serve over cooked rice for a weeknight meal without any fuss.

2) Pasta
Just like rice, pasta is a very verstaile ingredient that can used in several easy dishes. Needing only water to come to life, even the simplest of additions can make for a filling meal. A typical box of spaghetti won’t run you more than $1.50 at the store and the stores brands are even cheaper most places. During a sale or with a coupon, you can sometimes get it nearly free. This is one of the few things that I always have a bunch of, just in case.

Some simple ways to use pasta:

• Simple Spaghetti– I couldn’t give you suggestions without mentioning the obvious. Store bought or homemade pasta sauce creates a meal for the whole family in literally minutes. Add in meats or veggies to make it even more hearty.
• Baked Ziti– Using your favorite pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese, you can easily whip up yummy Baked Ziti. Always a crowd pleaser.
• Pizza Pasta- Using canned tomatoes, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese along with spices can add some italian pizza pizazz to your pasta!

3) Flour
There’s no mistaking the role of grains in the art of cooking. Many recipes, including the cravable sweets and savory biscuits call for flour. It’s the cornerstone of breads and other baked goods that are simple and inexpensive to make at home.

Simple ways to use flour:

• Basic Yeast Bread– Combining 6 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons dry yeast and 2 cups of water can create a simple bread. Let the ingredients rise for 15 minutes, then divide the dough into two. Bake at 400 degrees for 40-50 minutes.
• Simple Biscuits– Using only 2 cups of self-rising flour, 1/2 cup butter, and 1 cup milk you can create a dozen homemade biscuits! Bake dough at 400 degrees 10 to 15 minutes.
• Easy Fried Chicken– Scramble an egg. Dip fresh chicken in egg and then cover in flour. Skillet fry chicken on both sides until golden brown.

4) Canned Tomatoes
These little babies are a part of a meal in my house at least 2-3 times a week. Canned tomatoes can be used in just about anything and add flavor, texture, thickness, and color to several meals. Keeping a few cans of whole tomatoes or diced tomatoes on hand is a smart way to have a back-up meal at your fingertips at all times.

Simple ways to use canned tomatoes:

• Creamy Tomato Pasta– Soften a block of cream cheese and mix with a can of (your preference) tomatoes in a skillet. Serve over cooked pasta.
• Easy Chili– Combine canned tomatoes with kidney beans, ground meat, and chili seasoning and you have a simple chili in no time at all.
• Simple Salsa– Use your canned tomatoes to combine with lime juice, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh cilantro, salt, pepper, and jalapenos for heat to create a simple at-home salsa.

5) Dry Beans
These little gems make any dish hearty and full of fiber. You can’t beat their affordability compared to canned beans and they don’t go bad for at least a year! These are the exact traits that I look for in a pantry item for saving money on meals. Like rice, they tend to double once reconstituted which means more for your money. They key is soaking them completely covered for at least 4 hours up to 24 hours before cooking.

Beans make a great addition to any meal. The recipes are endless! Stock your pantry with your favorites then add to any soup, stew, casserole, or chili.

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