Food Pantry and Budget Recipes

  Create a Casserole From Your Pantry Serves 6 to 8 Select food(s) from each category or choose your family favorites. ~Grain - select ONE 2 cups dry pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, spiral, bow tie) 1 cup dry long-grain white or brown rice 4 cups dry medium or wide noodles  ~Protein - select ONE 2 cups cooked ground meat 2 cups cooked and diced chicken, turkey, ham, beef, pork, or tofu 2 cups chopped cooked egg 2 (6 to 8-ounce) cans fish or seafood, flaked 2 cups canned, rinsed or cooked dried beans (kidney, pinto, black, etc.) ~Vegetable - select ONE 1 (10 to 16-ounce) package frozen, thawed and drained: spinach, broccoli, green beans or peas 1 to 2 cans, drained and rinsed: mixed vegetables, carrots or corn 2 cups sliced fresh zucchini, kale, tomatoes, potatoes or squash ~Sauce - select ONE 1 can condensed cream soup (mushroom, celery, cheese, or chicken) mixed with milk or water to make 2 cups; or 2 c...

  How to cook rice     1 cup rice (white or brown)   2 cups water   Pinch of salt (optional)     Directions : 1.      Measure the Rice:  Use a measuring cup to measure 1 cup of rice.   2.      Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water. This step helps remove excess starch and can result in fluffier rice. You can skip this step if you prefer.   3.      Combine Rice and Water: In a medium-sized saucepan, add the rinsed or unrinsed rice.   Add 2 cups of water to the saucepan. 4.      Add Salt (Optional):  If desired, add a pinch of salt to the rice and water. Salt is optional but can enhance the flavor of rice.   5.      Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan on the stovetop over high heat.   Allow the rice and water to come to a full boil.   6.   ...

  Rice and Beans 2 cups of rice 2 large cans of red kidney beans 1 small can of 'little white beans' 1 48 oz. jar of spaghetti sauce Directions : Cook rice. Add rest of ingredients and simmer until it's hot or until you're ready to eat. Season to taste with chili and garlic powder. Stir and add a little water as needed.

  Tuna Fried Rice 2 cans of tuna in oil 3 C. cooked rice 2 handfuls of green peas/carrots (or canned) 3 tbs. Soy Sauce Directions : 1.      Heat 3-6 tbs oil in a large pan or wok. 2.      Add Tuna, Rice Veggies and stir fry until everything is hot. 3.      Remove from heat and stir in soy sauce to taste.

  Bean and Rice Casserole   2-4 cups cooked rice   2 cans of mixed beans (e.g., black beans, kidney beans)   1 can diced tomatoes   1 can corn   1 cup shredded cheese (optional)   Salt and pepper to taste   Optional- Add taco seasoning to mixture before baking        Directions :   1.        Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).   2.       In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, mixed beans, diced tomatoes, and corn.   3.       Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.   4.       If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.   5.       Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.   Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.  

  Egg and Veggie Fried Rice 3 cups cooked rice   6 eggs   1- 2 cans mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)   Soy Sauce to taste Garlic powder and pepper to taste          Directions :   1.       In a large skillet, scramble the eggs until fully cooked.   2.        Add the mixed vegetables and cooked rice to the skillet.   3.       Stir-fry until everything is well mixed and heated through. 4.       Season with soy sauce, garlic powder and pepper to taste.  

  Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole 3 cups cooked rice   1 can cream of mushroom soup   1 can water (fill up empty soup can) 1 can chicken, drained 1 cup shredded cheese   1 tsp garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste   Optional- Add a drained can of peas.        Directions :   1.       In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, water, seasonings, chicken and half of the shredded cheese.   2.       Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.   3.       Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.   4.       Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.   5.       Serve with a veggie side or salad.