In this post, you’ll find a list of 25 low-fat recipes that use two of the most frugal pantry staples you’ll find in stores, beans, and rice! These recipes are simple and delicious and will be an affordable way to feed your family!
Delicious and Simple Recipes or Two Pantry Staples!
There are often times when you need something tasty to feed your family using items you have in your pantry. I know I’ve been there many times in between grocery trips or during times we were trying to stretch our budget.
This post is all about utilizing two basic items that are easy to find in any grocery store and they are both cheap. Those to items I am speaking of are dry beans and brown rice.
All the recipes included here are some of my favorites from my blog and other yummy recipes from bloggers that I enjoy following.
I hope they will help you in times when you need to stretch your budget or when you need to cook from your pantry!
For those that have special dietary needs, let me mention that all the recipes will be lower in fat and higher in carbs so keep that in mind. So those of my readers that Trim Healthy Mama, these recipes will work perfectly in your THM “E” meals.
Let’s dive into these yummy recipes starting with the beans!
Recipes for Beans:
I wanted to start with these 12 recipes for beans because I love how we can use beans for the protein in our family meals. This is a great way to work in a meatless meal here and there but still get the protein our bodies need.
I’ve included recipes with a wide variety of flavors and uses. You’ll find anything from bean dip to soups and you’ll find yourself wanting to give them all a try!
Keep in mind that if a recipe looks tasty to you but you’re not sure about the type of beans in the ingredient list you can easily substitute your favorite bean variety of choice.
Beans Dishes
Beans are super cheap and easily kept on hand in the pantry. These recipes are rat ways to feel your family or a crowd you beans as the star ingredients.
How to Make Chili Lime Black Beans in the Instant Pot (No Soaking!)
A low carb tortilla filled with shredded chicken, black beans, and lots of melty cheese. An easy meal and great for a freezer meal option for grab and heat lunches.
Recipes for Rice
The following recipes will inspire your taste buds when it comes to brown rice. I’ve included some of my favorite recipes from here on My Table of Three like my Chicken Fajita Rice and my Instant Pot Taco Rice.
I typically only buy brown rice for our pantry, but if you are feeding picky rice eaters, or if you have another type of rice in your pantry and need to use that then totally use what you have.
It’s all about using what is in your pantry and what works for your family’s preferences.
Rice Dishes
A list of great recipes for one of the favorite pantry favorites, Rice!
Fluffy brown rice loaded with chicken, peppers, and all the great flavors of fajitas.
A budget-friendly meal of brown rice with all the delicious flavors of those found in tacos. Tender rice with black beans and lean ground turkey that will cook up wonderfully in the Instant Pot.


I am a southern girl through and through that loves to laugh, cook, read and spend time with family. My passions outside of home schooling my son are ministering to those in need and creating art in the kitchen! Every day is an adventure in our little house and I wouldn’t trade it or the chance to share here with you for anything!
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