What you need for a 'can-do' kitchen

A financial planner once told me of meeting with a couple of newlyweds who had more month than money. Housing was expensive, they both had student loans, and they still couldn't understand why their salaries weren’t stretching.

The planner had them track their spending. Guess what was eating into their paychecks? Restaurant meals.

Cooking at home is one of the easiest ways to shore up a sagging budget. Meals out can take a huge bite of your paycheck, a fact some people never seem to comprehend.

I know, I know: You're tired, you're hungry and there's nothing in the house. But don't automatically reach for the delivery menus. If you give your pantry the seven-can makeover, you'll always have something to eat.

Having these basics on hand will keep you from overdoing the takeout. They'll also help when there's a reason you can't go out to shop: late hour, sleeping child, truly crappy weather. 

Cans aren't ideal in the sense that fresh fruit and vegetables taste better than processed and dry beans are cheaper than precooked ones. But they're incredibly handy, they won't spoil and they're cheaper than out-of-season items (especially if you use manufacturers coupons).

Besides, how many of us can go fishing whenever we want a tuna sandwich?

The lineup
1. Beans. So many varieties, so much protein. Drain and rinse to de-salt them a bit, or choose a low-sodium variety. Do a Bing search for bean recipes, or just warm them up with a bit of salsa and cheese and enjoy with a tortilla.

2. Tomatoes. Add these to the beans, throw in some seasonings (and meat, if you like), simmer 20 minutes and you'll have homemade chili. Put together a fast pasta sauce, if you have any tomato paste. Drain them (save the juice to add to your next pot of soup) and make a savory bruschetta with the aging Italian bread sitting on the counter.

 

3. Good-quality broth. Simmer this with spices, a handful of pasta or rice, and whatever frozen vegetables you have. That leftover broiled chicken breast? Dice it and throw it in, too. Stir up a pan of cornbread while it cooks, or open a tube of "whomp biscuits" from the fridge.

4. Good-quality canned soup. This is for the nights when you really are bushed. Put bread or crackers on the table and dinner is served. Splurge on a fancy-schmancy variety if you like -- still way cheaper than pizza delivery.

5. Tuna. For sandwiches. For casseroles. For eating out of the can with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper. (Caution: Opening a can of tuna will stimulate the "adoration" section of your cat's cerebral cortex. Be careful not to trip on a madly attentive feline.)

6. Fruit. Fresh is better, of course, but sometimes you just don't have any. (Personally, I think canned pears are better than the fresh ones found in many supermarkets.) Canned fruit is always better chilled, so keep a can in the fridge at all times.

7. Corn. It's the one vegetable that truly holds its own in a can. The others tend to get a little mushy, or look a little overcooked. Your mileage may vary; if you insist on eating canned peas or asparagus, then go right ahead. (Yuck.)

Readers: Got a favorite quick meal based on canned goods?

More on MSN Money:

• How to eat for $50 a week or less
• A simple way to save on supper
• Save money with a 'pantry challenge'