Pantry Cooking Challenge: save money on groceries!

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I've made dozens of pantry cooking "use-it-up" videos where I try to clean out the pantry, fridge, and freezer. This practice saves us money on the grocery budget because we make good use of food we have already purchased. In this video, I'm sharing some tips, hacks, or just general mindset shifts that have helped us in these challenges, and can make us all better stewards of the food we already have on hand!
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[@SeeMindyMom]

Use code SEEMINDYMOM120 to get $120 off across your first 4 boxes of Good Chop at bit.ly/42JfMo5!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

I know I've said this multiple times, but this channel is a blessing.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks! I’ve been praying for you, Alma. 🙏 I hope all is well.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

It cannot be repeated too often. :)

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

@@SeeMindyMom you're so very welcome. Thank you. I appreciate all the prayers. We should find out the results from the CT scan next Thursday. My doctor is worried about the migraines.

[@keyweststarr]

I love those tracks for the yogurt you have in your refrigerator. Where did you get those?​@SeeMindyMom

[@barbaracampbell7747]

You're right 😊

[@apriltownsend8463]

I had a turkey sandwich for dinner tonight because the turkey needed used as well as some chips that are going stale, my mom had peanut butter, and my dad's eating cereal. We have these nights a lot.

[@AprilLee1996]

Husband and I have been doing this lately and I always feel like I've accomplished something each time we finish something up instead of having to throw out expired food!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

I’m the same way!

[@andrewkathryngriffith7223]

Same!! I love throwing out an empty container!

[@zipporah8875]

That is a great accomplishment!

[@mdp4jc269]

I LOVE how you come up with meals from your pantry and make something that ends up blowing your socks off. Thanks for the different ideas.

[@beckyw9000]

Similar to your “fed is fed.” I have told my children “it doesn’t have to taste good to be good for you.” This gets them ready for the day that they are a guest at someone’s house, someone has made them food out of love that is good for them, but they don’t happen to care for the taste of it, they know they can be a good guest and have a small bite of everything for good manners sake and it is not the end of the world.

[@vale_rawrrrx3593]

This is so wise and beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing!!!❤

[@karenrockemam7921]

If it doesn't taste good whats the point?

[@FrugalFunMum]

This is where being in an Autistic / ADHD household is easy because they like to eat the same foods over and over again so we are rarely having to 'use up' anything before it goes bad we just buy the same things and they get used. Agree that Fed is Fed more people on the internet need to understand that and yes not every plate is going to look the same you feed children what they will eat

[@melann7380]

my neighbors are food content creators and I love it because they bring us leftovers

[@SeeMindyMom]

I do that, too! 😂 In fact we have many times had people over for a leftover potluck because “Mindy had to film 3 videos this week”, or some other reason!

[@dianasimplifies]

@@SeeMindyMom😂😂😂😂 I want to be your neighbor!!!

[@Hasenkind1]

@@SeeMindyMom you´re a good neighbour ^^

[@Gardeningchristine]

A can of regular old corn goes really well in homemade stir fry. Adds sweetness and crunch and takes on the Asian flavors well!😊🌽🍚🍜

[@SeeMindyMom]

Great tip!

[@heathercooper9103]

Love this! One of my kids called leftover night "morsel Monday" just a lot of things to pick from. No one complained.

[@maryegerton6848]

I adore your videos. Especially the use it up ones. Sometimes I go to my sisters house for a week long visit if her husband goes away on business because she wants the company. She’s a teacher, so as you know, the day doesn’t come to an end, just because the kids go home. I usually spend most of the week using all the stuff up in her fridge and pantry. She loves coming home to a buffet of leftover creations. Your videos are pure inspiration. ❤❤

[@SeeMindyMom]

Oh that is so great! Good stewardship and good service! I'm sure your sister appreciates that. :)

[@resreiapples]

Hey I just made the Honey Garlic Chicken with your pre-made chicken nugget hack! Turned out aaaa-mazing! My sweet chili sauce I've had in my fridge for a while was going to 'expire' on 3/23, so I'm glad I found a use for it before then. I'm going to have to use that chicken nugget hack again. Made in about 10 minutes, added some sautéed onions and bell peppers, broccoli and peas, highly recommend. Recipe was (from the Rasa Malaysia website): 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce 4 Tbsp Honey 2 cloves of minced garlic 2 Tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce 1/2 Tbsp corn starch 1/4 c water

[@jameskennedy673]

Love this video. My Mother-in-law would do a clean out the refrigerator of leftovers & make a pot of soup. I was raised by a single Mom, so I didn’t know what fancy meals were, but never went hungry.

[@anniecampbell6406]

I am so on board with that every meal doesn’t have to be a crowd pleaser. Our kids need to learn that food is sometimes just nutrients and fuel. I don’t think we always need to razzle dazzle- and I’ve been guilty of this for sure! Also- one of my kids doesn’t like potatoes and I’m having such an appreciation for potatoes lately- so I really want him to like them! Finally- Gimme Some Oven is one of my fave food blogs! I’m glad you highlighted her! Thanks for the inspo!

[@SeeMindyMom]

I have a kid who doesn't like potatoes, too. Which really puts a kink in budget cooking. LOL!

[@zuzanna4380]

Not every meal needs to be the next revelation, I think it's worth remembering what a lot of us are looking for on this channel is also cooking while staying within a reasonable budget or just feeding ourselves and our loved ones in spite of the soaring prices. You have lots of creativity here and you're doing a great job! Thank you for another lovely video. 😊 PS: Leftover buffet is the best, my boyfriend always compliments the most the meals that are actually the least planned and the most random 😂

[@reginastephens935]

Best tip ever: not every meal has to be spectacular. Fed is fed.

[@battlearmanda]

I make this soup I call fridge soup. I put all the leftover veggies from the week (or two or three weeks); leftover meats; leftover starches; and sometimes I'll have the odd sauce like spaghetti or salsa. I add everything with some sauteed onions and garlic as well as some stock. It usually creates really yummy soup and I use it as meal prep. It almost always turns out being incredibly cravable.

[@susanbatten9924]

I’ve been binging your pantry challenge videos as spring time is always a meal time rut with sports etc…I’m bad about going grocery shopping for the sake of it. This week we my meal plan was use it up, and I was amazed at how easily I came up with meals simply using what we had! 😮 rather than scouring and planning. Bonus, no wasted food! Thank you for all you do!❤

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad I can give some inspiration! :)

[@trinahoot9903]

My mother in law called left over night CORN night. (Clean Out Refrigerator Night )

[@SeeMindyMom]

haha! I love that!

[@natashav6432]

I can cook like 5 meals/ recipes really well but other than that I'm not a great cook, and struggle with meal ideas and what to put together especially with my picky eaters. Thank you the inspiration !

[@user-vt2ng4vy6x]

I’m on week 3 of a pantry/freezer challenge…going strong! FINALLY making a dent.

[@SeeMindyMom]

That is so great! I love to hear that!

[@pattywilliams788]

Thinking outside the box with ingredients: genius, Mindy! That soup looks amazing.

[@mysticmom616]

I made a delicious soup using veggies you have in your fridge and/or freezer that need used up. I used green onions, carrots, bell peppers, spinach, celery and cabbage. I cut it all up and sautéed them till soft. Added some garlic, garlic Powder and onion powder. I added a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes and about 1/2 can of water to rinse out the can. I added about a cup of leftover beef broth and a 14oz can of baked beans. I let it simmer for a while and added salt and pepper to taste. It used up leftovers and veggies on the cusp of spoiling. When I ate it I added oyster crackers and some shredded Parmesan cheese. But you use any cheese you have or just skip the cheese!

[@VeRonicaMitchell-ii1pm]

I appreciate the idea of being better stewards of the food in our house. I am not a cook and rarely duplicate any of the recipes shared. But as food prices rise I am motivated to prepare more meals at home and I do take inspiration from channels like these. Thank you.

[@hayleydawes7504]

My teen was watching you over my shoulder, so we just discussed doing this to empty the pantry and freezer ready to move into my/our first home 😊 he loves to cook I’ll have to let him have a go

[@mrskimmieg]

Another winner, Mindy! These types of videos are among my favorites. I get such a sense of satisfaction using foods up and not being wasteful.😊

[@SeeMindyMom]

I totally agree!

[@melissamorelli695]

I love the mindset of just being fed! I do struggle with thinking each meal needs to be creative and new. Thank you for the reminder!

[@jenniferkirchoff8820]

Don't tell Uncle Roger about her Egg-Fried Rice! 😂Amazing ideas for my meals this week. Thanks Mindy and family ❤

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

😂

[@dkortea]

I think I have those same sweet potatoes in my freezer. Sometimes when I throw this and that in the pot it comes out amazing and I regret, for a moment, that I cannot recreate this deliciousness. Thanks for sharing.

[@wadly312]

I love your videos so much. Tip for New Zealand based watchers - I was jealous of good chop in another sponsored video and found meat box an nz farm to home delivery service and such good quality stuff plus you can add fresh produce too. Really good to rummage through and find the half used packages etc. I also love the tip here of not everyone’s dinner has to be the same - so true! If I like a thing but no one else does I should just cook it for myself and make them something easy. I need to do a prep to cook up some “aspirational” stuff in my fridge then I can eat that and make more boring meals for my kids lol.

[@Leafkittie]

I love these kind of meals. I've created so many good meals using this method. The only downfall is that they're so hard to recreate when using what you have. I call these dinners, "concoctions".

[@SeeMindyMom]

So true!

[@katv1195]

Take photos with your phone of the ingredients you use as you use them. If it turns out to be wonderful, you can write down what you did before you forget.

[@user-jk4ck9vw9p]

I am so impressed by that soup!! I would’ve looked at that can until it expired not coming up with any idea than to eat it as soup! You’re amazing @seemindymom and such an inspiration 💕

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks so much!

[@brg2743]

This is how we are cooking these days. I put bacon bits, mozarella cheese in a tortilla shell and that was breakfast. It was good. Also, used ranch dressing for a dip with unsalted chips. Mac and the gooey cheese boxes with hamburger is so good. Can also make it with a little marinara sauce, mac and gooey cheese box and hamburger. (With mozerellancheese on too it is like lasgna.) Creativity is fun.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Great idea!

[@laloralewis3726]

Hi Mindy just wanted you to know I really appreciate and enjoy what you do on your channel it is so great! Thank You 😊❤️👍

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you I really appreciate that! It is very helpful when viewers take the time to encourage me. Thank you!

[@heatherhillman1549]

We love fried rice! I keep leftover rice (any kind) and veggies in the freezer to make. I also keep leftover kitchen and pork for rice too. Adding a little bit of sesame oil to your fried rice is a game changer!

[@DaniElle-di4ho]

I love your pantry challenge videos!

[@kareneachus8630]

You are very creative for the meals that you make. Thank You for sharing all you do.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks for watching!

[@kimfenimore5926]

Good afternoon Mandy and Family and Friends here. How's everyone doing this week? Thanks again for sharing your pantry food with us. My family and I also one of our friends Julie said hello 👋 to everyone. My family and I really appreciate your cooking recipes our friends Mandy. Hope you all have a blessed weekend. Blessings to you all. Stay safe and warm everyone. Happy Friday Friends. We send our Love and Prayers to our family's and friends. Your family is so blessed to have you as a mom and wife and friend to all of us here Mandy. I'm so happy that we found your channel and doing well on budget friendly meals. 😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤🌺🌹🌸💐🌼🌻🌷🌺🌹🌸💐🌼🌻🌷🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸♥️🧸✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️

[@SeeMindyMom]

Blessings to you!

[@kimfenimore5926]

@@SeeMindyMom Thank you Mandy. Your so nice and supportive also caring friend here. Have a blessed weekend friends and may Jesus bless our families and friends. 😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰😇🥰💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤✨️🎈🎉✨️🎈🎉✨️🎈🎉✨️🎈🎉✨️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️

[@audreyrobles1505]

I talk about your strategies and channel so much that my husband has started to talk this way... let's use up what we already have. He's also been a lot more willing to try some of my "use it up" recipe ideas. I came up with one today that was not too bad. I just kept going with what sounded good, that we already had. We even managed to use up a couple of things that we didn't much care for on their own, but tasted good when mixed with other things. Thank you again for your ideas and inspiration.

[@SeeMindyMom]

I love that! Great job!

[@mommamoore]

i love this... sometimes we don't have in the pantry what we prefer but we still have food and just need to get creative :)

[@Bex-rg8pj]

Thanks, Mindy!

[@Coles22]

Girl! You’re the best! Great stuff! Thank you!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad I can help!

[@TeacherAllison]

Thank you so much for all that you do! Your videos have been a blessing in this time of reevaluating the grocery budget.

[@alexdeaton5107]

These are my favorite videos. Thanks, Mindy! ❤

[@citygal2198]

Good video. I watch yours as soon as they come out. One idea would be ground beef that is not tacos, pasta or Shepard pie. My husband is keto and I have tons of ground beef.

[@dianasimplifies]

I do low carb but not keto but they make keto friendly soft tacos now. My sister didn't like the Mission brand so I told her about the Ole brand. I've used it for years. Another thing I thought about doing was putting the meat sauce from spaghetti on the keto bread I buy. Just eating it as a sandwich bc I quit pasta and didn't like chickpea pasta at all..😢

[@natalieeubank4533]

Crack slaw!!! Still one our favorite meals not on keto

[@carolynflathers3159]

Do tacos with a lettuce wrap

[@dennisfrench8225]

Excellent knowledge right here thank you 😊

[@bethschmidt4239]

You are such a good cook!

[@SeeMindyMom]

I try. :)

[@eldonacronemeyer9638]

You always give so many good ideas thank you

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks for watching!

[@KateMoranHere]

You always come up with creative meals. It's fun to watch and very motivating.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks so much 😊

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Fabulous video. I enjoy sweet potato roasted with normal potatoes. Or even on its own! Thank you for the video!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

"Will it be the most amazing meal?" Well, I don't know about that but you certainly went the extra mile to Tex-Mex-Up our often go-to of Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese. And it's embarrassing how many of our meals are just cheese quesadillas with nothing else to go with it. 😂

[@peggycapshaw6544]

Mindy thank you for sharing the wild rice casserole, my family loved it. so I am looking forward to trying the next one I think they will like.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you so much for letting me know! I love hearing that!

[@gabriellebarbir7039]

These are my FAVORITE videos!!

[@JazMa5504]

Hi Mindy, Thanks for this and all of your videos. Hear hear on phrase”Fed is Fed”, I have that mentality when I do my 2 times a mth (1 week each) of not going grocery shopping and using up what’s in refrigerator/freezer/cabinets(sadly don’t have a pantry,; but sure would LOVE one). Hope things well with you and all of yours😊❤

[@hardenmama1800]

Wonderful video! Love your content. Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents. Hope your husband’s new job is going well.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you so much! It is going very well, and we are excited for what’s ahead. :)

[@esmeraldalopezgarcia9484]

Thanks for sharing this. its so helpful

[@lisaharr1477]

Yummyyyyyy !!! Everything looks so good ! Can you tell us how your family likes each recipe you create ? I am interested to know !

[@DavidBrooks-mq6js]

(Posting as Joyce) Another great video!! Love this!! Thank you for all you do!🤗

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you for watching!

[@irmaflores9271]

Mindy, I have been following you for a couple of years. Love your content but I think this was the best video I have seen of yours ever. I sometimes try to think of how I can redo leftovers. I have been trying to shop my pantry before I even think of going to the store. Yes, more ideas on how to use up food that we think we don't have but is hiding at the bottom of the freezer or at the back of the pantry.😊

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I try to think of new ways to explain these things all the time, so glad this one resonated. :)

[@PhilipDonna1982]

Blue is your color! My husband has been down with the flu so I’ve been cooking for myself the last few days while he’s sipping on chicken broth. I had some au jus and gravy left from a beef roast I made last week. The roast is gone but I’m thinking the gravy and au jus plus a bag of frozen veggies and egg noodles will make a fabulous dinner for me for at least a few days. I don’t want to start cooking any big meals just for myself.

[@SeeMindyMom]

I hope your husband feels better soon and everybody else stays healthy! :)

[@BreeSB]

Your blue shirt cut and that colour looks absolutely incredible on you!

[@evamendenhall6126]

Great video 😊

[@SauerPatchGardening]

That blue your wearing is definitely your color! Great video as always

[@SeeMindyMom]

Oh thank you!

[@ourfamilyvideos7283]

Love your videos, have you considered organizing the fridge/ kitchen with us?

[@jamiekendall7245]

I took some of your advice, I had 2 jars of peanutbutter crunchy and smooth, didn't want to throw it out so as per usual pintest is my friend as well, lol. I combines recipes I liked, and added shredded coleslaw mix tossed it. WOW better than at out Chinese takeout. I made cold spicy sesame noodles!!! Delicious. Thank you for giving me advice in using up things.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Great job!

[@RevDanXP]

Good chop, yum…

[@princessjanuarymarie3197]

cool

[@nullasalus3]

Maybe those were aspirational sweet potatoes. I sometimes will buy vegetables that aren't my favorite but I know have good nutrients in them and think "this time I'll find a preparation I like!" Sometimes I do. I still never have for eggplant though. :) I'm glad your enchilada soup turned out well! One of my favorite enchilada recipes has a sweet potato and black bean filling.

[@SeeMindyMom]

My sister makes a really good chili with sweet potatoes. I need to get that recipe!

[@shelzp7272]

When I throw things together like that enchilada soup I always assume ain’t nobody else eating the exact same thing tonight 🤭 and then when I try to make it again there’s a problem because I can’t remember what was in it

[@brandyannhunter2099]

As an almost-30 year old Mom who’s still learning how to cook… what do y’all keep your stove at when you cook?

[@louisedillon6797]

I make my fried rice about the same as you except I don’t add eggs.

[@galedobschuetz4007]

😊

[@carolgraham6669]

❤❤❤❤

[@shytowngrl]

What is that yogurt track thing you use in your fridge to store the yogurts? It is genius

[@amyweaver7413]

❤️❤️❤️

[@joyoliver8413]

Do you have a link for the yogurt organizers in your fridge? The one I found said it wasn’t a good product. I was hoping you had a better one.

[@SeeMindyMom]

I bought those a few years back, but I'll see if I can track down a link and put it in an upcoming video. I just filmed a grocery haul/restock and I showed those yogurt holders so I'll see if I can find something similar.

[@bonniepalmatier4664]

I love your videos. Are you up for a challenge? No fridge no microwave or stove. Help

[@SeeMindyMom]

I'm not sure I have any videos along those lines, but perhaps another creator does here on KZbin if you do a search.

[@hello-vs4me]

You could make KFC bowls

[@penny7537]

You could ask Chat GPT

[@janeulness2119]

Buffalo chicken pizza

[@CAB-zq9wu]

By accident on purpose.

[@jacqui-xh2er]

❤❤❤❤