{"id":896876,"date":"2026-04-04T09:27:30","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T14:27:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/04\/7-poor-mans-recipes-to-best-use-whats-on-hand\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T09:27:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T14:27:30","slug":"7-poor-mans-recipes-to-best-use-whats-on-hand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/04\/7-poor-mans-recipes-to-best-use-whats-on-hand\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Poor Man\u2019s Recipes to Best Use What\u2019s on Hand"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Recipes <\/p>\n<div id=\"content\">\n<div id=\"pch-container\">\n<div id=\"pch-featured-image-wrap\">\n<figure>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#watchnow\" aria-label=\"play video\" role=\"button\" data-name=\"play icon\" data-position data-module=\"featured image\"><span name=\"icon-play-circle\" title=\"play video\" role=\"img\"><svg width=\"48\" height=\"48\" viewBox=\"0 0 48 48\" fill=\"none\">\n<circle cx=\"24\" cy=\"24\" r=\"24\" fill=\"#1E1E1E\" \/>\n<g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_226_9511)\">\n<path d=\"M31.9835 22.387C32.3679 22.6227 32.637 22.9763 32.7909 23.3692C32.9447 23.8014 32.9447 24.2335 32.7909 24.6264C32.637 25.0586 32.3679 25.3729 31.9835 25.6086L18.4496 33.7804C18.0651 34.0162 17.6422 34.0948 17.2193 34.0162C16.7579 33.9376 16.4119 33.7411 16.1043 33.3875C15.7967 33.0733 15.6813 32.6411 15.6813 32.1697V15.8259C15.6813 15.3152 15.8351 14.883 16.1427 14.5687C16.4503 14.2544 16.7963 14.058 17.2577 13.9794C17.6807 13.9008 18.0651 13.9794 18.4496 14.2151L31.9835 22.387Z\" fill=\"white\" \/>\n<\/g>\n<defs>\n<clipPath id=\"clip0_226_9511\">\n<rect width=\"18\" height=\"21\" fill=\"white\" transform=\"translate(15.6 13.2)\" \/>\n<\/clipPath>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<\/span><\/a>\t\t\t\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Poor-Mans-Recipes_TOHESCODR22_13405_E12_16_2b_FT.jpg\" alt=\"recipes 7 Poor Man\u2019s Recipes to Best Use What\u2019s on Hand\" loading=\"eager\"   decoding=\"async\" data-tmbi-lazy=\"false\">\t\t<\/p><figcaption>\n\t\t\tTASTE OF HOME\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"pch-post-info-container\">\n<div id=\"pch-mobile-featured-image\">\n<figure>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#watchnow\" aria-label=\"play video\" role=\"button\" data-name=\"play icon\" data-position data-module=\"featured image\"><span name=\"icon-play-circle\" title=\"play video\" role=\"img\"><svg width=\"48\" height=\"48\" viewBox=\"0 0 48 48\" fill=\"none\">\n<circle cx=\"24\" cy=\"24\" r=\"24\" fill=\"#1E1E1E\" \/>\n<g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_226_9511)\">\n<path d=\"M31.9835 22.387C32.3679 22.6227 32.637 22.9763 32.7909 23.3692C32.9447 23.8014 32.9447 24.2335 32.7909 24.6264C32.637 25.0586 32.3679 25.3729 31.9835 25.6086L18.4496 33.7804C18.0651 34.0162 17.6422 34.0948 17.2193 34.0162C16.7579 33.9376 16.4119 33.7411 16.1043 33.3875C15.7967 33.0733 15.6813 32.6411 15.6813 32.1697V15.8259C15.6813 15.3152 15.8351 14.883 16.1427 14.5687C16.4503 14.2544 16.7963 14.058 17.2577 13.9794C17.6807 13.9008 18.0651 13.9794 18.4496 14.2151L31.9835 22.387Z\" fill=\"white\" \/>\n<\/g>\n<defs>\n<clipPath id=\"clip0_226_9511\">\n<rect width=\"18\" height=\"21\" fill=\"white\" transform=\"translate(15.6 13.2)\" \/>\n<\/clipPath>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<\/span><\/a>\t\t\t\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Poor-Mans-Recipes_TOHESCODR22_13405_E12_16_2b_FT.jpg\" alt=\"recipes 7 Poor Man\u2019s Recipes to Best Use What\u2019s on Hand\" loading=\"eager\"   decoding=\"async\" data-tmbi-lazy=\"false\">\t\t<\/p><figcaption>\n\t\t\tTASTE OF HOME\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"pch-author-card-container\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"recipes Caroline Stanko\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/132350_1702064276370.jpg?resize=200,200\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\">\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>These poor man&#8217;s recipes are just the thing when you&#8217;re low on ingredients but want a tasty, satisfying dish.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><body><span id=\"watchnow\"><\/span>\t<\/p>\n<p>As much as I love an elaborate layered cake or a multi-course feast for dinner, sometimes I just need to keep things simple. But that doesn\u2019t mean I want something flavorless. Luckily for me, there are poor man\u2019s recipes.<\/p>\n<p>Made without fuss, poor man\u2019s recipes come from the scrappy cooking techniques of the 1930s. That means using simple, straightforward ingredients for a hearty meal. And if you don\u2019t have a listed ingredient, you can just opt to make things work with what you have instead of heading out to the store.<\/p>\n<p>These <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/depression-era-recipes\/\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Depression-era dishes\" data-name=\"Shop Now\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">Depression-era dishes<\/a> are made with pantry staples like saltine crackers, condensed soup and potatoes for satisfying casseroles and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/slow-cooker-dump-dinners\/\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"slow-cooker meals\" data-name=\"Shop Now\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">slow-cooker meals<\/a> that even picky eaters will enjoy. There are even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/2-ingredient-desserts\/\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"simple desserts\" data-name=\"Shop Now\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">simple desserts<\/a> made with just two ingredients and no eggs, butter or milk so you can enjoy a sweet treat even when your fridge is nearly empty.<\/p>\n<p>Whether your budget has gotten tighter or you just don\u2019t have the energy to go to the grocery store, these poor man\u2019s recipes are here to help!<\/p>\n<p><\/body><\/div>\n<div id=\"card-1\">\n<p><span>1<\/span><span>\/<\/span><span>7<\/span><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><body><\/p>\n<div>\n<h2>Recipes<br \/>\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/poor-man-s-cookies\/\" data-name=\"Poor Man\u2019s Cookies\" data-module=\"Title\" data-position=\"1\" aria-label=\"Poor Man\u2019s Cookies\" tabindex=\"0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tPoor Man\u2019s Cookies\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t<\/h2>\n<p><span>From the Recipe Creator:<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\tIn the 1930s, producers of a popular radio program called \u201cJake and Lena\u201d invited listeners to write in for this recipe. My mother changed the name from Jake and Lena Cookies to Poor Man\u2019s Cookies because they contain no eggs, milk or nuts. Despite the name, the cookies are rich in taste! \u2014Georgia Perrine, Bremerton, Washington\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/body>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<div id=\"card-2\">\n<p><span>2<\/span><span>\/<\/span><span>7<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<h2>Recipes<br \/>\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/old-fashioned-poor-man-s-steak\/\" data-name=\"Poor Man\u2019s Steak\" data-module=\"Title\" data-position=\"2\" aria-label=\"Poor Man\u2019s Steak\" tabindex=\"0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tPoor Man\u2019s Steak\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t<\/h2>\n<p><span>From the Recipe Creator:<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\tThese flavorful \u201csteaks\u201d fit into everybody\u2019s budget. A special friend shared the recipe, and I think of her each time I make it. \u2014Susan Wright, Mineral Wells, West Virginia\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"card-3\">\n<p><span>3<\/span><span>\/<\/span><span>7<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<h2>Recipes<br \/>\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/poor-mans-casserole\/\" data-name=\"Poor Man\u2019s Casserole\" data-module=\"Title\" data-position=\"3\" aria-label=\"Poor Man\u2019s Casserole\" tabindex=\"0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tPoor Man\u2019s Casserole\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t<\/h2>\n<p><span>From the Recipe Creator:<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\tDon&#8217;t let the name fool you, because poor man&#8217;s casserole is actually rich and delicious. It has layers of creamy noodles, beef sauce and melted cheese. \u2014Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"card-4\">\n<p><span>4<\/span><span>\/<\/span><span>7<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<h2>Recipes<br \/>\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/poor-man-s-dinner\/\" data-name=\"Poor Man\u2019s Meal\" data-module=\"Title\" data-position=\"4\" aria-label=\"Poor Man\u2019s Meal\" tabindex=\"0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tPoor Man\u2019s Meal\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t<\/h2>\n<p><span>From the Recipe Creator:<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\tThis poor man&#8217;s meal recipe guarantees million-dollar taste with just a few ingredients. \u2014Mila Abner, Vada, Kentucky\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"card-5\">\n<p><span>5<\/span><span>\/<\/span><span>7<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<h2>Recipes<br \/>\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/poor-man-s-hash\/\" data-name=\"Poor Man\u2019s Hash\" data-module=\"Title\" data-position=\"5\" aria-label=\"Poor Man\u2019s Hash\" tabindex=\"0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tPoor Man\u2019s Hash\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t<\/h2>\n<p><span>From the Recipe Creator:<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\tMy best memories about this recipe include everyone who has ever eaten it thinking it\u2019s great! The recipe is over 75 years old, and I learned it from my mother. \u2014Dorothy Broyles, Peterstown, West Virginia\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"card-6\">\n<p><span>6<\/span><span>\/<\/span><span>7<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<figure><img src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/The-Viral-Jell-O-and-Yogurt-Dessert_Jello-Yogurt-3_Lindsay-Parrill-For-Taste-Of-Home.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\"   alt=\"recipes The Viral Jell O And Yogurt Dessert Jello Yogurt 3 Lindsay Parrill For Taste Of Home\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tmbi-lazy=\"true\"><figcaption>Lindsay Parrill For Taste Of Home<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Recipes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/jello-yogurt-dessert\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"play video\"00 data-name=\"Shop Now\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">Poor Man\u2019s Panna Cotta<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>This viral two-ingredient dessert combines Jell-O and Greek yogurt into something unexpectedly creamy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div id=\"card-7\">\n<p><span>7<\/span><span>\/<\/span><span>7<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<figure><img src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/poor-mans-cake-100121-TOH-03_sq_ADedit.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\"   alt=\"recipes Poor Mans Cake\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-tmbi-lazy=\"true\"><figcaption>TASTE OF HOME<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Recipes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-make-vintage-poor-mans-cake\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"play video\"11 data-name=\"Shop Now\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">Poor Man\u2019s Cake<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>This recipe was first created in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. At that time, dairy products were considered a luxury, so Americans sought recipes that could do without.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/poor-mans-recipes\/\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recipes TASTE OF HOME TASTE OF HOME These poor man&#8217;s recipes are just the thing when you&#8217;re low on ingredients but want a tasty, satisfying dish. As much as I love an elaborate layered cake or a multi-course feast for dinner, sometimes I just need to keep things simple. But that doesn\u2019t mean I want [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":896877,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[341,30074],"tags":[131512],"class_list":{"0":"post-896876","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-mans","8":"category-recipes","9":"tag-popular-recipes"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/896876","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=896876"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/896876\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/896877"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=896876"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=896876"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=896876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}