Being a grown-up is so expensive these days. Maybe you’re out of work, paying off student loans, scrimping to pay for child care or setting aside money for a new car or a Tuscan vacation. Whatever the reason, so many of us are looking for ways to save money, and as food prices continue to rise, it’s not always easy. But it’s not just a magazine slogan, you really can eat well and spend less. In short, do what you can to get your pantry in order, reduce your food waste and aim to eat mostly vegetarian or make recipes that really “stretch” a cut of meat.

Here are just a handful of the recipes on New York Times Cooking that rely on affordable pantry staples, are mostly vegetarian and will give you the biggest, most delicious bang for your buck.