Discover creative and simple ways to turn a can of beans into a satisfying meal. Quick recipes, tips, and tricks to make the most of canned beans for budget-friendly and tasty dishes.
Canned beans are a pantry staple that offer convenience, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick budget-friendly lunch or a hearty dinner, there are endless ways to turn a can of beans into a flavorful meal. Just open a can of beans to unleash so much opportunity! Indeed, there is just so much to love about canned beans; each can is packed with nutrition (protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals) for pennies per serving. These plant-based superstars are shelf-stable, easy to use (no cooking or chopping required), and sustainable. Plus, canned beans are part of delicious, healthful food traditions around the world. And don’t forget that canned beans—chickpeas, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, pinto beans, black beans, and navy beans—are so versatile. One way you can make a meal out of canned beans in minutes is to simply open the can and pour them into easy, no-fuss dishes—no recipe required. Here are my top tips for cooking a meal right out of your pantry with the help of a can of beans. In this guide, I’ll share my easy tips and delicious ideas to help you create satisfying dishes using just one can of beans. From simple sautés to hearty stews, get inspired to elevate your meals with this budget-friendly and healthy ingredient.
10 Tips for Making a Meal out of Canned Beans
1. Breakfast on Savory Oats. The next time you make your morning oatmeal bowl, top it with savory additions, such as canned beans, dark leafy greens (kale or spinach), sliced mushrooms, and a dash of hot sauce.
2. Wrap Up a Healthy Burrito. Grab a whole grain tortilla and slather it with refried beans (pinto or black), leafy greens, and whatever fresh veggies you have on hand, such as tomatoes, cabbage, onions, and cilantro.
3. Design Your Own Grain Bowl. Just follow this easy formula: Cooked whole grains (i.e., brown rice, quinoa, or farro) + canned beans + seasonal veggies + a flavorful dressing = fabulous, healthy meal!
4. Whiz up Bean Spread. Throw a can of drained beans into a blender with lemon juice, garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and your favorite seasonings to make your own bean spread to slather over sandwiches or serve with veggies.
5. Toss Together an Entrée Salad. Line a bowl with leafy greens, then top with canned beans and whatever veggies you have in your fridge, and then drizzle on a touch of olive oil and lemon juice for the freshest salad ever.
6. Mash Up the Best Bean Burgers. Mash up a can of drained beans and add a scoop of old-fashioned oats, a spoon full of ground flax seeds, your favorite herbs, and a finely diced onion and carrot. Then shape into patties and bake on sheets until firm and golden brown to make your own bean burgers.
7. Get Your Taco Tuesday Started. Serve up corn tortillas with a side of canned beans and a platter of veggie toppings, such as cabbage, lettuce, cilantro, olives, radishes, avocados, and onions. Then let everyone build their taco just the way they like it.
8. Create a Beans and Greens Pasta Meal. Sauté onions and garlic with olive oil in a skillet or sauté pan, then add greens (i.e., spinach, chard, kale, collards, mustard greens), canned beans, cooked pasta and your favorite herbs for a pasta meal in one.
9. Make an Easy Chili. Cook together canned beans, canned tomatoes, onions, and chili powder to make a fast and easy home-style chili bowl.
10. Stir-Fry to Perfection. In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry your favorite blend of vegetables (i.e., onions, celery, carrots, snow peas, asparagus, cabbage, sprouts) in vegetable oil. Add soy sauce, garlic, and a can of drained beans. Serve your stir-fry with a side of brown rice to make it a meal.
For more information on beans, check out the following blogs:
How to Use an Instant Pot to Cook Pulses
Power Up on the Plant Protein Star Pulses
7 Tips for Powering Up on Pulses
Pulses, Cornerstone of the Mediterranean Diet
Why Do Beans Cause Gas?
Eat More Pulses to Manage PCOS
10 Plant-Based Bean Recipes
For more recipes using canned beans, check out these recipes:
Vegetarian English Breakfast: Baked Tomatoes, Beans, English Muffins
Hearty Chickpea Stew
Creamy Artichoke White Bean Dip
Healthy Vegan Rose Brownies with Pomegranates
Vegan California Burrito Bowl
Greek Black Eyed Peas Vegan Meatballs
Baked Kale White Bean Dip
Tuscan Kale and White Bean Savory Pie
Vegan Jambalaya with Red Beans and Okra
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