15 Easy Recipes That Start with a Can of Beans
Think party dips, sides, heck, even a whole meal.
On the days when you’re just too tired to swing by the grocery store, you might find yourself rummaging through the pantry, wondering how you can turn those trusty canned goods into tonight’s dinner. Chances are, you come across a can of beans sitting on your shelves, and while it might not look very exciting at first glance, canned beans are the foundation of so many delicious recipes!
Whether you’re working with black beans, chickpeas, or white beans, these canned ingredients are shelf-stable, inexpensive, and packed with protein and fiber. Not to mention, their mild flavor makes them easily adaptable, whether you cook them in a spicy chili, blend them into veggie burgers, or toss them on a fresh salad.
These recipe proves just how versatile and hardworking a humble can of beans can be. If you’re looking for an easy family dinner, throw together a comforting white bean soup or smoky enchiladas made with black beans, or pair any hearty main with a simple side of rice and beans. For an easy party appetizer or a game-day snack, a creamy white bean dip or a cheesy skillet bean dip is guaranteed to please the crowd. While the flavor options are endless, starting with a can of beans means these recipes are a breeze to assemble and serve. So, grab your can opener, and let’s get cooking!
Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burgers
Even meat eaters will crave these black bean burgers! They’re crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and packed with smoky, spicy flavor in every bite.
Get Ree’s Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burgers recipe.
Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas get a fresh, colorful upgrade from juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and creamy avocado. It’s a no-cook, make-ahead side that comes together in record timing: 20 minutes!
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
Bean Dip
With a can of beans and a single skillet, you’ll have a hot, bubbly dip on the table in just 20 minutes. It makes assembling, cooking, serving, and cleaning up afterwards so much easier!
Get Ree’s Bean Dip recipe.
White Bean Soup
On a chilly night, a cozy bowl of this soup is just what the doctor ordered. Along with a can of white beans, this recipe is loaded with fresh vegetables, warm seasonings, and a crunchy panko topping.
Get Ree’s White Bean Soup recipe.
Buffalo Chickpea Sandwiches
Chickpeas make a fiber-packed alternative to chicken in this hearty sandwich. It has all the spicy, creamy flavor as the original, but you’ll simply pop open a can of beans—without cooking a thing.
Get Ree’s Buffalo Chickpea Sandwiches recipe.
Black Bean Chili
A can of black beans transforms into something smoky, soothing, and satisfying when simmered over the stove with chili fixings like ground meat, fire-roasted tomatoes, and sautéed onions.
Get the Black Bean Chili recipe.
White Bean Dip
Cannellini beans are the star of this party dip. After blending up the bean mixture in a food processor, serve it silky smooth with veggies and crackers for dunking.
Get Ree’s White Bean Dip recipe.
Curried Chickpea Loaded Potatoes
If you’re searching for a vegetarian recipe to make for dinner, loaded potatoes stuffed with curried chickpeas are just the thing. A dollop of yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro will add a cooling contrast.
Get Ree’s Curried Chickpea Loaded Potatoes recipe.
7-Can Soup
Why settle on just one can of beans when you can pack in three? As if that wasn’t easy enough, this recipe calls for four additional pantry staples. The only fresh ingredient you’ll need is cheese!
Get Ree’s 7-Can Soup recipe.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Thanks to canned black beans, this no-bake dip takes 15 minutes to pull off. With their mild, earthy flavor, black beans let the zippy, fiery, subtly sweet flavors of the fixings take center stage.
Get the Corn and Black Bean Salsa recipe.
Air Fryer Falafel
Two cans of chickpeas, plenty of spices and herbs, and an air fryer are all you need to make this crispy, golden falafel. Whether you munch on them as a snack or stuff them in a pita, tahini yogurt sauce is a must!
Get the Air Fryer Falafel recipe.
Three-Bean Salad
While the traditional potluck side is made using only canned beans, this version adds tender green beans for a burst of freshness. Nevertheless, this dish is just as easy to throw together, transport, and share.
Get the Three-Bean Salad recipe.
Black Beans and Rice
There’s no side as versatile as rice and beans! In this recipe, black beans cook in one pot with white rice, dried spices, onions, and garlic, so the prep and cleanup are both minimal.
Get the Black Beans and Rice recipe.
Ham and Bean Soup
A comforting dish to slurp up in the colder months is this ham and bean soup. Swimming in a tomato-based broth, cannellini beans, diced ham, and chopped veggies will fill you up while keeping you warm.
Get the Ham and Bean Soup recipe.
Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas
For a vegetarian spin on enchiladas, swap in butternut squash and black beans. Although they add substance and sweetness, the ingredients don’t skimp on the saucy, smoky flair in classic enchiladas.
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