14 Easy Recipes You Can Make With Canned Goods From Your Pantry
Pantry staples never tasted so good!
There’s definitely a time and a place for fancy recipes with multiple steps and fresh ingredients, but on busy weeknights or before get-togethers, you can’t beat the simplicity of a quick and effortless dish. And there’s arguably nothing easier than a recipe that calls for canned goods!
Using shelf-stable, nonperishable foods like veggies, beans, and even seafood is such a convenient and low-stress way to whip up a meal. Since canned ingredients are precooked, adding them to your recipe will save you a lot of time and prep work—and these pantry staples are often a fraction of the price of their fresher counterparts, sometimes costing no more than a couple of dollars.
And just because canned food recipes are straightforward and budget-friendly doesn’t mean they lack flavor! The lineup of delicious appetizers, entrées, and side dishes ahead are packed with spices and sauces that’ll make your mouth water. You’ll find creamy pasta dishes with canned clams, cozy soup recipes with canned black beans, easy party dips with canned tomatoes, and so much more. Whether you’re searching for a fast family meal or a quick dish for last-minute hosting, there’s something on this list for you. (And since many of these dishes spotlight beans and legumes, vegetarians will be particularly pleased!) Although you will need a few fresh ingredients to make these dishes, they're staples you may already have on hand.
Read on for 14 canned food recipes that are easy to make but so tasty to eat!
7-Can Soup
This seven-can soup recipe is exactly what it sounds like! It's loaded with seven cans of chili, beans, tomatoes, and corn. There's also a secret ingredient (Velveeta!) that ties it all together. The best part? It’ll be done in five minutes!
Get Ree's 7-Can Soup recipe.
Chicken Enchilada Skillet
While this recipe might look complicated, it’s made with store-bought rotisserie chicken, plus canned beans and red enchilada sauce for a burst of texture and flavor—all without the hassle. It also uses a single skillet, which means less cleanup!
Get Ree's Chicken Enchilada Skillet recipe.
Linguine with Clam Sauce
Ree Drummond won Ladd over with this recipe when they were dating, but little did he know that the star ingredient comes in a can. With a splash of cream and a sprinkle of parmesan, this cozy 20-minute meal is perfect for date nights and family dinners.
Get Ree's Linguine with Clam Sauce recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
If you're looking for a quick appetizer, look no further than cowboy caviar. This simple recipe has canned black-eyed peas and black beans at the front and center. Toss in some diced veggies and jalapeños and fill up a bowl of tortilla chips for a refreshing dip with a kick.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Cornbread Casserole
Ree's cornbread casserole definitely deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving table, but this creamy, buttery side is delicious all year-round! While a few fridge staples doctor up the dish, cans of creamed corn and corn muffin mix are responsible for the sweet taste with a subtle crunch!
Get Ree's Cornbread Casserole recipe.
Pumpkin Ravioli
Another fall recipe that's brimming with comfort and creaminess is Ree's pumpkin ravioli. You can whip up this 20-minute meal with a can of pumpkin purée, plus browned butter, pine nuts, and sage for added flavor.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Ravioli recipe.
Buffalo Chickpea Sandwiches
For a vegetarian lunch idea that's packed with protein and saucy goodness, don't sleep on this 15-minute buffalo chickpea sandwich! Simply coat canned chickpeas in a mix of blue cheese, hot sauce, pickles, onions, celery, and ranch before spooning it over toasted bread.
Get Ree's Buffalo Chickpea Sandwiches recipe.
Sun-Dried Tomato-White Bean Dip
Not only does this delectable dip use canned goods, but it also calls for just three ingredients (plus salt and pepper for seasoning). Just blend canned white beans with sun-dried tomatoes and lemon zest, and dunk pita wedges or vegetable slices into it.
Get Ree's Sun-Dried Tomato-White Bean Dip recipe.
Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is a famously quick sandwich idea, and Ree's version is no exception! In addition to canned tuna, this easy meal has bits of onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing.
Get Ree's Tuna Salad recipe.
Black Beans and Rice
Rice and beans is a Southern staple that's versatile, satisfying, and oh-so cozy. Plus, half the recipe can be found right in your pantry! In addition to hearty black beans, chicken broth adds creaminess, while cumin and cayenne bring a slight kick.
Get the Black Beans and Rice recipe.
7-Layer Dip
This layered dip has it all: beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, olives, and pico de gallo. What's more, this recipe takes 15 minutes to make and tastes even better with tortilla chips.
Get Ree's 7-Layer Dip recipe.
Black Bean Burger
Thanks to canned black beans, this burger recipe turns a meaty classic into a meatless wonder! The beans are mixed with onions, breadcrumbs, hot sauce, and chili powder, cooked until golden on a skillet, topped with cheese, and stuffed between a buttery bun.
Get Ree's Black Bean Burger recipe.
Restaurant-Style Salsa
Ree's juicy salsa recipe tastes restaurant-worthy, but it's so quick and easy! You'll just need 10 minutes and two different types of canned tomatoes, plus a little spice, tang, and sweetness.
Get Ree's Restaurant-Style Salsa recipe.
Pasta Fagioli
Canned beans, canned tomatoes, and canned broth are the stars of this simply classic Italian pasta dish. With a few fresh ingredients, this is perfect for entertaining or just a weeknight dinner!
Get the Pasta Fagioli recipe!
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