15 Easy Canned Bean Recipes
As a Registered Dietitian, one of my favorite convenience foods are canned beans. Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and zinc– they are a healthy and delicious way to make a meal. And, with most cans of beans coming in at just about a dollar– they are one of the most inexpensive forms of protein.
Canned beans are a budget-friendly kitchen staple that can be transformed into quick, tasty meals. With their convenience and versatility, beans are the perfect ingredient for creating inexpensive dishes that are still full of flavor.
The versatility of canned beans cannot be beaten– use black beans in tacos and Mexican-inspired dishes, pinto beans in Southwestern-inspired meals, white beans in French and Italian cuisine, and well, you get the picture. No matter what type of food you are in the mood for, there is a place for canned beans.
Enjoy these 15 simple canned bean recipes.
Vegan Chickpea and Rice Soup (30 Minutes)
A comforting chickpea and rice soup made ready in just 30 minutes. An easy one-pot meal that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Tofu Rice Bowls with Black Beans and Corn Salad
Vegan Rice Bowls with cilantro lime tofu, black beans, corn salad, tomatoes. A healthy plant-based bowl meal that’s perfect for meal prep, lunch and dinner.
Sweet Potato Tacos with Black Beans and Cabbage Slaw
Rainbow sweet potato tacos with black beans and red cabbage slaw! A beautiful, plant-based dinner recipe with four vegetables per serving and plenty of protein and fiber. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Puttanesca Beans with Garlic Bread
If you love spaghetti puttanesca, you’ll love this creamy bean version! All of the flavors of puttanesca are in bean form. Serve on its own, over crispy toast, or with polenta.
Pesto Orzo with White Beans
A one-pot dinner! Creamy pesto orzo with white beans, spinach, and parmesan cheese. A simple kid-friendly dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
If you are looking for an easy, comforting recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, then you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Taco Soup. Made from mostly canned beans, corn and tomatoes it’s simple meal made from pantry staples.
Air Fryer Black Bean Taquitos
Taquitos that take just minutes to prep without any deep frying? Seems almost too good to be true. Crispy black bean taquitos are made in the air fryer with just a handful of ingredients.Â
White Bean Meatballs with Mojo Sauce
White bean meatballs combined with charred red onions, crispy plantain chips, and Mojo Sauce! This unique recipe is layered with both texture and flavor, a must-try!
Vegetarian Bean Chili
Ready in less than an hour, this chili bean recipe is hearty and healthy. Using three different kinds of canned beans, this chili is a must all year long and especially in the fall and winter.
Pico de Gallo Rice Bowls
Pico de Gallo Bowls! Featuring fresh tomato rice, fajita vegetables, black beans and guacamole. If you are looking for a simple weeknight dinner, these bowls are it.
Chickpea Harissa Soup
This vegan chickpea harissa soup is packed with plant-based protein, fiber and so much flavor! Served over couscous for a filling, simple weeknight dinner.
Vegan Black Bean Tacos
Open a can of black beans and grab a packet of taco seasoning and this dinner is just about ready. Done in 10 minutes– you’ve gotta save this recipe for busy weeknights.
Smoky Black Bean Tostadas
Are you looking for a dish that you can eat just about every single day and not get tired of it? A faux-fried corn tortilla piled high with a smoky black bean & spinach filling, then topped with a smoked paprika-lime sauce. A fancy way to enjoy a can of black beans.
Italian Farro Bean Soup
This delicious Italian Farro Bean soup is a must-try, especially during the winter season! The combination of white beans and vegetables adds body and texture without any cream or butter.
Marinated White Bean Salad
Grab a can of white beans for this simple white bean salad. Marinated white beans with red pepper and fresh herbs, it’s a simple lunch option packed with both fiber and protein.
Black Bean Burger Sliders
These black bean sliders are perfect for snacking and are packed with healthy ingredients. Packed with mushrooms, quinoa, and canned beans.
Black Bean Tamale Pie
If you like chili, then try this black bean tamale pie recipe. This weeknight meal is healthy and filling thanks to canned black beans. A simple black bean and zucchini chili topped with homemade cornbread, then baked to perfection.
Chili Beans with Creamy Polenta
Another delicious take on chili and cornbread– this time using canned beans and served over creamy polenta. Hearty and comforting, a great example of how gourmet canned beans can be!
Dilled Bean Salad with Zucchini and Quinoa
Great for potlucks and get together, this dilled bean salad features protein-rich quinoa alongside three types of canned beans.
Healthy Pasta Fagioli (Italian Pasta and Beans)
This Healthy Pasta Fagioli contains an impressive 19.1g of protein and 12.6g of dietary fiber. The ultimate healthy veggie pasta filled with hearty white beans and ditalini pasta in a creamy red sauce. Enjoy this healthy comfort food!
Fresh Black Bean and Mango Salsa
Mango, red bell peppers, cilantro, jalapenos, canned black beans, and a tangy lime dressing. Great as an appetizer with chips, as a side dish, or over your favorite grilled protein.