17 Delicious Recipes Featuring a Simple Can of Beans

Consider this a formal petition to make this year The Summer of The Bean. Beans are versatile! Beans are high in protein! Beans have playground rhymes about their benefits and flatulent side effects! And, most importantly, beans are convenient. Almost everyone has a can of beans in their pantry at any moment, which makes these canned bean recipes must-know information for your repertoire of easy, healthy dinner recipes.

Whether you’re feeling motivated to go meat-free or are just looking for some simple bean recipes to make when you’re in a cooking rut, welcome. Beans are here to feed your heart, mind, soul, and stomach. They are the flavor-neutral canvas upon which you can create delicious, spice-laden masterpieces.

Pinto Bean and Pumpkin Mole Chili

If you thought you could make it through a list about beans without seeing at least one chili recipe, you were fooling yourself. However, not all chilis are created equally. Some are made with pumpkin and mole sauce and, in turn, are superior.

Get our recipe for Pinto Bean and Pumpkin Mole Chili.

Hummus

Have more chickpeas than you know what to do with? This is exactly what hummus was made for. Plus, you’ll have yet another dip in which to bathe your bland chips or crunchy veggies.

Get our recipe for the Creamiest Homemade Hummus.

RELATED: Your ultimate restaurant and supermarket survival guide is here!

Have more chickpeas than you know what to do with? This is exactly what hummus was made for. Plus, you’ll have yet another dip in which to bathe your bland chips or crunchy veggies.

In need of a simple side dish to accompany your main meal? Combine a can of rinsed cannellini beans (Great Northern or white kidney beans will also work) with some lemon juice and rosemary. Voila! A quick, easy, and delicious addition to any dish.

Did you accidentally buy pinto beans instead of baked beans? Were you tasked with providing a BBQ side dish but your pantry is lacking? Homemade baked beans to the rescue! Chances are good you’ve already got all the necessary ingredients in your kitchen: onion, garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, and, of course, a couple of cans of pinto beans.

Did you accidentally buy pinto beans instead of baked beans? Were you tasked with providing a BBQ side dish but your pantry is lacking? Homemade baked beans to the rescue! Chances are good you’ve already got all the necessary ingredients in your kitchen: onion, garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, and, of course, a couple of cans of pinto beans.

Pretty much any can of beans—navy beans, black beans, garbanzo beans—make for a delicious toast topping. Just smash your beans of choice atop a slice of toast, add a little olive oil, maybe some garlic, and whatever other spices and toppings your heart desires and your kitchen could stand to get rid of. Or do it like the Brits do and top your toast with some Heinz baked beans in tomato sauce. Besides substituting beans for meat during your next meal, you can save even more cash with these 30 Ways to Save at the Grocery Store—Without Coupons!