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13 Easy Weeknight Dinners You Can Make with Canned Beans​

We’re spilling the beans on this must-have pantry ingredient.
January 2023 Affordable Dinner

Making wholesome, home-cooked meals on a budget can be a challenge. Busy schedules and high costs can make it difficult to shop for nutritious ingredients. Plus, who has the energy to cook for more than an hour in the middle of the week? This is where our humble hero comes in: canned beans. They are a busy cook’s best friend because they’re inexpensive, nutritious, and versatile. A can of beans can bulk up a meaty dish, or they’re great on their own. In fact, with a can of beans in your pantry and 30 minutes on the clock, you’re well on your way to an easy, delicious dinner. These 10 bean recipes prove it. 

Weeknight Bean Recipes

Garlicky Beans and Greens over Toast 

When brothy beans meet crunchy toast, something magical happens — especially when garlicky greens are involved. Canned cannellini beans offer a hearty serving of protein and fiber, helping you stay fuller longer. Serve this creamy-crispy dish as-is, or top with crumbled feta, a shaving of Parmesan, or a runny poached egg for an extra dose of protein. 

Get the recipe: Garlicky Beans and Greens over Toast 

Pinto Bean Quesadillas 

A can of refried pinto beans instantly bulks up cheese quesadillas, transporting them from appetizer into main dish territory. The best part? They’re cooked to golden-brown perfection in the oven, meaning you’re not stuck standing over the stove. Don’t forget the salsa and guac for serving.  

Get the recipe: Pinto Bean Quesadillas

Spiced Chickpeas and Beef Over Couscous 

Hoping to reduce your meat intake this year? Using recipes that combine beans with meat is a great way to get started and cut your meat intake by half. Here, spiced, warmed chickpeas add flavor and texture, with very little work needed from you. Win, win!   

 Get the recipe: Spiced Chickpeas and Beef Over Couscous 

Curried Chickpea Bowl 

This fragrant, nourishing bowl will instantly warm you up. The veggies and chickpeas are simmered in coconut milk until tender, then served over couscous for a complete meal all-in-one. In fact, we recommend doubling the recipe and enjoying leftovers all week long.   

Get the recipe: Curried Chickpea Bowl

Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette 

The key to a crave-worthy salad? Packing in as much texture as possible. This one, bursting with crisp bell pepper, creamy chickpeas, and crunchy pita chips, knocks it out of the park. A bright and herby vinaigrette brings everything together.   

Get the recipe: Chickpea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Garlicky Cannellini Beans with Wilted Kale and Eggs 

This nutrient-dense, protein-packed skillet is a vegetarian’s dream. Mashing half the beans gives the dish creaminess and heft, while garlic and red pepper flakes add flavor to every bite. Plus, you can cook the eggs to your liking: nine minutes will give you set whites and runny yolks, while a few minutes longer will ensure the yolks cook through, too.   

Get the recipe: Garlicky Cannellini Beans with Wilted Kale and Eggs 

Chickpea Veggie Burgers 

Instead of finely chopping a bunch of veggies for these burgers, you’ll turn to a bag of frozen riced cauliflower and broccoli. Brilliant! The cooking method is equally smart: starting the patties in a skillet gives them an extra-crispy crust, while finishing them in the oven ensures the centers warm through.   

 Get the recipe: Chickpea Veggie Burger

Tuscan Bean Skillet  

This one-pot recipe draws inspiration from classic Tuscan flavors. Fresh veggies are cooked in a creamy, garlicky broth for weeknight dinner perfection. A can of low-sodium cannellini beans turns this 30-minute meal into a hearty dinner option, adding protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.  

Get the recipe: Tuscan Bean Skillet 

Easy Migas with Chorizo and Black Beans  

Not sure what to do with that half-bag of tortilla chips left over from the weekend? Make this Mexican-inspired speedy dinner. A blend of fresh veggies, sour cream, and salsa turn boring chips into a dazzling meal. Thanks to the fiber and protein from black beans, this low-cost recipe is also incredibly satisfying. 

Get the recipe: Easy Migas with Chorizo and Black Beans 

Pizza Beans  

Add a twist to your pizza night with this easy recipe. Replacing the crust with cannellini beans is a great way to add nutrition to your meal without taking the fun out of Pizza Fridays. The whole family will love this cheesy skillet recipe, even your fussy little ones.  

Get the recipe: Pizza Beans

Sheet Pan Quesadillas with Butternut Squash and Black Beans  

Adding protein to a vegetarian dish is easy when you have a can of beans. Coupled with butternut squash, black beans add essential nutrients to this sheet pan recipe. Bake your quesadillas at once for easy meal prep.  

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Quesadillas with Butternut Squash and Black Beans  

Cowboy Beans  

This Southwestern-inspired recipe uses pinto and kidney beans in addition to ground beef to bulk up your meal. Adding beans to your meals is a great way to eat less meat and still feel satisfied. The earthy flavors of coffee also add depth to your favorite barbecue sauce, turning this budget meal into a restaurant-worthy dish. 

Get the recipe: Cowboy Beans

Instant Pot Turkey Chili with Beans 

Chili is an easy one-pot dinner option when you have a few cans of beans left in your pantry and aren’t sure what to do with them. We like to keep a can of pinto beans and kidney beans on hand to boost the protein in this turkey chili. It’s an effortless and affordable way to make a nutritious meal, especially when you use an Instant Pot to do the heavy lifting. 

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Chili with Beans

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