New Ways to Use Canned Beans

Beans aren’t boring! There are many ways to use canned beans. Think outside the baked beans can!

Beans can be part of a meal, a side dish, or made into a tasty snack. They can be served hot or cold. Add to soups, stews, or casseroles because they soak up flavors. Beans are also a lean protein that can be used in place of meat in a recipe. Check out more ways to use canned beans below.

Preparing canned beans. Remember to drain and rinse the beans to remove additional salt. Store leftover beans in a covered plastic dish and refrigerate. Do not store leftover beans in the can.

Here are some recipes to try!

Breakfast:
Eggs Mexicali
Breakfast Tacos

Lunch:
Chicken Power Wrap
Half-Veggie Burgers
Fresh Spinach and Cilantro Salad

Dinner:
3 Can Chili
Greens and Beans
Pasta with Greens, Beans, and Chicken

Snack:
Walnut Hummus Dip with Apples
Roasted chickpeas (or garbanzos)
Confetti Bean Salsa

Beans have different flavors. If you want to get creative, these flavor descriptions can help you find the right bean to add to your recipe:

• Great Northern Beans- nutty flavor, and good for soups and purees
• Fava Beans- sweet and buttery flavor
• Navy Beans - is what the baked bean is without its sauce - creamy flavor
• Black Beans- sweet and creamy flavor
• Chickpeas (Garbanzo beans)- buttery and nutty flavor

Canned beans have a long shelf life and can be a go-to in your pantry. Stock up when there is a store sale or deal. You can also cook dried beans and use them instead of canned. Each can equals about 1 ½ cups cooked beans.