60 Canned Bean Recipes: Easy Ways to Use a Can of Beans

Beans are one of the most wholesome (and cheapest!) foods of all time. They contain solid amounts of plant-based protein, fiber, low GI carbohydrates, and fat as well as tons of important micronutrients, all for a very inexpensive cost. What’s even more amazing is that there are so many different types of beans and ways to prepare them! You can enjoy them cooked with a touch of seasoning, fresh in a simple salad, or even mashed into a mouth-watering bean burger. 

Further, canned beans are also such an easy pantry staple to keep on hand. You probably have a variety of canned beans in your pantry right now! While some enjoy cooking beans from scratch versus cooking with canned beans, you can’t deny the convenience and ease of using canned beans that are ready to go! So if you’re wondering what to do with canned beans, here are 60 simple canned bean recipes, so you will never have to run out of tasty ways to use a can of beans.

What’s the Difference Between Dry and Canned Beans?

The main difference between dry beans and canned beans is that canned beans are already cooked and dry beans are not. Dry beans require extra time to soak and/or boil to be edible. Sometimes, this process can take as long as overnight! With canned beans, you just need to open the can, rinse the beans, and they are ready to use. How convenient! The following recipes contain two or more different types of beans, so if you’re looking for nutritious and hearty vegan canned bean recipes, these ones have you covered!  

Recipes That Use Any Kind of Bean:

• Barley and Bean Soup
• Southwest Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Everyone’s Favorite Bean Salad
• Southwestern Soup
• Bean and Rice Burrito
• Crockpot Four Bean Chili
• Hearty Kale and Bean Soup

How Are Canned Beans Made?

Canned beans go through a process where they are cooked at high heat under steam pressure. Then, they’re mixed with water and a preservative (usually salt). Finally, they’re sealed in a can for transport and storage. When using canned beans, I recommend you drain and rinse them in order to remove the excess salt in the liquid. Once rinsed, they’re ready to be used however you prefer, from burritos or dips, to plant-based patties and meatballs. The opportunities are endless! 

Black or Pinto Bean Recipes (Can Often Be Used Interchangeably)

• Fully Loaded Burrito with Mole Sauce
• Southwestern Lettuce Wraps
• Tofu Chilaquiles
• Pinto Bean Dip
• Easy Tamales
• Black Bean and Onion Pilaf
• Southwest Black Bean Burger
• Black Bean Chili
• Black Bean Meatballs
• No Queso-Dilla
• Summer Pasta Salad
• Vegan Black Bean Curry
• Vegan Chocolate Mousse with Black Beans

Do Beans Contain Protein?

They do! Beans are a good source of plant-based protein. However, they are primarily a source of carbohydrates, which is great! Not only do beans keep you full and satiated from the protein content, but the give a quick energy source because of the dense amount of carbohydrates. Also, because beans contain a high amount of fiber, they are a low-glycemic carb, which makes them great, even for those with blood sugar or diabetes concerns. Beans are a wonderful, well-rounded and nutrient-rich food source that are perfect for keeping you energized. The following white bean recipes are a delicious way to stay fueled up to tackle the day!

White Beans Recipes

• Pasta, Bean & Tomato Soup
• Tomato Basil Spaghetti
• Chipotle White Bean Dip
• Creamy Asparagus Soup
• Spicy Sweet Potato and Jalapeno Burger
• Homestyle Baked Beans
• Creamy White Bean and Chive Spread
• Strawberry & Blueberry White Bean Smoothie
• Pasta Italiano
• Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale
• Kale Pesto Pate

How Long Can You Store Canned Beans?

One of the best things about canned beans is that they’re shelf stable. Most of the time, they stay good to eat 3-4 years after you buy them. What a superfood! As long as you keep canned beans in good condition, you can store beans for years! It never hurts to be prepared for a rainy day, and what better food to have than well-rounded beans! Once opened, store canned beans in an air-tight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or 1-2 months in the freezer. Here are some garbanzo bean (or chickpea) recipes to enjoy, rain or shine, now or later! 

Garbanzo Beans/Chickpeas Recipes

• Summer Pasta Salad
• Easy Baked Falafel
• Chocolate Chickpea Bark
• BBQ Chickpea Wrap
• Lentil Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing
• The Perfect Pasta Salad
• Chickpea Quinoa Burgers
• Garbanzo Bean Kale Salad
• Chickpea Sweet Potato Boats
• Chickpea Tuna Salad
• Classic Hummus
• Chickpea Salad
• Curry Chickpeas
• Coconut Curry Soup
• Tandoori Chickpeas
• Easy Cauliflower Chickpea Curry
• Dark Chocolate Hummus
• Garbanzo Broccolini Stir Fry
• Chickpea Blondies Recipe
• Vegan Chickpea Cookie Dough
• Easy Chana Masala with Whole Spices
• Lemon Orzo Salad

The Best Thing About Canned Beans!

In today’s market, you can find a standard-sized can of beans for a little over one dollar. How incredible is that? With how versatile, nutrient dense, and delicious a simple can of beans is, you can’t get much better than that! You can even get a bigger bang for your buck if you buy in bulk. Eating plant-based foods has never been cheaper! Here are some super easy and inexpensive kidney bean recipes to enjoy.

Kidney Beans Recipes

• Spicy Red Bean Burger
• The Easiest Burger You’ll Ever Make
• Colorful Farro Salad
• Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Oil-Free Red Kidney Bean Loaf
• Vegan Jambalaya with Beans and Sausage
• Low Calorie Protein Pasta Salad with Kidney Beans & Lettuce
• Kidney Bean Curry
  

As you can see, I love canned beans and enjoy all of the benefits that come from eating them! In addition to being insanely inexpensive, they’re quick and easy to prepare, and so nutritious in many different ways. Beans are the best! Let us know which recipes you try out!