19 Protein-Packed Recipes that Start with Canned Beans
Beans have long played a solid supporting role in Southern cooking (red rice and beans, anybody?), so we’ve collected 19 of our favorite dinners that start with a can of beans. Whether you’re working with black beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, or white beans, we have a recipe that will satisfy the whole family. No matter whether beans play the starring or supporting role in these dishes, we can guarantee that you’ll be saving these fuss-free bean recipes for years to come.
Baked Beans
Recipe: Baked Beans
This from-scratch Baked Beans recipe starts with 4 cans of pork and beans in tomato sauce, which then gets infused with flavor from dry mustard and molasses.
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Okra and Chickpeas in Fresh Tomato Sauce
Recipe: Okra and Chickpeas in Fresh Tomato Sauce
We always keep canned chickpeas stocked in our pantry, and this recipe transforms the beans into a stunning fresh dinner.
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Pressure-Cooker Beef-and-Bean Chili
Recipe: Pressure-Cooker Beef-and-Bean Chili
With the help of your pressure cooker, this hearty dinner will be ready in just under an hour.
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Easy Taco Casserole
Recipe: Easy Taco Casserole
Mix it up for taco night this week with this casserole version of the Tex-Mex classic.
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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Great Northern beans form the creamy backbone of this white chili.
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Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake
Recipe: Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake
A cross between chili and a casserole, this Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake is the best of both worlds.
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Sheet Pan Nachos
Recipe: Sheet Pan Nachos
Pinto beans sprinkled atop these Sheet Pan Nachos take them to the next level.
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Vegan Chili
Recipe: Vegan Chili
With kidney beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas, this Vegan Chili is a triple-threat.
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Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This salsa doesn’t require much dressing up—it’s a perfect snack for gameday or to enjoy alongside a taco dinner.
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Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Top this soup with fried tortilla strips for crunch, then load on all the extra toppings you'd like.
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Beef Tamale Pie
Recipe: Beef Tamale Pie
With a stunning cornbread topping, this Beef Tamale Pie is sure to satisfy the whole family.
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Sheet Pan Nachos with Chorizo and Refried Beans Recipe
Recipe: Sheet Pan Nachos with Chorizo and Refried Beans Recipe
Refried beans bring a creamy texture to otherwise crunchy, meaty nachos.
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Thyme-Scented White Bean and Sausage Stew
Recipe: Thyme-Scented White Bean and Sausage Stew
Once you start simmering this stew, the lovely, herbaceous perfume of thyme, white beans, and sausage will fill your kitchen.
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Pulled Pork Nachos
Recipe: Pulled Pork Nachos
Have some leftover shredded smoked pork? Toss it on these simple oven-baked nachos.
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Brisket-and-Black Bean Chili with Cilantro-Lime Crema
Recipe: Brisket-and-Black Bean Chili with Cilantro-Lime Crema
Serve this warming chili in campfire mugs to channel the spirit of breezy summer evenings.
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Chicken Chili Pot Pie
Recipe: Chicken Chili Pot Pie
You can serve this crowd-pleaser in individual ramekins or family-style in a skillet. Either way, it’s guaranteed to impress.
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Cowboy Casserole
Recipe: Cowboy Casserole
Topped with a layer of tater tots, this extravagant meal will win highly praise from the little ones.
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Smoky White Bean Soup
Recipe: Smoky White Bean Soup
Looking for a quick-fix supper? This Smoky White Bean Soup comes together in just 25 minutes.
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Easy Skillet Tacos
Recipe: Easy Skillet Tacos
Winner winner, skillet taco dinner! We swap the traditional black beans for pinto beans in this weeknight recipe.