19 Protein-Packed Recipes that Start with Canned Beans

We keep at least a few cans of beans stocked in our pantry at all times. Beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and B vitamins, not to mention that they're highly accessible: You can find canned beans at pretty much any grocery store, often for less than a dollar per can. In comparison to other primary protein sources (like ground beef or chicken), beans cost very little, last a long while, and require no refrigeration. Economically and environmentally friendly, beans form the backbone of many vegetarian meals. If you simply want to reduce your meat intake but want to ensure you're still getting all your nutrients, swapping meat for beans every once in a while is a great option (or you can double down with the all-star combination of beef and 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.