A can of beans can do a lot more than just sit in the back of the pantry collecting dust. When money’s tight or you just don’t feel like grocery shopping, it’s the perfect base for a meal that actually tastes good. These recipes turn that humble can into soups, tacos, skillet meals, and even meatballs—because dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to work. Most of them come together fast, use minimal ingredients, and don’t require much effort.
Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans
A can of beans and a few pantry staples turn into a solid meal with barely any effort. The Instant Pot does all the work, cooking the beans in a rich tomato sauce until they’re soft and full of flavor. Serve it over toasted sourdough or eat it straight from the bowl—either way, it’s a great way to stretch a can of beans into something that actually feels like dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans
Dandelion Greens and Beans
This simple meal comes together in under 30 minutes, using dandelion greens and a mix of cannellini and kidney beans for a protein boost. It’s the kind of dish that makes the most of what’s already in the kitchen, proving that a can of beans and some leafy greens can actually be a real meal.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Greens and Beans
Escarole and Beans
A classic Italian dish that keeps things simple—escarole, white beans, garlic, and a solid broth come together in minutes. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every last bit. It’s cheap, easy, and exactly what you need when the fridge is looking empty but you still want something filling.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans
Instant Pot Bean Soup
A can of beans, a tomato base, and a mix of lentils make this soup hearty enough to be a meal on its own. The Instant Pot gets everything soft and flavorful in no time, and a handful of kale stirred in at the end keeps it fresh. A smart way to turn pantry staples into something that actually feels like dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Mashed white beans and kale stuffed into a crispy tortilla, with melted cheddar holding it all together. A drizzle of BBQ sauce takes it up a notch. This is the kind of cheap, fast meal that works any night of the week—because a can of beans and cheese is always a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Italian Black Bean Meatballs
Black beans step in for ground beef in these easy, flavorful meatballs. They hold up great with marinara and pasta, making them a solid choice when you want something hearty but don’t feel like dealing with meat. A simple way to make a can of beans stretch further.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs
Blueberry White Bean Salad
White beans and blueberries get tossed in a creamy tahini dressing with basil, mint, and pickled red onions for a mix of flavors that actually works. A handful of pumpkin and sunflower seeds adds crunch. It’s a cheap, high-protein salad that feels fresh and easy.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad
BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza
Think of this as a cross between a quesadilla and a pizza. Black beans, shredded chicken, and cheese get layered onto tortillas and baked until crispy. A great option when you want something fun and easy that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
This one-skillet meal keeps things simple with chicken, chickpeas, and a creamy turmeric sauce. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup just as easy as cooking. Serve it over rice and call it dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Vegetable Bean Skillet
A can of beans and whatever vegetables you have on hand come together in one skillet for a no-fuss, meatless meal. It’s quick, filling, and the perfect way to use up ingredients before the next grocery trip.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet
Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup
This smooth carrot soup gets an extra boost from cannellini beans, making it more filling than the usual vegetable puree. The fennel adds a fresh flavor that keeps it from being too heavy. A solid choice when you want something easy but still a little different.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage
White beans, sausage, and a creamy broth make this soup rich and hearty without requiring much effort. It’s packed with vegetables and comes together quickly, making it a perfect go-to when you need something filling but don’t want to spend all night cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage
Quick Red Beans and Rice
A fast version of the classic, this dish brings together red beans, rice, and smoked sausage in a no-fuss, one-pot meal. It’s cheap, easy, and proof that a can of beans can actually hold its own as the base of a real dinner.
Get the Recipe: Quick Red Beans and Rice
White Bean & Sweet Potato Tacos
White beans and roasted sweet potatoes make a surprisingly great taco filling. Add a little lime and some cheese, and dinner is ready in no time. A cheap, simple way to make tacos without needing meat.
Get the Recipe: White Bean & Sweet Potato Tacos
White Bean Green Chile Chicken Soup
A can of white beans, shredded chicken, and green chilies come together in a simple, flavorful broth. It’s got just the right amount of heat and works great with tortilla chips crumbled on top. A solid choice when you need something quick and comforting.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Green Chile Chicken Soup
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
