25 Surprisingly Good Meals You Can Make With A Can Of White Beans

A can of white beans might not look like much, but it’s an easy way to turn a few simple ingredients into something great. They add creaminess to soups, bulk up stews, and even work in salads, dips, and quesadillas. These recipes prove that white beans aren’t just filler—they bring plenty of flavor and texture to the table.

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Mashed white beans and kale fill these cheesy quesadillas, making them a great meatless meal. A drizzle of BBQ sauce adds a tangy kick.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Escarole and Beans

This Italian dish pairs white beans with escarole in a simple, flavorful broth. It’s an easy way to turn basic pantry ingredients into a comforting meal.
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Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

White beans and tomatoes cook quickly in the Instant Pot, creating a rich, flavorful dish that works well over toasted sourdough bread. A drizzle of olive oil adds the final touch.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

White beans blend into this soup, making it thick and creamy without dairy. The fresh fennel adds a subtle, bright flavor, balancing the richness of the carrots.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

Farro Risotto with White Beans

A heartier take on risotto, this dish swaps traditional rice for nutty farro and combines it with white beans in a flavorful broth. It’s a simple but deeply satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Farro Risotto with White Beans

White Bean Chili

White beans give this chili a thick, hearty texture while soaking up a bold mix of spices. Loaded with vegetables and protein, it’s an easy meal that comes together quickly and keeps well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Chili

Creamy Italian White Bean Soup

A pot of this soup simmering on the stove fills the kitchen with rich, comforting aromas. White beans create a smooth, velvety texture, while fresh herbs and a hint of garlic bring out the flavors. It’s an easy, filling meal that works well for both weeknights and slow weekends.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian White Bean Soup

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

A fast, flavorful option for busy nights, this white chicken chili comes together in 30 minutes thanks to the Instant Pot. White beans add body to the creamy broth, while corn and green chilies bring a touch of sweetness and heat.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili With Cauliflower

This one-pot meal combines shredded chicken, white beans, and cauliflower rice in a thick, creamy broth. The mild spice makes it a comforting choice that doesn’t take long to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili With Cauliflower

White Bean Chicken Chili

A great way to use leftover smoked chicken, this chili is packed with protein and simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and white beans. It’s easy to make and even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Chicken Chili

White Bean Chili With Black Garlic

This high-protein chili gets an upgrade with black garlic, adding deep, earthy flavors to the mix. White beans provide a creamy base, while fresh vegetables and warm spices bring everything together. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s great for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Chili With Black Garlic

Tuscan White Bean Kale Soup

A simple, wholesome soup that makes white beans the star. Fresh kale adds color and texture, while garlic and olive oil round out the flavors. It’s an easy meal that works well any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Kale Soup

Cajun Bean Soup

This Cajun-inspired bean soup is bold and satisfying. A mix of white beans, ham, and andouille sausage simmers with tomatoes and green chilies for a spicy, protein-packed dish.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Bean Soup

Garlic Butter Cannellini Beans

These creamy cannellini beans are cooked with fresh herbs, garlic, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Finished with parmesan and cherry tomatoes, they’re perfect as a side or light main dish.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Cannellini Beans

Fasolada

This traditional Greek bean soup keeps things simple with white beans, olive oil, and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection. A drizzle of extra olive oil before serving enhances its richness.
Get the Recipe: Fasolada

Cheesy Beans on Toasted Garlic Bread

White beans baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella make for an easy, 20-minute meal. Scooped onto toasted garlic bread, this dish is a heartier version of classic beans on toast.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beans on Toasted Garlic Bread

White Bean Cabbage Soup

This one-pot soup comes together in under an hour with white beans, tender cabbage, and a flavorful broth. It’s a simple, comforting dish that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Cabbage Soup

White Bean Basil Dip

This smooth, creamy dip comes together in minutes using canned white beans, lemon juice, fresh basil, and garlic. It’s great for spreading on toast, dipping with veggies, or using as a sandwich spread.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Basil Dip

White Bean Soup with Bacon

White beans simmer with fresh herbs, crispy bacon, and hearty vegetables in a thick, savory broth. This protein-packed soup is a great way to make a simple ingredient go a long way.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup with Bacon

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

A set-it-and-forget-it meal, this slow cooker chili lets white beans, chicken, and seasonings meld together over several hours. The result is a creamy, satisfying dish that’s easy to prep in the morning.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Authentic Pasta e Fagioli

A staple Italian soup, pasta e fagioli pairs white beans with pancetta, pasta, and a savory broth. It’s an easy, filling meal that tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Pasta e Fagioli

Vegetable Orzo Soup

White beans, fresh vegetables, and orzo pasta come together in a light yet satisfying soup. This dish is quick to make and works well for both busy nights and relaxed dinners.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Orzo Soup

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

This simple salad combines white beans, tuna, and fresh herbs for a meal that’s both refreshing and hearty. Serve it over greens or with crusty bread for a quick, protein-packed option.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Ribollita (Italian Bean Soup)

This thick, rustic soup makes great use of white beans, vegetables, and stale bread. Slowly simmered with garlic and broth, it’s a nourishing meal with deep flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ribollita (Italian Bean Soup)

Vegetable Stew with Dumplings

A meat-free take on classic stew, this dish combines white beans, mushrooms, and butternut squash in a rich red wine sauce. Herb-infused dumplings soak up the broth for a satisfying finish.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stew with Dumplings