If you’ve got a can of beans in your pantry, you’re already halfway to dinner.
Beans are one of the most underrated kitchen staples around. It’s inexpensive, packed with protein and fiber, and surprisingly versatile.
But best of all? It can turn into something totally delicious with just a few extra ingredients.
These 17 meals are quick, satisfying, and shockingly good for starting with something as simple as a can of beans. Let’s get cooking!
Easy One Pot Rice and Beans

Image Credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.
This one-pot rice and Beans is made with common pantry staples for a nutritious and flavorful meal. This simple recipe makes an inexpensive entree or filling meal, all made in one pot!
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Rice and Beans
Sweet Potato Black Bean No Roll Enchiladas Recipe
This delightful dinner recipe for Sweet Potato Black Bean No-Roll Enchiladas is an ideal dish that the entire family will adore! For convenience, it’s a no-roll enchilada recipe. The beans provide a hearty dose of protein to this vegetarian dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean No Roll Enchiladas Recipe
Salsa Vegetable Soup With Beans
Salsa Vegetable Soup with Beans is a simple vegetarian recipe that you can whip up in just 30 minutes using pantry staples. It’s bursting with flavor and is the ideal quick-fix meal.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Vegetable Soup with Beans
Air Fryer Refried Beans With Canned Pinto Beans
This air-fried refried beans recipe transforms a simple can of pinto beans into a flavorful and delightful dish—all without the need for a stove! They make an ideal side or filling for numerous dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Refried Beans With Canned Pinto Beans
Spanish Rice and Beans

Image Credit: Vegan Huggs.
This richly flavored Spanish Rice and Beans dish is a one-pot recipe that can be served as a side dish or amped up into a meal. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is ready in under 40 minutes! Plus, it’s filling, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prepping.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice and Beans
Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole
Looking for a super-easy meatless meal for the family? Try this Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole! It’s a healthy, hearty, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-free dinner idea. This dairy-free, creamy, and zesty casserole can be made ahead of time, is freezer-friendly, and makes for a comforting weeknight meal that everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole
Skillet British Baked Beans
This skillet baked beans in tomato sauce recipe offers a wholesome and tasty side dish that seems as if it was made in the heart of Great Britain.
Get the Recipe: Skillet British Baked Beans
Puerto Rican Arroz Con Gandules

Image Credit: Carne Diem.
Puerto Rican Arroz Con Gandules, or Rice with Pigeon Peas, is a traditional Puerto Rican side dish that you will find served with many classic dishes in Puerto Rico such as Smoked Pernil- Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder or stuffed avocados. You can absolutely eat it as a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Puerto Rican Arroz Con Gandules: Rice with Pigeon Peas
Roasted Crispy Cannellini Beans
These roasted, crispy cannellini beans turn simple ingredients into a delicious and healthy snack! It’s one of my easiest recipes yet! You only need three ingredients, which are likely already in your pantry.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Crispy Cannellini Beans
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Slow-cooker Taco Soup is a delicious and easy alternative to taco night. It allows you to enjoy all your favorite flavors in a simple weeknight dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Red Beans and Rice With Shrimp

Image Credit: Bless this Meal.
This Red Beans and Rice with Shrimp is a true Southern staple featuring tender red beans, juicy shrimp, and a thick, flavorful sauce made with aromatic spices.
Get the Recipe: Red Beans and Rice with Shrimp
Dairy-Free Potato Leek Soup
This dairy-free potato leek soup is the best! It’s super creamy and silky smooth, while still being healthy and easy to make. There’s nothing better than a big bowl of hearty potato leek soup, especially when you can easily make it vegan and dairy-free! And yes, this has beans in it!
Get the Recipe: Dairy-free Potato Leek Soup
Cheesy Rice and Black Bean Enchilada Soup

Image Credit: Little Spice Jar.
This Rice and Black Bean enchilada soup is hearty, warm, and comforting dish! It’s loaded with two kinds of beans, filling brown rice, and veggies, all in an enchilada-style broth. It’s easy, and you can make it on the stovetop or instant pot!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rice and Black Bean Enchilada Soup
Pork Chili with Butternut and Kale
This a quick and healthy recipe for Pork Chili with Butternut and Kale. You will be pleasantly surprised at how delicious and nutritious it is!
Get the Recipe: Pork Chili with Butternut and Kale
Navy Beans Recipe
This Navy Beans Recipe is a comforting dish made with tender white beans simmered with ham, aromatic veggies, cherry tomatoes, and plenty of herbs for the most flavorful bowl of beans ever.
Get the Recipe: The Best Navy Beans Recipe
Cuban Rice and Beans Recipe
This one-pot Cuban rice and beans recipe is simple and delicious. It is a healthy and versatile side dish for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Rice and Beans Recipe
Creamy Miso Butternut Squash Butter Beans
Creamy Miso Butternut Squash Butter Beans is a delicious fall vegan dinner recipe. These beans can be made in one pot in less than 30 minutes. They are full of flavor, delicious, simple, and easy to make. This recipe is so flavorful and creamy that you would never know it’s vegan.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Miso Butternut Squash Butter Beans


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