Canned beans are one of our favorite budget friendly items to keep stocked in our pantry at all times. We’ve put together a collection of over 80 recipes using canned beans that are simple, delicious and all Mediterranean diet inspired.
Benefits of Beans
Beans are a staple of The Mediterranean diet and are featured in many, many dishes throughout the different cuisines. They offer a lot of different health benefits including –
- Fiber – most American’s don’t get anywhere near enough dietary fiber each day. Fiber can help decrease cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, maintain blood sugar levels, keep you full longer and keep your intestines working smoothly
- Protein – a plant based source of protein
- Good source of Folate, Magnesium, Zinc and Potassium
- Great for diabetes because they can help maintain blood sugar levels and reduce spikes
- Good for heart health – the fiber and minerals can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol
Different Between Canned Beans and Dried Beans
If you aren’t used to cooking with beans, you might wonder if there is a difference between dried versus canned. We shared some pro’s and con’s of each type in this article – What’s the Different Between Dry Beans and Canned Beans?
Bottom line – there is no major difference nutrition wise besides the sodium content. Canned beans can often have sodium added so just be sure to choose the low sodium variety.
Dried beans are less expensive when you break it down into cost per serving but canned beans offer more convenience if you don’t have time to pre-soak your dried beans. All in all, choose whatever fits your budget, prepping and cooking schedule.
80 Different Recipes Using Canned Beans
Below we are sharing a variety of recipes using different types of canned beans. They range from salads, soups, to entrees and even desserts!
We’ve organized them by type of bean so you can search depending on the bean you want to cook with. If you make any of the recipes, be sure to let us know. Happy cooking.
Recipes with Black Beans
- Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Chili Lime Yogurt
- Baked Enchilada Casserole
- 10 Minute Vegan Black Bean Tacos by Delish Knowledge
- Easy Chicken Flautas by HOORAH to Health
- Stuffed Pepper Soup by HOORAH to Health
- Easy Rice and Beans Recipe by Carrots & Cookies
- Mango Black Bean Salsa by Healthy(ish) Appetite
- Black Bean Avocado Salad by Healthy, Simple, Yum
- Sheet Pan Huevos Rancheros by The Oregon Dietitian
- Black Bean Flautas by Healthy, Simple, Yum
- Vegan Tacos with Quinoa and Black Beans by The Oregon Dietitian
- Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers by The Oregon Dietitian
- Spaghetti Squash Burritos by Kelsey P. RD
- Mediterranean Black Bean Quinoa Burgers by Being Nutritious
- Peach, Corn and Black Bean Salsa by Nutrition Starring You
- Super Fudgy Flour-less Black Bean Brownies by Beautiful Eats & Things
- Easy Black Eyed Pea Salad by Sizzling Nutrition
- Vegetarian Burrito Bowl with Avocado Sauce by HOORAH to Health
- Fiesta Corn and Avocado Salad by HOORAH to Health
- Quick & Easy Vegan Tortilla Soup (gluten free) by EA Stewart
- Vegan Southwest Soup by Kelly Jones Nutrition
- One Pot Vegetarian Enchilada Pasta by Champagne Nutrition
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowls with Glossy Green Sauce by Mom’s Kitchen Handbook
- Turkey Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes by Mom’s Kitchen Handbook
- 7 Layer Bean Dip by Create Kids Club
- Last Minute Black Bean Soup by Liz’a Healthy Table
- Easy Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos by Bucket List Tummy
Kidney Bean Recipes
- Chunky Italian Turkey Fennel Soup by Craving Something Healthy
- Slow Cooker Vegan Red Beans and Rice by Delish Knowledge
Chickpea / Garbanzo Beans
- Homemade Hummus Recipe
- Vegetarian Wonton Bites
- Crispy Chili Lime Roasted Chickpeas
- Chickpea Artichoke Salad Jars by Kelsey P. RD
- Chickpea Brownies by Healthy, Simple, Yum
- Hawaiian Meatballs by Being Nutritious
- Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Sandwich by Food, Pleasure & Health
- Chana Aloo Curry (Vegan Chickpea and Potato Curry) by Fad Free Nutrition
- Cream of Chick Pea Soup by Jean LaMantia
- Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites by Healthy(ish) Appetite
- Spicy Chickpea Power Bowls with Tzatziki by Healthy(ish) Appetite
- Spicy Vegan Salsa Verde Soup by Delish Knowledge
- Pumpkin Chickpea Blondies by Once Upon a Pumpkin
- Curried Power Bowl by Vandana Sheth
- Indian Spiced Chickpeas by Sarah Pflugradt
- Butterscotch Oatmeal Chickpea Cookies by RDRx Nutrition
- Plant Based Buffalo Bowls by RDRx Nutrition
- Coconut Green bean Curry by It’s a Veg World After All
- Brothy Chickpeas with Olive Oil Garlic Croutons by Mom’s Kitchen Handbook
- Greek Salad with Tuna and Beans by LiveBest
- Gluten Free Chickpea Brownies by Better is the New Perfect
Recipes featuring White Beans
- The Best Mashed Cauliflower with White Beans and Horseradish
- Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables with White Beans by Craving Something Healthy
- Asparagus Ribbon Spring Salad by Healthy Feels
- Mediterranean Salmon Salad with Artichokes, White Beans and Lemon Dressing by Nutrition Starring You
- Instant Pot Bean and Barley Soup by HOORAH to Health
- Marinated White Bean Salad by Delish Knowledge
- Broccoli Rabe and White Bean Pasta by Kelly Jones Nutrition
- Dairy Free Spinach and Artichoke Dip by Kelly Jones Nutrition
- White Chicken Chili by Haute & Healthy Living
- Delicata Squash Soup by Nourish Nutrition
- White Bean and Farro Bowl by Nourish Nutrition
- Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Soup by The Marching Apron
- Turnip Stir Fry with White Beans by It’s A Veg World After All
- Vegan Cauliflower and Parsnip Soup by It’s a Veg World After All
- One Pot Baked Greek Chicken Stew by LiveBest
Multiple Types of Beans
- Easy Bean Salad
- Ridiculously Easy Meatless Chili
- (Cowboy) Texas Caviar by The Healthy Epicurian
- Vegan Chili Recipe by Healthy, Simple, Yum
- Three Bean Chicken Chili by Craving Something Healthy
- Slow Cooker Vegan Chili by Melissa Traub
- 3 Bean Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing by Nutrition Starring You
- 3 Bean Lentil Chili by Sizzling Nutrition
- Slow Cooker Minestrone by Dana White Nutrition
- Enchilada Casserole with Frozen Spinach and a Can of Bean Chili by Liz’s Healthy Table
Pinto Beans or Refried Beans
- Non-Refried Beans Base Recipe by To Taste
- Refried Bean Tacos by Nourish Nutrition
- Air Fryer Olive & Refried Bean Taquitos by Dana White Nutrition
- Mexican Caramelized Rice and Veggie Skillet by Jackie Newgent