Don’t Sleep on Beans: The Pantry Staple Doing the Most

Healthy Chili Mac and Cheese recipe in a white dutch oven topped with green onions

Beans might not be the flashiest ingredient, but with their plant protein, soluble fiber, and versatility, they’re worth making a pantry staple. And if you’re looking for budget-friendly dinners? Well, beans are the BEST!

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Easy bean recipes to please every palate!

I started Well Plated when Ben and I were on a newlywed budget, so canned beans were always in the pantry. And all these years later, if you hand me a can of black beans or pintos, I could rattle off dozens of potential dinner options for it.

Beans aren’t just budget-friendly though. They’re a great plant-based protein, they can be used in so many different recipes, they’ve got a mild flavor that makes them a hit with just about everyone, and because they’re in a can, you don’t have to stress about using them before they go bad.

As if that’s not enough of a selling point, they’re already cooked, so they make dinner easier too!

Don’t Sleep on Dried Beans Either

While the focus of this post is canned beans, dried beans are even more affordable—but they do take a bit more time and planning.

That said, I really do like the flavor and texture of dried beans, so I make them when I’ve got them time. I usually make a big batch of Crock Pot Pinto Beans, Instant Pot Black Beans, or Instant Pot Refried Beans and use them throughout the week.

About 1 1/2 cups of cooked dried beans equal 1 standard can of beans.