Easy, Flavorful Recipes to Make the Most of Your Canned Goods

Canned goods are a pantry staple, but they don’t have to be boring. With a little creativity, you can turn those cans into flavorful meals that are quick, easy, and satisfying. Whether you’re in need of a last-minute dinner or looking to make the most of what’s already on your shelves, these simple recipes will help you do just that.

Carrot Lentil Soup

Orange soup in a bowl with a white swirl. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

This carrot and lentil soup is the perfect cozy weeknight meal, packed with a smooth carrot base, green lentils, and kale. Naturally vegan, it’s ready in just 25 minutes and pairs perfectly with buttered bread or crackers!

Get the recipe: Carrot Lentil Soup

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A casserole dish containing a rice casserole recipe covered in cheese and parsley. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This stuffed bell pepper casserole takes all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers and simplifies them into a quick, deconstructed dish. With a no-boil method, you’ll cut down on prep time and have this easy dinner ready in no time.

Get the recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Tuna Sushi Bake

A rice casserole topped with cucumber and drizzled sauce. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This is an easy sushi bake recipe featuring rice, canned tuna, slivered nori, and a spicy mayo drizzle. This fuss-free sushi casserole is perfect for weeknights and meal prepping or for get-togethers.

Get the recipe: Tuna Sushi Bake

Lima Bean Soup

Vegetable bean soup in a bowl. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

This hearty one-pot soup is the ultimate comfort dinner, with a starchy base of lima beans and potatoes in a rich vegetable broth. Seasoned with dried herbs, it’s the perfect meal to warm you up on chilly nights.

Get the recipe: Lima Bean Soup

Marry Me Chickpeas

Chickpeas in a sauce on top of couscous and peas. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

These marry me chickpeas are bursting with bold, satisfying flavors. Combining creamy chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this one-pot dish makes for a quick and hearty weeknight meal.

Get the recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas

Pumpkin Pasta

Short noodles in orange sauce topped with sage leaves, shredded cheese, and pumpkin seeds. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This creamy, flavorful sauce is made from scratch with a simple one-pot method. Combining canned pumpkin puree, garlic, and fresh sage, it creates a comforting sauce that’s perfect for any pasta dish.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake

Baked pasta and meatballs in a casserole dish with melted cheese. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This cheesy meatball pasta bake is a one-pot wonder that the whole family will devour. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a satisfying, comforting dish that’s quick and easy to make.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake

Elote Fries

Fries topped with corn, peanuts, pickled red onion, green onions, white sauce, and lime wedges beside a can and glass of beer. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Top your fries with all the delicious flavors of Mexican street corn, including lime-infused grilled corn, chili and lime seasoning, grated cheese, crumbled cheese, and a drizzle of Mexican crema sauce.

Get the recipe: Elote Fries

Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta

Pasta with orange sauce topped with shredded cheese and oregano leaves. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Bucatini pasta in a rich, homemade chipotle and pumpkin sauce makes for the perfect one-pot dinner. It’s comforting, easy to make, and pairs wonderfully with a side salad or roasted broccoli.

Get the recipe: Chipotle Pumpkin Pasta

Navy Bean Soup

Bean soup in a bowl. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This smoky navy bean soup is the ultimate cozy, homemade meal with bold flavors. Packed with canned navy beans, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of liquid smoke, it's perfect for a quick dinner.

Get the recipe: Navy Bean Soup