Quick & Creative Uses for Baked Beans

How many times have you served canned Baked Beans as a side at a picnic? They're a natural pairing for burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken and other picnic foods. Baked Beans aren't just for summertime parties, though! You can use them to make quick and easy meals all year long.

*Tip: The Baked Bean isn't the only versatile legume out there. Black beans and pinto beans work well in countless recipes.

ADD THEM TO TACOS

Want to add some flavor and fiber to standard tacos or stretch that pound of ground beef? Combing beef and canned baked beans is an easy way to do it. The prep is super easy, and everyone at the table can customize his own tacos. Using the beef-and-bean mix as a base, and either hard or soft shells, your family can choose from a variety of provided toppings to make their unique creations.

ENJOY THEM FOR BREAKFAST

Baked Beans for breakfast? Yep, you can do that. Keeping with the south-of-the-border theme, these burritos fit a lot of protein and flavor into one easy-to-eat package. This recipe captures all your favorite breakfast flavors: sweet, maple-flavored Baked Beans, savory eggs and bacon, and zesty peppers. Best of all, it takes only about ten minutes to make — perfect for a busy morning.

MAKE IT ALL IN ONE POT

Really strapped for time? Combine rice, beans, rotisserie chicken, corn and black beans with a can of Baked Beans, and you'll have a delicious, filling dish with only one pot to clean and just a few minutes of work. Vegetarian? Omit the chicken.

Baked Beans don't have to get second billing in your meal. With these recipes, they're a simple, delicious main attraction.

 

MEET JUILE NIESEN

Whether it is simple street fare or cutting-edge cuisine, Julie reflects her passion for food as she tries recipes and explores the foodie scene – finding new and different dishes for several print and digital publications. She enjoys sharing her passions with others through her blog, which has been featured by Zagat and Urban Spoon. Julie Niesen is a third-party contributor to The Bean Life and is not an employee of Bush Brothers & Company.