Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen every night, only to come up with a lackluster meal that doesn’t impress your family or satisfy your taste buds? Do you wish you had more time and energy to cook up something delicious, but can’t seem to find the inspiration? Look no further! With these 18 easy canned food recipes, you’ll be able to whip up a tasty meal in no time, even on the busiest of nights.
From classic comfort foods like tuna casserole and green bean casserole, to international-inspired dishes like black bean and corn quesadillas and spicy sardine toast, there’s something for everyone in this collection. And the best part? You won’t have to spend all day shopping for exotic ingredients or slaving away over a hot stove. With canned goods as your foundation, you’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily these meals come together.
In the following pages, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of canned food, showcasing 18 recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household.
Creamy Tuna Casserole with Peas
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This creamy tuna casserole is a great way to use canned tuna and frozen peas, making it a budget-friendly option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12 oz) can of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp dried onion flakes
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cooked macaroni
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine tuna, peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Add cooked macaroni and stir until combined.
5. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Elevate your snack game with these flavorful and spicy quesadillas packed with black beans, corn, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 4 large tortillas
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together black beans, corn kernels, cheese, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the bean and corn mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy, flipping halfway through.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Quick Chickpea and Tomato Curry
A flavorful and nutritious curry that can be prepared in no time! This recipe is perfect for a busy day when you need a delicious meal to warm up your belly.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz)
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and chickpeas. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Corned Beef Hash with Fried Eggs
This classic comfort food recipe combines crispy corned beef hash with creamy fried eggs, making it a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked corned beef, diced
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups leftover cornbread, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 eggs
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the diced corned beef and crumbled cornbread. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
5. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk together. Pour the egg mixture over the corned beef mixture.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and scramble the eggs until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Simple Salmon Patties with Dill Sauce
Get ready for a flavorful and healthy meal with these easy-to-make salmon patties served with a tangy dill sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound canned salmon, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Dill Sauce:
+ 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
+ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
+ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together salmon, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired size.
4. Shape each portion into a patty and fry in vegetable oil for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the Dill Sauce by mixing all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Serve salmon patties with dill sauce and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Three-Bean Chili with Ground Beef
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing gathering. This flavorful chili combines the richness of ground beef, the sweetness of beans, and the tanginess of tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the chili powder and cumin; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
5. Add the water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 30 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Canned Tomato and Basil Pasta
This recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy pasta with minimal prep time. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch, this dish combines the tanginess of canned tomatoes with the freshness of basil.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti work well)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Heat over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors meld together.
3. Add cooked pasta to the tomato mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Sardine Toast with Lemon Zest
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the savory goodness of sardines with a burst of citrusy freshness. This easy-to-make toast is perfect for a quick lunch or as a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of sardines in water (drained and flaked)
– 4 slices of whole grain bread
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 lemon, zested
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the bread and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Top each slice of toast with a spoonful of flaked sardines.
5. Sprinkle the lemon zest evenly over the sardines.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bread is toasted to your liking.
7. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake with Canned Pineapple
This classic dessert is a crowd-pleaser, and using canned pineapple makes it easy to prepare. With its caramelized brown sugar and buttery pineapple rings, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup canned pineapple rings
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and whisk until combined.
4. Arrange pineapple rings in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour batter over pineapple.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon
This classic recipe combines the rich flavor of bacon with the sweetness of baked beans, perfect for a crowd-pleasing side dish or topping for your favorite BBQ favorites.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add the soaked and drained navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 6-8 hours or overnight.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Creamy Mushroom Soup with Canned Mushrooms
Elevate your soup game with this creamy, comforting recipe that’s ready in no time! This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (10 oz) of sliced mushrooms
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add the broth and whisk until smooth.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until the soup thickens slightly.
7. Stir in the canned mushrooms, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
8. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tuna Melt Sandwich with Pickles
Satisfy your craving for a classic comfort food with this simple recipe that combines the tanginess of pickles with the richness of tuna. This satisfying sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 slices of white bread
– 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup of thinly sliced dill pickles
– 2 slices of cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Spread mayonnaise on one slice of bread, then top with flaked tuna, mustard, and pickles.
3. Place the other slice of bread on top to create a sandwich.
4. Place the sandwich in the preheated skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
5. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also toasted.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Quick Canned Peach Cobbler
This classic dessert gets a speed boost from using canned peaches and a simple biscuit topping. Perfect for a busy day, this cobbler is ready to serve in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can of sliced peaches in syrup
– 2 cups self-rising flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add heavy cream or milk and stir until dough forms.
4. Pour in the melted butter and mix until smooth.
5. Pour canned peaches into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough on top of peaches, spreading slightly to cover the surface.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the biscuit is golden brown.
8. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Corn and Potato Chowder
A comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This corn and potato chowder is a hearty blend of tender vegetables, creamy broth, and savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add potatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add corn kernels and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spam Fried Rice with Vegetables
This recipe combines the savory flavor of Spam with the comfort of fried rice, adding some crunchy veggies for extra texture and flavor. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, diced
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Push the onion mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in 2 eggs and scramble them until cooked through. Mix with the onion mixture.
5. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked rice to the other side of the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
6. Add the diced Spam and stir-fry until heated through.
7. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Refried Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
A classic Mexican dish that combines tender tortillas filled with creamy refried beans and melted cheese, wrapped in a savory tomato-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup refried beans
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, avocado for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
3. In a separate pan, warm tortillas by wrapping them in foil and heating for 5-7 minutes.
4. Assemble enchiladas by spreading refried beans on each tortilla, then topping with shredded cheese. Roll up and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. Pour diced tomatoes over the enchiladas and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mandarin Orange Salad with Almonds
A refreshing and tangy salad that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the crunch of almonds, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup mandarin orange segments
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and mandarin orange segments.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Classic Green Bean Casserole
This beloved Thanksgiving side dish is a staple for a reason – it’s easy to make and always a crowd pleaser! This classic recipe combines tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy fried onions in a warm, comforting casserole.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup French-fried onions
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté green beans and onion in a little water until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk.
4. Combine cooked green bean mixture with soup mixture; stir until smooth.
5. Pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish; top with French-fried onions.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until onions are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Looking for quick and easy recipes to spice up your busy nights? Look no further! This article presents 18 delicious and convenient canned food recipes that are sure to please. From classic comfort foods like creamy tuna casserole and three-bean chili, to international flavors like spicy black bean and corn quesadillas and mandarin orange salad with almonds, there’s something for everyone. Plus, these recipes are easy to make and require minimal prep time, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. Try one tonight!
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