Canned beans are go-to pantry staples for foodies of all skill levels because of their versatility, taste, and nutritional content. If you thought canned beans were only meant to be used alone as a side dish, think again. We've rounded up the best canned bean recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat.

What are the best canned beans?

You have no shortage of options when it comes to canned beans. The varieties you should stock up on depend on your taste preferences and the types of dishes you like to make. For example, green beans are great to use in casseroles and bakes, while hearty choices like black beans are great for soups, dips, and replacing meat in recipes. Some of the best canned beans you should stock up on include:

Green beans	Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)	Navy beans
Black beans	Fava beans	Kidney beans
Cannellini beans	Pinto beans	Great Northern beans
Lima beans	Black-eyed peas	Adzuki beans
Soybeans	Edamame	Cranberry beans

What are the healthiest canned beans?

Beans are naturally healthy because they're full of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. To prolong their shelf life when packaged in cans, preservatives like salt are added, which detract from their nutritional value, and some varieties also use sugar, honey, maple syrup, and other additives to give them flavoring. The healthiest canned beans use as few additional ingredients as possible. If you're trying to lose weight or simply want to make the healthiest selection, pay attention to the ingredients list, and look for cans that say they're low sodium or organic.

Can you eat canned beans without cooking them?

You can eat canned beans directly from the can without cooking them. You should always rinse plain, unflavored beans before eating them on their own, which eliminates the unappetizing water or syrup they were packaged in and washes away excess salt.

What is the shelf life of canned beans?

Canned beans have a shelf life of anywhere between 2 and 5 years. Because most of them are less acidic than other canned goods, like tomatoes, they will keep longer than many other pantry staples. To get the most life out of your canned beans, be sure to store them in a cool, dark, dry place.

Top 10 Canned Beans Recipes

Canned beans are delicious whether you toss them in a pasta dish or simmer them in the slow cooker all day. These easy canned beans recipes have all been foodie approved and will please every member of your family whether you enjoy them as a main or side dish.

Balsamic Three-Bean Salad: Even if you swap out fresh green beans for canned ones, this sweet and savory salad will have you dreaming of summer all year long.	Taco Tater Tot Casserole: This recipe is a delicious way to use up a freezer full of tater tots and frozen veggies. For added ease, used canned chicken in place of beef.
Beef-Free Bean Burger: The great thing about bean burgers is how customizable they are. Add in your favorite veggies and herbs to give meat versions a run for their money.	Chickpea Sunflower Sandwich: It's true -- you can get your tuna salad fix even if you've run out of canned meat! You can also opt for regular mayo and milk if you're not vegan.
Black Bean Brownies: If you haven't yet tried black bean brownies, this easy recipe will make you a believer.	Black Bean Salad: This simple take on black beans and rice is a great side dish, or toss it with meat to make it a main course.
Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: You'll never go back to eating plain-old buttered sweet potatoes after whipping up this flavorful dish.	Crispy Quinoa and Bean Cakes with Salad: Use canned pumpkin in place of sweet potatoes and frozen spinach instead of fresh to put these together in record time.
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas: You won't miss your usual shredded beef or chicken when blackbeans are the star of this Mexican favorite.	Quinoa with Black Beans and Hominy: If you don't have fresh lettuce on hand, spoon this mixture onto toast or crackers, or use it to fill pita pockets.