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Think canned pinto beans are boring? Think again! These 25 budget-friendly dinners prove that one can of pinto beans is all you need to create a variety of delicious, filling meals that won’t break the bank.
If there’s one pantry staple I can always count on to stretch my grocery budget and make filling, tasty meals, it’s a can of beans. Not only are they affordable and packed with protein, but they’re also incredibly versatile.
So whether you're craving soup, tacos, salads, casseroles, or vegetarian burgers, pinto beans can do it all. Plus, they’re a great ingredient to use to create quick, budget-friendly dinners when you’re short on time or ingredients.
In this post, I’m sharing 25 cheap and delicious dinner recipes you can whip up with a single can of pinto beans. Or, if you're like me and like to cook your pinto beans from scratch, you can use 2 cups of homemade pinto beans in place of a can of beans.
These recipes prove that meal planning on a budget doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. So grab that can of beans from your pantry, and let’s get cooking!
1
Pinto Beans and Rice (One-Pot!)
This comforting recipe for pinto beans and rice is a delicious one-pot meal both vegetarian and meat-eaters will love!
These Vegan Freezer Burritos are the best of all time! Made entirely in the crockpot with versatile ingredients. Roll in your favorite flour tortillas and freeze, or freeze the filling on it's own for homemade vegan burrito bowls!
This Healthy Crockpot Taco Soup recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal made from simple ingredients and pantry staples. It's rich in flavor, high in protein, and easy to customize to suit your family's taste buds. Throw the ingredients in your crockpot tonight and set it and forget it!
Dorito Taco Salad is a great potluck recipe with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, pinto beans, veggies and crunchy Doritos all sauced up with a zingy dressing.
Let’s make Sopa Tarasca aka Pinto Bean Soup! It’s a creamy, silky Mexican-inspired soup made with pinto beans, warm chili spices, and whole tomatoes. As cheap and delicious as it gets.
Imagine: crispy sweet potato skins topped with a cheesy, gooey filling, chili-spiced pinto beans, and crunchy green onions. The perfect party appetizer!
This rice and beans casserole is a simple and delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Dump everything in the baking dish and pop it in the oven for a dinner that is quick to assemble!
Slow cooker vegan tamale pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that turns the traditional Mexican tamale into a convenient, delicious slow cooker meal It's packed with tender vegetables, vegan beef, and spices, and a soft and fluffy masa topping.
These BBQ Bean Sliders topped with a homemade creamy coleslaw are a quick dinner fix when you’re craving BBQ and don’t have time for slow cooking meat!
A good bean chili is the perfect hearty meal so let’s say hello to this Smoky Sweet Potato and Pinto Bean Chili! It sticks to your ribs in the best possible way and is packed with wholesome ingredients. Plus, its a great option for meal prep, as the leftovers are excellent. And you can either…
This easy Pinto Bean Cakes recipe transforms pinto beans into something crispy and delicious! It’s a great way to stretch leftovers that’s both affordable and filling, perfect for keeping your family satisfied and your grocery budget on track.
These crispy Bean Tostadas are crazy simple to make and loaded with flavor! They start with crispy tostada shells, and are loaded with smashed avocado, saucy spiced pinto beans, veggies, and a quick cilantro-lime sauce.
Need more ideas for meal planning inspiration? Check out my favorite 50+ Vegetarian Black Bean Recipes. Any of these savory recipes can be made with pinto beans instead of black beans.
The topic was well explained.. Maybe add some visuals next time….
Thank you so much. My family loved the vegetarian enchiladas. They kept asking for seconds. I look forward to trying your other recipes.