10 Cheap-But-Delicious Dinners Made From Canned Foods
When the wallet feels light but your stomach’s growling loud, canned foods become your kitchen superheroes!
These pantry staples transform from humble tin soldiers into magnificent meals faster than you can say ‘what’s for dinner?’ With a dash of creativity and minimal effort, these 10 canned food recipes will rescue your weeknight meals without kidnapping your budget.
1. Tuna Pasta Surprise
Surprisingly elegant and effortlessly easy, this tuna pasta proves pantry staples can shine. Toss tender spaghetti with good-quality canned tuna, a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat.
Stir in sweet peas for color and texture, then finish with freshly cracked pepper and a handful of chopped parsley. No stove juggling, no fuss – just a comforting, bright, weeknight wonder that tastes far fancier than it should.
2. Black Bean Fiesta Bowls
Craving bold Mexican flavors without the takeout bill? Rinse canned black beans and warm them with cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of garlic powder for instant depth. Spoon over rice, then add canned corn, diced tomatoes, and whatever cheese is hiding in your fridge.
A splash of hot sauce brings the heat, but a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime can cool things down just as well.
3. Salmon Patty Sliders
Forget fancy seafood restaurants! Mash canned salmon with an egg, breadcrumbs, and diced onion. Form into mini patties and pan-fry until golden.
Serve on dinner rolls with a quick sauce made from canned cream of mushroom soup mixed with lemon juice. These tiny treasures taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Your secret’s safe!
4. Chickpea Curry In A Hurry
Spice enthusiasts, rejoice! Sauté an onion, add curry powder, then toss in drained chickpeas and canned diced tomatoes.
Simmer until flavors marry, then swirl in canned coconut milk for creamy goodness. Served over rice or with flatbread, this 15-minute wonder might make you question why you ever ordered takeout. Mind-blowing flavor from just a few cans!
5. Corned Beef Hash Skillet
Morning, noon, or midnight – this skillet doesn’t discriminate! Chop canned corned beef into cubes and fry with canned potatoes until crispy edges form.
Crack eggs directly into wells you create in the hash. Cover until eggs set to your liking. Sprinkle with hot sauce and watch this humble hash disappear faster than you can say “breakfast for dinner.”
6. Pineapple Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Ready for a flavor explosion? Combine canned pineapple juice with ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar to create a tangy sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance. Pour over canned meatballs in a slow cooker or saucepan.
Add pineapple chunks and canned bell peppers for extra pizzazz. Serve over rice and pretend you ordered takeout from that fancy place downtown!
7. Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Dunk
Childhood nostalgia gets an upgrade! Jazz up canned tomato soup with a splash of cream, dried basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Meanwhile, build the ultimate grilled cheese with whatever cheese is hanging out in your fridge. Cut sandwich into dippable strips. Dunking these crispy, gooey soldiers into that warm, creamy soup?
Pure comfort that costs pennies!
8. Chili Mac Attack
When serious hunger hits, this no-fuss comfort bomb hits back harder. Stir canned chili into warm macaroni, fold in a hefty handful of shredded cheese, and bake until it’s bubbling and golden on top. Finish with crushed corn chips or crispy canned fried onions for a satisfying crunch.
It’s cozy, craveable, and way too good to be this easy – don’t be surprised if you end up licking the spoon.
9. Mediterranean Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomatoes
Feeling fancy without the fuss? Mix canned tuna with drained chickpeas, canned artichoke hearts, and a splash of Italian dressing. Hollow out canned whole tomatoes and stuff with this Mediterranean-inspired mixture.
No cooking required – just chill until ready to impress! These protein-packed beauties make you look like a culinary genius while barely lifting a can opener.
10. Ravioli Lasagna Fake-Out
Lasagna cravings hitting hard? Layer canned ravioli with canned spaghetti sauce and shredded cheese in a baking dish. No boiling required! Bake until hot and bubbly.
The ravioli magically transforms into lasagna-like layers that’ll fool even your pickiest eaters. Throw in some canned mushrooms or olives if you’re feeling extra fancy. Italian grandmas might faint, but your wallet will thank you!