Quick Dinner Dishes You Can Make Out Of Cans

Canned food can have a bad reputation, but it really shouldn't. Simple shelf-stable items like beans, canned vegetables, condensed soups, canned fish and canned meat are among the ingredients nobody cooks with anymore — but should. Use those items (and more) as the building blocks for these scrumptious, satisfying dinner dishes.

Using canned tuna and a can of cream of mushroom soup, this classic casserole is one of those retro dishes nobody makes anymore, but it makes for a perfect weeknight dinner.

For the Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe, click here.

One of those recipes that Texans know and love, Frito pie is a creative way to use up canned chili.

For the Frito Pie recipe, click here.

Pigs in a blanket are undeniably one of the best dishes you can bring to a party, period. Using canned crescent dough and packaged hot dogs is an easy shortcut for this favorite.

For the Pigs in a Blanket recipe, click here.

If you don't have hot dogs, use a cult-favorite canned meat in your blankets: Spam. It's salty, satisfying and ranks among the most iconic snack foods from across America.

For the Spam in a Blanket recipe, click here.

Canned Spam is a diverse ingredient. Skip standard ham and make summery skewers with this meat and canned pineapple. It's a great dish for grilling outdoors.

For the Spam and Pineapple Skewers recipe, click here.

Though hummus is typically served as an appetizer, if you're a major fan, you'll want to eat this protein-packed dish all night long.

For the Chickpea and White Bean Hummus recipe, click here.

Nobody really needs a reason to eat more cheese, but this crab fondue recipe is a good one. Using canned crab meat and packaged cheese, this fridge and pantry meal is easy yet satisfying.

For the Crab Fondue recipe, click here.

This easy vegetable soup takes literally less than five minutes of prep time. It's one of those easy comfort foods you can make ahead and freeze.

For the Creamy Canned Vegetable Soup recipe, click here.

Cincinnati chili is one of those regional dishes you need to try. Luckily, it's easy to make at home. Just make sure you have tons of cheddar cheese on hand to top it off.

For the Cincinnati Chili recipe, click here.

This vegetarian-friendly recipe tastes like something you'd find at a local cafe but is made using canned ingredients and grocery staples.

For the Black Bean Soup recipe, click here.

Perfect for a game day potluck, a chilly evening or any time of year, this three bean vegetarian chili takes just minutes of prep time.

For the Three Bean Vegetarian Chili recipe, click here.

If you can't make it to a great Indian restaurant, this easy vegetarian curry recipe is a quick and easy substitute.

For the Chickpea Curry recipe, click here.

Best known as one of the top Thanksgiving side dishes, this classic canned green bean casserole is so good, you should eat it any time of year. Serve with some roasted chicken for a delicious dinner fit for the whole family.

For the Green Bean Casserole recipe, click here.

For an easy meal prep dish that is as delicious as it is good for you, whip up this quick tuna salad. You can store it for about five days, and it can be eaten as a sandwich (make it gluten free by putting it in a lettuce wrap) or a side to another meal. 

For the Tuna Salad recipe, click here.

These taco roll-ups make for a great party appetizer or a simple snack for home. This dish is meatless, but you can always have fun with the recipe and cook up some chicken or steak to add in. 

For the Taco Roll-Ups recipe, click here. 

After months of warm winter dishes, this nutrient-dense quinoa salad is an ideal side dish for the spring and summer months. It is best served chilled, and you can top it off with grilled salmon to make a meal of it. 

For the Quinoa Salad recipe, click here.

On a dreary day, comforting classics are the way to go. This broccoli casserole can be stored in the fridge for days of leftovers — if everyone doesn't devour it the minute it comes out of the oven. 

For the Broccoli Casserole recipe, click here.

These black bean burgers have a little kick in them thanks to a touch of chipotle powder. They're one of the satisfying, easy dishes you can make using pantry staples.

For the Black Bean Burgers recipe, click here.

More from The Daily Meal:

Coffee Tips and Recipes to Make at Home

Recipes That Will Finish Up a Gallon Of Milk

Cooking Tips, Hacks and Tricks Your Grandma Knew

Our 50 Best Brunch Recipes

The Healthiest and Unhealthiest Frozen Dinner