6 Quick Summer Bean Recipes

Quick summer bean recipes have been comin' to my rescue now that August is here. It’s hot outside and the kids are spending as much time as possible in the pool. And me? I’m fine in the shade except when the humidity gets  into the unbearable 90% range. That means dunk me in the cool, clear water—or keep me in AC comfort. But most of all it means forget even wanting to turn the stove on—even for grilled cheese (yeah, that’s my quick go-to sandwich meal). These are the days when cool (and fast) dinner ideas can save the day. One of the best foods to start with on days like this are canned beans. Drain, rinse, and go. They are winners in so many ways: filling, full of fiber and the best kicker of all—affordable. Even when you don’t want to have any parts of dried beans and the accompanying soaking and long cooking or pressure cooking (yeah, I hear ya), it’s a rare and sad day that a can of these humble-belly fillers can’t be found in the cupboard.

So leave the stove off—and get dinner on the table in a flash (and even make the vegetarians at your table smile). Here are some great ways to use a can or two of beans for a summer meal, in no particular order (just how I happened upon 'em):

1. Three Bean Salad from Angelia at Eclectic Recipes

2. Crispy Black Bean Tacos from Katie at goodLife {eats}

3. Lentil Joe’s from Dani at Dani Spies

4. Vegetable Stuffed Peppers from the U.S. Dry Bean Council

5. Fettuccine, Chicken & Beans Alfredo from the U.S. Dry Bean Council

6. Scampi with White Beans from the U.S. Dry Bean Council

And, as always, you can type 'beans' into the Recipe Search and find some quick QQM meal ideas too.

Do you have some favorite quick and easy bean recipes? Please share a comment and a link!