The Best Ways to Use Canned Navy Beans

Quick Mexican Bean Soup

It never hurts to have a few meals that you can whip up in very little time, and this hearty soup is one of my busy-day favorites. Green chiles and chili powder give it some oomph. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Green Chile Chicken Chili

The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas

Mushroom-Bean Bourguignon

In our family, boeuf bourguignon has been a staple for generations. I wanted a meatless alternative. All this dish needs is a French baguette. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

Smoky Baked Beans

They’ll be standing in line for this saucy bean recipe full of that hard-to-capture campfire flavor. A combination of colorful calico beans, it makes a lovely looking side dish with many a summer entree. —Lynne German, Cumming, Georgia

Six-Bean Chili

When it's cold and frosty outside, this meatless chili is sure to warm you up. It's packed with fiber, protein and flavor. Serve it with sliced avocado, or add shredded cheese, corn tortilla chips or a side of your favorite cornbread. —Liz Bellville, Tonasket, Washington

Hearty Italian White Bean Soup

A bowlful of this soup is so satisfying, it's hard to believe it's actually good for you, too. I crave it all the time. With lots of beans and potatoes, it's filling and even hits the spot with meat lovers. —Kristina Krummel, Elkins, Arkansas

Bratwurst Soup

I came up with this recipe one day when I had some leftover bratwurst. It has been a favorite of my husband's ever since and is requested whenever the guys are hanging out. —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa

Lemony Greek Beef and Vegetables

I love the lemon in this recipe—the latest addition to my collection of quick, healthy dinners. I'm sensitive to cow's milk, so I use goat cheese crumbles on my portion instead of Parmesan. —Alice Neff, Lake Worth, Florida

Summer Vegetable Soup

This vegetable soup is loaded with garden goodness, from zucchini and green beans to celery and potato, but it's the turmeric that gives it a tasty new twist. It's one of our favorite summer soups!—Edith Ruth Muldoon, Baldwin, New York

Slow-Cooker Potluck Beans

It was the morning of our family potluck and I still needed something to take. I threw together this recipe while drinking my morning coffee. By the end of the gathering, the beans were all gone and someone had even washed the slow cooker for me! —Mary Anne Thygesen, Portland, Oregon

Cowboy Baked Beans

Baked cowboy beans are a perennial favorite at barbecues and potlucks. My meaty recipe uses a variety of beans and has a perfect smoky taste. —Joe Sherwood, Tryon, Nebraska