With a delicate flavor, Great Northern beans are the perfect addition to soups, salads, casseroles and more.
The Best Ways to Use Great Northern Beans
Updated on Jan. 14, 2022
White Chicken Chili
Folks will enjoy a change from traditional chili when they dip their spoons into this flavorful blend of tender chicken, white beans and just enough zip. This is our favorite white chicken chili recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
1/26
2/26
Greens and Beans Turkey Soup
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
On winter evenings, we like nothing better than a piping hot bowl of soup. This one uses the turkey carcass to make a flavorful stock for the soup. —Susan Albert, Jonesburg, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 105 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
3/26
Tuscan Fish Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband does a lot of fishing, so I'm always looking for different ways to serve his catches. A professional chef was kind enough to share this recipe with me, and I played around with some different veggie combinations until I found the one my family liked best. —Kathy Morrow, Hubbard, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 270 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
4/26
Spicy White Chili
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I thought the original version of this dish was fine. But my son can't get enough spice, so I added green chiles and other seasonings until I'd created a quick and easy chili he's wild about. —Carlene Bailey, Bradenton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 324 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
5/26
Hearty Butternut Squash Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings (4-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The comforting combination of squash, meat, beans and veggies makes this my go-to soup in fall. It's full of freshness. —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 327 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 937mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 11g fiber), 13g protein.
6/26
Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein.
7/26
Six-Bean Chili
Total Time
26 min
Servings
14 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 10g fiber), 11g protein.
8/26
White Bean and Sausage Soup
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
In the cold months, I like to put on a big pot of this comforting soup. It cooks away while I do other things, such as baking bread, crafting or even cleaning the house. —Glenna Reimer, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 339 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 1100mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 11g fiber), 19g protein.
9/26
Chard & White Bean Pasta
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to prepare dishes without gluten or dairy products, and this recipe meets the criteria when you use gluten-free pasta. It's proof you can use delicious, healthy products to create a crowd-pleasing meal. It's also soy-free, nut-free and vegetarian. —Amie Valpone, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups pasta mixture with 1/2 cup sauce: 369 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 801mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 13g fiber), 14g protein.
10/26
White Chili
Total Time
50 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, as a time-starved college student, I got this wonderful recipe from my sister-in-law. She had made a big batch and served it to a crowd one night. It was a hit—and easy and quick. In all my years of cooking, I’ve never had another dish get so many compliments. —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 334 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1045mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein.
11/26
Party Time Beans
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend brought this colorful bean dish to my house for a church circle potluck dinner. As soon as I tasted the slightly sweet slow-cooked beans, I had to have the recipe. I've served the beans and shared the recipe many times since. —Jean Cantner, Boston, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 166 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 6g protein.
12/26
Spicy Kielbasa Soup
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
5 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Red pepper flakes bring a little zip to this hearty soup that's full of good-for-you ingredients. Should you have any left over, this soup is fantastic reheated, after flavors have had time to blend. I like to serve steaming bowls with rye bread. —Carol Custer, Clifton Park, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 192 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 1210mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein.
13/26
Market Basket Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
11 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I use kohlrabi in this soothing veggie soup. The vegetable has a mellow broccoli-cabbage flavor and can be served raw, but this is my favorite way to eat it. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 110 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
14/26
Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings (3-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without optional toppings): 125 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1102mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
15/26
Slow-Cooked Bean Medley
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total the five cans called for. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with just about everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 255 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 942mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/26
Bean Counter Chowder
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty chowder is one of our favorite vegetarian dishes. Loaded with beans, noodles and bright herbs, it's so comforting on a chilly day. —Vivian Haen, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 676mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/26
Spinach and White Bean Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, soup is love, comfort, happiness and memories. With all its veggies and beans, this one appeals to my kitchen-sink style of cooking. —Annette Palermo, Beach Haven, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 192 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 9g fiber), 9g protein.
18/26
Country Sausage Soup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 387 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 1279mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 11g fiber), 17g protein.
19/26
Vegetable Beef Soup
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
26 servings (9-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When you need to feed a crowd, consider this beefy favorite loaded with both fresh and frozen veggies. —Sue Straughan, Prattville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 245 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 1090mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 18g protein.
20/26
Best Ever Beans and Sausage
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my wife asks what she should make for a gathering, she's always told to bring this—and a couple of copies of the recipe! — Robert Saulnier, Clarksburg, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 316 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.
21/26
Black & White Bean Chili
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a healthy and filling meal that even the kids love! The satisfying chili is great for football games or potluck dinners. —Katti Scott, Manteo, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 252 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 850mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 24g protein.
22/26
Great Northern Bean Stew
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This thick and hearty stew with great northern beans is sure to chase the winter chills away. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 274 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 937mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
23/26
Sausage and Kale Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom dehydrates the last pick of tomatoes from her garden each fall—perfect for quick soups like this one. When I have time to prepare dried beans, I do—but don't worry if you don't. Canned beans are just as good. —Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 217 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 868mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
24/26
Swiss Chard Bean Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty soup combines nutritious Swiss chard with other garden favorites. Its light broth is surprisingly rich in flavor, and the grated Parmesan packs an additional punch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 94 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
25/26
Pasta Fagioli Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys my version of this soup so much that he stopped ordering it at restaurants. He’d rather savor the version we can have at home. It’s so easy to make, yet hearty enough to be a full dinner. —Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 228 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
26/26
Marinated Three Bean Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh herbs and cayenne pepper provide the fantastic flavor in this marinated salad featuring fresh veggies and canned beans. —Carol Tucker, Wooster, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 184 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 8g protein.
