15 Things to Do with a Can of Baked Beans

Barbecue Chicken Tostadas

Lots of my recipes (just like this one) start out as fun ways to use leftovers. My kids love tostadas, so this day-after-cookout dinner was a big hit. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas

Baked Bean Chili

Who says a good chili has to simmer all day? This zippy chili, with a touch of sweetness from the baked beans, can be made on the spur of the moment. It’s an excellent standby when guests drop by. Served with bread and a salad, it’s a hearty dinner everyone raves about.—Nancy Wall, Bakersfield, CA

Sweet N Sour Beans

This recipe is popular on both sides of the border. It came from a friend in Alaska, then traveled with me to old Mexico, where I lived for 5 years, and is now a potluck favorite in my Arkansas community. It's easy to keep the beans warm and serve from a slow cooker. -Barbara Short, Mena, Arkansas

New England Bean & Bog Cassoulet

When I moved to New England, I embraced the local cuisine. My cassoulet with baked beans pays tribute to a French classic and to New England in one hearty, heartwarming dish. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

Four-Bean Medley

This side dish always gets compliments. It’s easy to make ahead and simmer in the slow cooker, so it’s super convenient to take to potlucks and church get-togethers. —Susanne Wasson, Montgomery, New York

Ranchero Supper

This hearty dish is fast and easy to fix after a busy workday. We like to use hickory and bacon baked beans and serve it with fruit or a green salad for a complete meal. —Karen Roberts, Lawrence, Kansas

Ham and Bean Stew

You only need five ingredients to fix this thick and flavorful stew. It's so easy to make and always a favorite with my family. I top bowls of it with a sprinkling of shredded cheese. —Teresa D'Amato, East Granby, Connecticut

Pineapple Baked Beans

Tangy pineapple dresses up these hearty baked beans. Brown the beef while you open the cans and chop the vegetables—it doesn't take long to get this side dish ready for the slow cooker. —Gladys De Boer, Castleford, Idaho

Chuck Wagon Tortilla Stack

I make this skillet specialty on those night when I'm craving southwestern fare. It's easy to cut and remove the pieces from the pan. —Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans

This recipe is a hit with guests and family. It's sweet, simple and delicious, and someone always asks for the recipe. —Elliot Wesen, Arlington, Texas

Pulled Pork Nachos

While home from college, my daughter made these tempting pork nachos—her first recipe ever. My son and I couldn't get enough. —Carol Kurpjuweit, Humansville, Missouri

Western-Style Beef and Beans

This hearty, crowd-pleasing dish doesn't take long to make but tastes as if it simmered all day. With bread and a salad, it's an entree. —Jolene Lopez, Wichita, Kansas

Simple Maple Baked Beans

I came up with this recipe in a pinch after running out of baked beans at our oldest daughter's birthday party. I dressed up canned beans with maple syrup and a few other ingredients to produce this sweet, saucy version that tastes like homemade. They're so easy to fix that I rarely make baked beans from scratch anymore.

Chuck Wagon Beans with Sausage

I followed the lead of cooks of Old West cattle ranges to come up with these savory beans. Sweet and smoky, they’re made extra hearty by the addition of sausage. —Nancy Moore, Bucklin, Kansas

Hot Dog Pie

A co-worker who loves hot dogs shared this recipe with me. Baked in a purchased pastry shell, the pie is easy to assemble and is on the table in just 30 minutes. —Amy Bullis, Henryville, Pennsylvania