RecipesZippy Vegetarian Chili Hominy and garbanzo beans are interesting additions to this zippy chili recipe that uses canned goods from the cupboard. I often serve it with cornbread or flour tortillas for a speedy meal. It’s economical, too. —Karen Hunt, Bellvue, Colorado
RecipesWinter Country Soup My soup will warm your family up on the chilliest of winter nights. Featuring smoked sausage, beans and vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal all by itself, or a hearty way to start one! —Jeannette Sabo, Lexington Park, Maryland
RecipesPotluck Antipasto Salad I take this fresh-tasting, colorful salad to potluck dinners throughout the year, since everyone who tries it loves it. The pasta, garbanzo beans and pepperoni make it a nice hearty dish. —Agnes Bulkley, Hicksville, New York
RecipesPolenta Rounds with Sausage Ragout “Fried polenta is fabulous with an endless variety of toppings inspired not only from Italian, but other cuisines, like Mexican (black beans and corn), French (mushroom ragout) or Creole (spicy shrimp).” —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
RecipesTortellini Marinara “My family loves this with a loaf of crusty French bread and green beans,” relates Rita Perez of Roseville, California. She sometimes warms the savory supper in the slow cooker, but you’ll find that it comes together very quickly on the stovetop.
RecipesVegetable Lentil Stew This delicious stew is nothing but good for you! The chunky mixture, seasoned with chili powder and cumin, is chock-full of hearty beans, lentils and other veggies. Steaming bowls of it make a warm and satisfying supper. —Vi Toews, Bluffton, Alberta
RecipesCreamy Corn Salad I remember enjoying a salad similar to this when I was a girl. I never got the recipe, but I think I was able to duplicate it pretty well. We enjoy it alongside rice and beans. —Esther Horst, Monterey, Tennessee
RecipesTeriyaki Beef Stir-Fry for 3 “I love creating delicious beef stir fry recipes. Try substituting chicken, shrimp or tofu for the beef, and add a healthy mix of water chestnuts, bean sprouts or nuts” — Jennifer Wickes, Pine Beach, New Jersey
RecipesSmoky Chicken Nachos What’s game day without can’t-stop-munching nachos? Featuring layers of crunchy tortilla chips, black beans and a creamy, smoky chicken mixture, this appetizer will disappear before the second quarter. —Whitney Smith, Winterhen, Florida
RecipesWhite 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
RecipesSouthwestern Chicken Packets For flavor as big as Texas, this recipe partners juicy chicken with black beans, corn and salsa. It tastes savory under a sprinkling of melted Mexican cheese. Dinner’s a snap to make and clean up. —Tonya Vowels, Vine Grove, Kentucky
RecipesTuscan Salmon Pasta White kidney beans and plum tomatoes are tossed with salmon and linguine in this fast-to-fix entree that works for special dinners or every day. Dianne Alvine from Toms River, New Jersey shared the delightful main dish recipe.
RecipesFingers of Fright As the young guests arrived, we joked about “finger food,” then offered them Fingers of Fright. Their eyes widened at the sight of these chewy digits made with circus peanut candies. Jelly beans cut in half lengthwise are pressed in for the fingernails.
RecipesTexas Ranch-Style Stew Ground beef, beans and pasta thickens this hearty stew that’s perfect for brisk autumn days. The zippy sauce, made with canned vegetable juice, gives the chunky mixture a western flair —Mrs. J.W. West of Alvord, Texas
RecipesPressure-Cooker Mushroom Pork Ragout Savory, quickly made pork is luscious served in a delightful tomato gravy over noodles. It’s a nice change from regular pork roast. I serve it with broccoli or green beans on the side. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware.
RecipesGrilled Steaks with Marinated Tomatoes The flavor of the tomatoes improves after they marinate overnight. I could eat them all by themselves! Our family likes these steaks best served with cheesy potatoes or glazed green beans.—Anna Davis, Half Way, Missouri