19 Things You Can Make With Canned Beef to Use Up Your Pantry StapleCanned beef is a versatile pantry staple that can be used to make quick hearty meals and snacks. From corned beef and stew to tacos and pasta dishes, there are so many delicious ways to use canned beef. But with all the options it can be hard to figure out what to do with canned beef. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on 19 recipes and ideas to help you use up any cans of beef you have on hand.
As a busy mom, I like keeping canned beef in my pantry for those nights when I need dinner on the table fast. Popping open a can of beef to add to a casserole soup or sandwich speeds up cooking time. Canned beef is pre-cooked so you can skip lengthy braising or simmering required for raw beef cuts. Whether it’s canned corned beef, roast beef, or ground beef crumbles, you’ll get tender, ready-to-eat beef every time.
Canned beef does have more sodium than fresh beef, so I recommend rinsing off excess salt and seasoning dishes to taste. Opting for lower-sodium options can further reduce the salt content. But the convenience factor still makes canned beef worthwhile in my kitchen. Here are 19 of my favorite ways to put those cans of beef to delicious use:
-
Corned Beef HashA classic diner breakfast! Sauté chopped canned corned beef with potatoes, onions, and bell pepper. Top with a fried egg for protein
-
French Dip Sandwiches
Shred canned roast beef and pile it onto crusty rolls. Serve with hot au jus dipping sauce for an easy French dip. -
Beef and Barley Soup
Simmer canned roast beef in a savory broth with carrots, celery, barley, and herbs. Hearty and comforting! -
Shepherd’s Pie
Make a quick shepherd’s pie by topping canned beef in gravy with creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes. Bake until hot and bubbly. -
Beef Tacos
Brown canned ground beef crumbles with taco seasoning to use for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more Tex-Mex dishes. -
Beef Stroganoff
Cook egg noodles and then toss them with sautéed mushrooms, sour cream, and chunks of canned roast beef for a fast beef stroganoff. -
Chili Mac and Cheese
Mix canned chili, like Hormel’s Chili with Beans, into mac and cheese. Top with shredded cheese for spicy comfort food. -
Sloppy Joes
Make saucy, messy sloppy joes by simmering canned ground beef in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices. -
Beef and Green Bean Casserole
In a creamy mushroom soup base, combine canned french cut green beans and ground beef crumbles. Top with fried onions. -
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Stir fry canned beef strips with broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and teriyaki sauce served over rice for an easy homemade takeout fake-out. -
Beef and Vegetable Soup
Build a hearty soup with canned roast beef, veggies like carrots, potatoes, peas, and tomatoes simmered in beef broth. -
Beef Enchiladas
Fill tortillas with seasoned canned ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce for saucy baked enchiladas. -
Beef Empanadas
Fill empanada dough rounds with a seasoned filling of canned ground beef, olives, raisins, egg, and spices. Seal, bake, and serve. -
Philly Cheesesteaks
Sauté canned roast beef with onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Pile onto hoagie rolls, top with cheese, and broil until melty. -
Beef Tamale Pie
Layer canned chili con carne and cornmeal dough or cornbread in a skillet to make an easy tamale pie. -
Beef and Broccoli Pockets
Stuff pita pockets with canned beef, broccoli, shredded carrots, soy sauce, and sesame seeds for handheld lunches. -
Beef and Onion Sliders
Caramelize onions and combine with canned roast beef to make crave-worthy little beef sliders. -
Beef and Beans
Mix canned beef into baked beans or chili beans. The beef adds extra heartiness and protein. -
Beef and Rice Casserole
Combine canned roast beef, rice, mushroom soup, and vegetables like celery and peas to make a one-pan beef casserole.
As you can see, canned beef can be used in so many quick, budget-friendly, and tasty ways. I like keeping a rotation of corned beef, roast beef, and ground beef crumbles on hand for meal prep flexibility. Whether you need a weeknight dinner, game-day appetizer, or potluck dish, these canned beef recipes have you covered. Put those cans to good use with tamales, empanadas, sliders, casseroles, and more. Get creative with seasoning and sauce combinations to make each dish unique. With a little innovation, canned beef can be transformed into all sorts of delicious family-friendly meals.
Cottage Pie or Shepard’s Pie
Dump a jar of beef in the bottom of a pie tin. Mix in some veggies if you’d like. Top it with leftover mashed potatoes, add some shredded cheese and throw it in the oven until it’s warm! Without getting technical here, cottage pie is made with beef and Sheppard’s pie is made with lamb– but whatever you are using, it’s delicious!
Beef Pot Pie
The only difference between a Shepherd’s pie and a beef pot pie is the crust! if you have a crust in your fridge/freezer or the time to whip one up, you’ve got a beef pot pie! Toss it in the oven at 425 for about 30 minutes while you kick back and relax!
FAST AND EASY MEAL USING CANNED BEEF AND LEFTOVERS#cannedbeef#simpleeasyrecipe
FAQ
What can I do with beef in a can?
- Tacos On-the-Go.
- Beef Taco Salad.
- Black Beans and Beef Burritos.
- Beef Barbacoa Enchiladas.
- Korean-Inspired Beef Bowls.
- Luncheon Meat Grilled Cheese.
- Meaty Mac and Cheese.
- Roast Beef Sliders.
What is canned beef good for?
Canned beef is a convenient and versatile food product that is fully cooked and sealed in a can for preservation. It can be used in a variety of recipes or enjoyed on its own. Perfect for Quick Meals: Beef Tacos, Pasta, Sandwich , Beef & Vegetable Stew and More!
How do you cook beef out of a can?
With those meals, you pour the can into a pot, warm it up, and eat it. Canned beef is almost the same. Because the meat is already cooked, you just need to open the can, dispose of the fat layer, and drain the meat from the liquid. After that, you are good to go!
What is the white stuff in canned beef?
Simply put, this is fat which has separated from our raw materials during the canning process.