Cooking Dried Beans – Episode #48

When it comes to cooking on a budget, dried beans are an unsung hero in the kitchen. Not only are they incredibly versatile and packed with nutrition, but they also come with the added bonus of being a frugal ingredient that can stretch your grocery dollar significantly. Whether you’re making a hearty chili, savory refried beans, or a simple side dish of black beans with onions, dried beans are the key to creating affordable and delicious meals.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the magic of cooking with dried beans, explore several delicious recipes, and break down how much money you can save by choosing dried beans over canned beans. Let’s discover how cooking with dried beans can save you big while still delivering tasty, nutritious meals that everyone will love.

Why Dried Beans Are the Ultimate Budget Ingredient

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s talk about why dried beans should be your go-to pantry staple. Here’s why:

1. Cost-Effective: Dried beans are significantly cheaper than canned beans. In fact, buying dried beans can save you anywhere from 50% to 75% compared to their canned counterparts. For example, a 1-pound bag of dried beans can cost as little as $1 to $2, which can yield 6 to 8 servings after cooking. In contrast, a single can of beans (usually 15 oz) will cost you between $0.80 and $1.50, providing only 1.5 to 2 servings.

2. Long Shelf Life: Dried beans have a long shelf life and can be stored for months or even years without spoiling, making them an ideal pantry staple. This means you can buy in bulk and always have a cost-effective meal option on hand.

3. Nutrient-Dense: Dried beans are packed with protein, fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients, making them a great addition to any meal. They are also low in fat, naturally gluten-free, and provide lasting energy.

4. Less Waste: Cooking dried beans from scratch allows you to use only what you need, minimizing food waste. Plus, you can control how much salt or sugar you add to your dishes, making them healthier than their canned counterparts, which often contain added preservatives.

5. Easy to Prepare: While dried beans require a bit more time to cook compared to canned beans, they are still incredibly easy to prepare. Simply soak them overnight or use an Instant Pot to speed up the process, and you’ve got a versatile ingredient ready to use in a variety of recipes.

Saving Big by Cooking with Dried Beans

The savings associated with cooking with dried beans are staggering. Let’s break it down:

• Cost Per Serving: A 1-pound bag of dried beans typically costs around $1 to $2 and yields about 6 to 8 servings of cooked beans. That means you’re paying about $0.17 to $0.33 per serving.
• In comparison, a 15-ounce can of beans costs between $0.80 and $1.50, providing about 1.5 to 2 servings, which means you’re paying about $0.53 to $1.00 per serving.

So, by choosing dried beans over canned beans, you’re saving at least 50% to 80% per serving. If you cook beans regularly, this can add up to huge savings over time. For example, if you cook beans for your family once a week, you could save $50 or more each year simply by opting for dried beans instead of cans.

Recipes Using Dried Beans: Hearty, Healthy, and Budget-Friendly

Now that we’ve covered why dried beans are such a fantastic and frugal ingredient, let’s dive into some easy-to-make recipes that showcase the versatility of dried beans. Whether you’re cooking up a savory chili, making refried beans, or creating a simple side dish of black beans with onions, these recipes will show you just how simple and delicious cooking with dried beans can be.

1. Classic Chili with Ground Beef and Beans

Chili is the ultimate comfort food, and when made with dried beans, it becomes an even more affordable, hearty meal. This chili with ground beef and beans combines tender beans, rich ground beef, and a mix of spices to create a dish that’s sure to satisfy.

Why It’s a Winner:

• It’s filling, with plenty of protein and fiber from the beans and beef.
• It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños.
• It’s perfect for meal prep—make a big batch, and you’ve got meals for the week.

By cooking your own dried beans for this chili, you’re cutting the cost of canned beans and boosting the flavor of your dish. Plus, dried beans give you more control over the texture and seasoning.

2. Instant Pot Refried Beans

Refried beans are a staple in many Mexican dishes, and they’re incredibly simple to make using dried beans. Cooking them in the Instant Pot saves you time, and you can skip the preservatives and additives often found in canned refried beans.

Why It’s a Winner:

• It’s a healthier option since you can avoid added preservatives and fats.
• You can customize the flavor with garlic, onion, or even a bit of chili powder.
• It’s quick to make in the Instant Pot, saving you time while still delivering great flavor.

Making refried beans from dried beans not only saves money but also creates a more flavorful base for your meals. Use them in burritos, tacos, or as a side dish to any Mexican-inspired meal.

3. Black Beans with Onions

A simple dish of black beans with onions is perfect as a side or a main dish. The sautéed onions add sweetness and depth to the beans, and it’s a great dish to serve with rice, on top of tacos, or in a salad.

Why It’s a Winner:

• It’s an incredibly affordable side dish that you can pair with almost anything.
• It’s simple and quick to make, especially when you use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
• It’s versatile, allowing you to add your favorite seasonings or toppings like cilantro, cheese, or avocado.

By cooking black beans from dried beans, you not only save money but also avoid the added salt and preservatives often found in canned beans. This simple dish is packed with flavor and can be eaten as a standalone meal or used to complement your favorite dishes.

The Power of Dried Beans

Incorporating dried beans into your meals is a fantastic way to cut costs, eat healthier, and enjoy delicious, hearty meals. Whether you’re making chili, refried beans, or simply sautéing them with onions, dried beans are an incredibly versatile and budget-friendly ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of recipes.

By making the switch from canned beans to dried beans, you’re not just saving money—you’re also gaining more control over the flavor, texture, and nutritional content of your meals. The savings are significant, and the possibilities are endless. So, grab a bag of dried beans, fire up your Instant Pot or stovetop, and start cooking delicious, affordable meals that will feed your family without breaking the bank.

Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions on how to make these tasty bean dishes from scratch and see how easy it is to save money while cooking at home!