Easy peasy Dinner
First of all, let me be clear: I don’t can food because I’m waiting for an apocalypse. I can food because 6:00 p.m. rolls around every single day, and if I don’t have a plan, dinner turns into either takeout or cereal.
Canning gives me real-life peace of mind. Not the dramatic, extreme prepper kind. Just the “I can feed my family a full meal in under 15 minutes without crying” kind. That’s the kind of prep I can get behind.
But the best part? While I’m just trying to make life easier now, I’m also building a well stocked pantry that could feed us during power outages (I have a fully electric kitchen), grocery shortages (remember covid?), or whatever else life decides to throw our way.
Here are 10 foods I always can to make life easier, create delicious meals, and to keep our shelves ready for anything.
1. Beans
I can beans because they’re inexpensive, easy to batch, and super versatile.
How I use it:
– Tacos and burrito bowls
– Soups and stews
– Mixed with corn for quick cowboy caviar
– Added to rice or pasta
Tips: I season mine with a little salt before canning so they’re ready to go. Beans MUST be soaked overnight and pressure canned. Do not water bath can beans.
2. Chicken
Chicken is the ultimate dinner shortcut. No thawing, no cooking…just open the jar and it’s ready to use.
Tips: Use chicken breast with a bit of thigh meat to add flavor. Just add chicken to the jars and process in a pressure canner. Yes, you MUST use a pressure canner for meat.
Soups
Turn your canned chicken into hearty soups in minutes. Just add broth, frozen or fresh veggies, and noodles or rice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected company. No one has to know it came from a jar.
Quesadillas
Quick, crispy, and kid-approved. Mix canned chicken with a little shredded cheese and taco seasoning, then pan-fry in a tortilla. Serve with salsa or avocado if you’re feeling fancy, or just eat them straight off the pan like we do.
Sandwiches
Mix canned chicken with mayo, mustard, relish, or whatever you’ve got on hand, and pile it onto bread or crackers. It’s basically chicken salad without the chopping. Add lettuce if you want to pretend it’s healthy.
Casseroles
Canned chicken makes any casserole feel homemade with half the effort. Stir it into rice bakes, pasta dishes, or creamy veggie casseroles. No thawing, no trimming, no stress.
Add a Protein
Canned chicken can be added to just about anything to add a little protein. My husband adds it to his daily salad. I add it to pasta. It’s goes great with just about anything.
3. Ground Beef
Ground beef is in half my go-to dinners (chicken is in the other half). Having it already cooked and seasoned makes it lightning fast. Just pop open a jar, heat it up and you’re ready to go. It’s faster than you can get in the car and buckle your seatbelt.
How I use it:
– Tacos or nachos
– Pasta sauces
– Sloppy joes
– Cabbage and beef skillet dinners
Tips: Brown it before canning. I often can taco-seasoned and plain versions. A pressure canner is a MUST for all canned meat. This is the one I use…no guesswork and as un-complicated as it gets. Seriously. It’s worth every penny.
4. Chicken Broth
It’s the base of most soups and great for cooking rice, quinoa, or reheating leftovers. The best part is that you only use scraps to make it! Zero waste for the win!
How I use it:
– Quick soups from leftovers
– Cooking grains
– Deglazing pans
– Sipping when sick or cold
Tips: Pressure can and always leave the fat layer on top if possible. It helps with shelf life and flavor.
5. Chili
It’s a full meal in a jar. Spicy (if you want it to be), hearty, and filling. Plus, it only needs heating.
How I use it:
– Chili over cornbread
– Topped with cheese and sour cream
– Chili cheese potatoes
– Nachos
Tips: Make it how your family likes it. Meaty, beany, spicy, or mild. Use pressure canning for safety. Pressure can only.
6. Tomato Sauce
Tomato products are the base of half my meals. Having jars of canned tomatoes ready means endless options. For my pantry, I almost exclusively use freeze dried tomatoes from my garden, but a pressure canner is much easier to come by, so I’ve included it here.
How I use it:
– Pasta dishes
– Pizza sauce
– Soups and stews
– Chili or enchiladas
Tips: Add a little salt and basil or keep it plain for versatility. Use a water bath or pressure canner depending on acid level. Be sure to check a trusted source like Ball or your local extension office for the preferred canning method. Great for canned tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, marinara sauce and so much more.
7. Potatoes
Potatoes take forever to cook when you’re in a rush. Having this pantry staple ready makes hearty dinners easy.
How I use it:
– Tossed in soups
– Mashed and fried
– Mixed with sausage for breakfast-for-dinner
– Roasted with a little butter and salt
Tips: Use waxy potatoes, not russets. Always pressure can. Don’t add dairy until serving.
8. Beef Stew or Chicken Soup
This is the “we’re sick, tired, or overwhelmed” dinner. Full meal. No effort.
How I use it:
– Just heat and eat
– Add dumplings or biscuits on top
– Serve with toast or cornbread
Tips: Don’t overfill with starchy ingredients. Add noodles later if needed. Pressure can only.
9. Corn
Corn adds sweetness, texture, and makes everything feel summery even in January.
How I use it:
– Mixed with beans, salsa, and avocado
– In cornbread casserole
– In soups or chowder
– With butter and salt for a quick side
Tips: Pressure can only. Avoid sweet corn that’s too mature. Aim for young and tender.
10. Fruit (Applesauce, Peaches, Pears)
Because there are days when dinner needs to come with a sweet reward. Or when the kids need something while dinner finishes cooking. This one is definitely a pantry staple in my house.
How I use it:
– On oatmeal or pancakes
– With yogurt
– As a quick dessert
– Blended into smoothies
Tips: Use honey or very little sugar. Fruit is super easy to water bath can.
You’re not hoarding buckets of powdered eggs or mystery meal bars. You’re canning real food your family actually eats. When stored properly,
these can last your family for years. That means:
- You’re saving money by not wasting food
- You’re getting dinner on the table faster
- You’re ready for blackouts, grocery shortages, sickness, or even just a busy season of life
- You’re building a pantry that serves your family with peace and practicality
It’s not about panic. It’s about prepared peace of mind. And the side benefit of feeling like a kitchen ninja on weeknights.
Other Pantry Staples To Make From Scratch
More Items to Keep On Hand
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