When it comes to quick and easy side dishes, canned vegetables often get overlooked. However, with just two simple ingredients, you can transform canned veggies into delightful, flavorful side dishes that complement any meal.
Whether you’re short on time, ingredients, or just want to keep things simple, these 2-ingredient canned vegetable side dish recipes are a game-changer. They are perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you want a nutritious and tasty addition to your plate without the fuss.
In this post, I’ll share some straightforward recipes using canned vegetables that pack big flavor with minimal effort. These dishes are budget-friendly, require minimal cleanup, and can easily be customized to suit your taste.
Ready to discover how easy it is to turn pantry staples into irresistible sides? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These 2-ingredient canned vegetable side dishes are perfect for anyone seeking convenience without sacrificing taste. Using canned veggies means you always have a nutritious base ready to go, and pairing them with one other ingredient elevates them instantly.
Benefits you’ll enjoy:
- Ultra-quick prep — ready in under 10 minutes
- Minimal ingredients and kitchen tools required
- Versatile enough to pair with various main courses
- Cost-effective and reduces food waste
- Great for beginner cooks or busy households
Plus, these recipes are a great way to add more vegetables to your diet without the hassle of peeling, chopping, or cleaning fresh produce.
Ingredients
- 1 can of green beans (about 14.5 oz)
- 1 can of corn kernels (about 15 oz)
- 1 can of sliced carrots (about 15 oz)
- Butter or olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs
Equipment
- Medium-sized skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander or strainer
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowl or plate
Instructions
Recipe 1: Buttered Green Beans
- Drain the canned green beans in a colander and rinse under cold water to reduce sodium.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder or fresh parsley for extra flavor.
- Serve warm as a delicious and buttery side dish.
Recipe 2: Olive Oil Corn
- Drain the canned corn and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the corn kernels and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is heated and slightly caramelized.
- Season with salt and pepper, and for a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Remove from heat and serve as a sweet and savory side dish.
Recipe 3: Glazed Carrots
- Drain the canned sliced carrots thoroughly.
- Place the carrots in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, for 6-8 minutes until the carrots are warmed through and coated with a buttery glaze.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper, or add a dash of cinnamon for a unique twist.
- Serve immediately as a sweet and buttery side dish.
Tips & Variations
“To cut down on sodium from canned vegetables, always rinse them under cold water before cooking.”
- Use broth instead of butter or oil: For a lighter option, sauté the veggies in chicken or vegetable broth instead of fats.
- Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill at the end for an aromatic finish.
- Mix and match: Combine different canned vegetables like green beans and corn for a colorful medley.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cumin, smoked paprika, or curry powder to create exciting flavor profiles.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream at the end for a luscious texture.
Nutrition Facts
Ingredient | Calories (per serving) | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 cup canned green beans | 35 | 0.2g | 8g | 2g | 3g |
1 tbsp butter | 102 | 12g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
1 cup canned corn | 133 | 1.5g | 31g | 3g | 3g |
1 cup canned sliced carrots | 70 | 0.2g | 16g | 1g | 4g |
Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and depend on exact ingredients and serving size.
Serving Suggestions
These 2-ingredient canned vegetable sides pair beautifully with a wide array of mains. Try serving the buttered green beans alongside a juicy grilled steak or roasted chicken.
The olive oil corn is fantastic with fish or pork chops, adding a touch of sweetness and texture. Glazed carrots complement roasted meats and hearty casseroles perfectly.
For a full meal experience, you might also want to check out Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe or the savory Bread And Gravy Recipe. For breakfast inspiration that can complement your sides, take a look at our Breakfast Wellington Recipe.
Conclusion
Who knew that with just two ingredients, you could create delicious, nutritious, and satisfying vegetable side dishes? These recipes prove that simplicity is sometimes the best approach to cooking, especially when time and resources are limited.
Canned vegetables get a bad rap, but when paired with the right ingredient and cooked with care, they can become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Next time you’re in a pinch or want to add a quick veggie side to your meal, give these 2-ingredient recipes a try. They’re flexible, tasty, and ready whenever you are.
Don’t forget to experiment with herbs and spices to make each dish uniquely yours. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Simple 2-Ingredient Canned Vegetable Side Dish
Description: A quick and easy side dish using canned vegetables and a flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a healthy addition to any meal.
Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add butter and olive oil to the skillet.
- Sauté onions until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add drained green beans and stir to combine.
- Pour in cream of mushroom soup and mix well.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 12g
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