Nutritious meals right out of the can

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With convenient options like canned ingredients on-hand, one can have the makings of a wholesome homemade meal right at their fingertips.

Canned foods not only help cut down on prep time in the kitchen, but also deliver nutritional benefits. In fact, those who use six or more canned foods per week are more likely to have diets higher in 17 essential nutrients, according to a study published in Nutrients. Plus, cans provide year-round access to seasonal fruits and vegetables, and keep food fresh and flavorful without the need for preservatives and additives.

For more information about the nutritional benefits of cooking with canned foods and to find flavorful recipes, visit CansGetYouCooking.com.

Beef and Vegetable Soup

Recipe courtesy of Cans Get You Cooking

Servings: 6

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 pound lean ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (141/2 ounces) low-sodium beef broth

1 can (141/2 ounces) sliced carrots, drained

1 can (141/2 ounces) cut green beans

1 can (141/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 cup cooked egg noodles

In 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, in hot oil, cook ground beef until well browned on all sides, stirring frequently. With slotted spoon, remove beef to bowl.

In drippings remaining in saucepan over medium heat, cook onion and garlic until tender-crisp.

Add beef broth, carrots, green beans, stewed tomatoes, basil and ground beef; over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10-15 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally. Stir in cooked egg noodles.