1. Baked Bean and Cheese Stuffed Jacket Potatoes

Jacket potatoes are an excellent, budget-friendly meal, and adding baked beans with cheese makes them even more satisfying. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 2 large baking potatoes
• 1 tin (400g) baked beans
• 50g grated cheddar cheese (or any cheese you have on hand)
• 1 tbsp butter or margarine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6).
2. Wash and dry the potatoes, then prick them all over with a fork.
3. Rub a little butter on the skins and place them directly on the oven rack.
4. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
5. Heat the baked beans in a saucepan until warm.
6. Once the potatoes are done, cut them open and fluff the insides with a fork, adding a little butter.
7. Spoon the baked beans over the potatoes and top with grated cheese.
8. Place under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Tip: If you’re short on time, microwave the potatoes for 10 minutes before baking to speed up the cooking process.

2. Baked Bean and Veggie Pasta Bake

This simple pasta bake is a great way to use up leftover vegetables while creating a comforting, budget-friendly meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 250g pasta (any type)
• 1 tin (400g) baked beans
• 1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 50g grated cheese
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 5).
2. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, then drain.
3. Heat oil in a pan and saute the onion and bell pepper until soft.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, baked beans, and mixed herbs, then simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix well.
6. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Tip: Swap out fresh vegetables for frozen or tinned ones to save even more money.

3. Baked Bean and Egg Breakfast Hash

This hearty and nutritious dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 tin (400g) baked beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the diced potatoes for 5 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan and saute the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the potatoes and cook until golden brown.
4. Stir in the baked beans and paprika, then simmer for a few minutes.
5. Make two small wells in the mixture and crack in the eggs.
6. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat until the eggs are set.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Tip: Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavour and nutrition.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Baked bean and cheese stuffed jacket potatoes make an affordable, filling meal.
• A baked bean and veggie pasta bake is an easy way to use up leftovers.
• Baked bean and egg breakfast hash is a simple yet nutritious meal suitable for any time of day.
• Using baked beans as a base for meals helps stretch your food budget while providing protein and fibre.

With these three easy recipes, carers can create delicious and budget-friendly meals using a simple tin of baked beans. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these dishes prove that affordable ingredients can still deliver fantastic flavour. For more money-saving meal ideas, visit CarersCardUK.