Pantry Items to Pair with Beans UncategorizedBean Bulletin, Tips If you’re cooking from a well-stocked pantry, you may be eating more beans than ever. To keep meal preparation simple and varied, make sure your pantry is also stocked with these shelf-stable ingredients that enhance bean dishes. Canned tomatoes and tomato sauce: Simmer canned or cooked beans in any type of tomato sauce for a dish packed with nutrition and Mediterranean flavor Frozen vegetables. Add frozen spinach, kale, or collards to beans along with a can of diced tomatoes for a satisfying soup. Onions and garlic: Sautéed in a little oil, onions, and garlic add fast flavor to beans. Aged cheeses. Mix shredded cheese with breadcrumbs as a topping for any baked bean recipe. Don’t forget favorite condiments like soy sauce, hot sauce, canned peppers, salsa, and balsamic vinegar to build fast flavor into a pot of beans.