Mom-Approved Recipes Made Easy: The KitchenAid Can Opener from Walmart and Delicious Meal Ideas
For busy moms (and dads!) everywhere, the kitchen can often feel like a battlefield. Between juggling work, school runs, extracurricular activities, and the endless demands of family life, finding time to prepare healthy and delicious meals can seem nearly impossible. But fear not! With a few smart tools and some clever recipes, you can conquer the chaos and bring culinary joy back into your home. This blog post focuses on how the KitchenAid can opener, easily found at Walmart, can be your secret weapon in the kitchen, streamlining your cooking process and opening up a world of delicious possibilities. We’ll explore a range of mom-approved recipes that utilize canned goods, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Why the KitchenAid Can Opener (From Walmart) is a Mom’s Best Friend
Let’s face it: not all can openers are created equal. Some are clunky, difficult to use, and leave sharp edges on the can. Others break after just a few uses. The KitchenAid can opener, readily available at Walmart, is a game-changer for several reasons:
* **Durability:** KitchenAid is a brand known for quality, and their can opener is no exception. Built to last, it can withstand the rigors of daily use.
* **Ease of Use:** The ergonomic design and smooth cutting action make opening cans a breeze, even for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. No more struggling and straining!
* **Clean Cuts:** Say goodbye to jagged edges! The KitchenAid can opener creates a clean, smooth cut, reducing the risk of cuts and scrapes.
* **Affordability:** Finding it at Walmart makes it accessible and budget-friendly.
* **Convenience:** A reliable can opener allows you to quickly access canned ingredients, which are pantry staples for countless quick and easy recipes.
Having a reliable can opener opens the door to a world of quick and convenient meals. Stocking your pantry with canned goods like beans, tomatoes, vegetables, tuna, and fruits allows you to whip up delicious and nutritious meals in minutes. Now, let’s dive into some mom-approved recipes that utilize the KitchenAid can opener and your well-stocked pantry!
Mom-Approved Recipes Using Canned Goods
Here are some quick, easy, and family-friendly recipes that rely on the convenience of canned goods, all made easier with your trusty KitchenAid can opener:
1. Quick & Easy Chili
This chili recipe is a weeknight staple, packed with flavor and protein. It’s also incredibly versatile – customize it with your favorite toppings!
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound ground beef (or turkey or vegetarian crumbles)
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 packet chili seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado
**Instructions:**
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef (or turkey or vegetarian crumbles) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Open the cans of kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste using your KitchenAid can opener. Drain and rinse the kidney and black beans.
5. Add the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chili seasoning to the pot.
6. Stir well to combine.
7. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili toppings.
**Mom Tip:** Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week. It’s also freezer-friendly!
2. Tuna Noodle Casserole (Simplified)
This classic comfort food is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and this simplified version is perfect for busy weeknights.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 ounces egg noodles
* 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
* 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup frozen peas
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup crushed potato chips (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain.
3. Open the cans of tuna and cream of mushroom soup using your KitchenAid can opener. Drain the tuna.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and peas.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed potato chips (if using).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
**Mom Tip:** Add a can of drained and rinsed mixed vegetables for extra nutrients.
3. Black Bean Salsa
This vibrant and flavorful salsa is perfect as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or an addition to tacos and burritos.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1/2 red onion, chopped
* 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* Juice of 1 lime
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Open the cans of black beans and corn using your KitchenAid can opener. Drain and rinse both.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the black beans, corn, chopped red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
3. Add the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir well to combine.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
**Mom Tip:** This salsa tastes even better the next day! Serve with your favorite tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
4. Chickpea Curry (Quick & Easy)
This flavorful and satisfying curry is packed with plant-based protein and is ready in minutes.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon curry powder
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
* 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Cooked rice, for serving
* Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, plain yogurt
**Instructions:**
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in curry powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. Open the cans of diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and chickpeas using your KitchenAid can opener. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
5. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), coconut milk, and chickpeas to the pot.
6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot over cooked rice, topped with chopped cilantro and plain yogurt (if desired).
**Mom Tip:** Add a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
5. Creamy Tomato Soup
A comforting classic, easily made with canned tomatoes. Perfect for a chilly evening.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
* 4 cups vegetable broth
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon sugar
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
* Optional toppings: grilled cheese croutons, fresh basil
**Instructions:**
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Open the cans of crushed tomatoes using your KitchenAid can opener.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, and sugar to the pot.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded.
6. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a regular blender and blend in batches).
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Stir in heavy cream (if using) for extra creaminess.
9. Serve hot, topped with grilled cheese croutons or fresh basil (if desired).
**Mom Tip:** For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce.
6. Corn and Black Bean Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for summer picnics or a light lunch.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1/2 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Open the cans of corn and black beans using your KitchenAid can opener. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
**Mom Tip:** Add diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
7. Canned Salmon Patties
A quick and easy way to get your omega-3s, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (14.75-ounce) can salmon, drained and skin and bones removed (optional)
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Olive oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. Open the can of salmon using your KitchenAid can opener. Drain the salmon well, removing any skin and bones if desired. Flake the salmon into a bowl.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, beaten egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the salmon.
3. Mix well to combine.
4. Form the mixture into patties.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Fry the salmon patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as a salad or tartar sauce.
**Mom Tip:** Add a dash of hot sauce to the salmon mixture for a little kick.
8. Three Bean Salad
A simple and colorful salad that’s perfect for potlucks and barbecues.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans (white kidney beans), drained and rinsed
* 1 (15-ounce) can green beans, drained
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Open the cans of kidney beans, cannellini beans, and green beans using your KitchenAid can opener. Drain and rinse the kidney and cannellini beans; drain the green beans.
2. In a large bowl, combine the kidney beans, cannellini beans, green beans, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to combine.
5. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
**Mom Tip:** For a sweeter salad, add a tablespoon of honey to the dressing.
9. Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce (Quick Version)
Skip the jarred sauce and make your own delicious tomato and basil pasta sauce in minutes.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Open the cans of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce using your KitchenAid can opener.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano to the saucepan.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
**Mom Tip:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
10. Baked Beans (Semi-Homemade)
Elevate canned baked beans with a few simple additions for a comforting and flavorful side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 (16-ounce) cans baked beans
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon molasses
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Open the cans of baked beans using your KitchenAid can opener.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a baking dish, combine the baked beans, chopped onion, brown sugar, molasses, and Dijon mustard.
4. Top with crumbled bacon, if using.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
**Mom Tip:** Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor.
Tips for Stocking Your Pantry with Canned Goods
* **Check expiration dates:** Regularly check the expiration dates on your canned goods and use older items first.
* **Look for low-sodium options:** Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added canned goods whenever possible to reduce your sodium intake.
* **Rinse beans and vegetables:** Rinsing canned beans and vegetables helps to remove excess sodium and starches.
* **Buy in bulk:** Take advantage of sales and discounts to buy canned goods in bulk. This can save you money in the long run.
* **Organize your pantry:** Keep your pantry organized so you can easily see what you have on hand and avoid buying duplicates.
Beyond the Recipes: Other Uses for Your KitchenAid Can Opener
While these recipes highlight the convenience of canned goods, the KitchenAid can opener can also be used for other kitchen tasks:
* **Opening bottles:** Some KitchenAid can openers have a built-in bottle opener, making them a versatile tool for your kitchen.
* **Punching holes in cans:** Need to drain a can of tuna or corn without making a mess? Use the can opener to carefully punch a few holes in the lid.
Conclusion: The KitchenAid Can Opener – A Mom’s Kitchen Essential
The KitchenAid can opener, readily available at Walmart, is more than just a simple tool; it’s a kitchen essential that can save you time, reduce stress, and open up a world of culinary possibilities. By stocking your pantry with canned goods and utilizing these mom-approved recipes, you can create delicious and nutritious meals for your family, even on the busiest of weeknights. So, ditch the struggle with unreliable can openers and embrace the ease and convenience of the KitchenAid. Happy cooking!