When dinner needs one more side, I look for options that keep the effort manageable. These seven Dollar Tree canned vegetables make rounding out weeknight meals, cookouts, and holiday plates easier.
1. Margaret Holmes Seasoned Butter Beans, 1-ct. – $1.50
When barbecue or fried fish needs an easy companion, these stovetop butter beans deliver a ready-seasoned Southern-style side. The onion, spices, bacon fat, and smoke flavor mean there is little left to do.
Taste: The beans are tender and rich, with smoky bacon notes running through the seasoned liquid. That assertive savory flavor is convenient, though it may be too smoky for anyone wanting plain beans.
Make It Better: Serve them with cornbread so none of the flavorful liquid goes to waste.
Parting Thoughts: They are worth keeping around for dinners that need something hearty and comforting.
2. Margaret Holmes Tomatoes, Okra, And Corn, 14.5 oz. – $1.50
Tomatoes, okra, and corn make this more interesting than a one-vegetable side, especially beside a simple weeknight main. It is already seasoned with onion and garlic and heats on the stovetop.
Taste: The tomato brings brightness, the corn adds sweetness, and the okra rounds out the savory Southern seasoning. The vegetables have an appealing mixed texture, and the okra is not notably slimy.
Make It Better: Add extra spice at the table, or use the medley as a head start for gumbo or stew.
Parting Thoughts: Choose this when a plain can of vegetables sounds a little too predictable.
3. Margaret Holmes Seasoned Collard Greens, 1-ct. – $1.00
I reach for these collard greens when a Southern dinner needs one more stovetop side but washing and preparing greens is not happening. Traditional seasoning and smoky bacon flavor do most of the work.
Taste: The tender leaves have smoky pork character with a tangy vinegar note that keeps them lively. There are fewer distracting stems than in some canned collards, although the pronounced seasoning will not suit someone seeking mild greens.
Make It Better: Stir in onion or bacon bits, or combine the collards with pinto beans for a heartier serving.
Parting Thoughts: At $1.00, this is my comfort-food pick for maximum flavor with minimal prep.
4. La Sierra Premium Refried Beans, 20.5-oz. Cans – $1.50
Taco night feels more complete with these lard-free refried beans warming on the stovetop. The generous 20.5-oz. can works as a protein side, or it can become the base for burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
Taste: They are rich and savory with a creamy, smooth consistency. Anyone who prefers whole beans may find the uniform texture less appealing, but it spreads and scoops easily.
Make It Better: Season them to your liking, then serve beside tacos or spread a layer inside a quesadilla.
Parting Thoughts: Families stretching a Mexican-inspired meal should get especially good mileage from this can.
5. Del Monte Harvest Whole Kernel Corn, 15.25-oz. – $1.50
Golden whole kernels bring a straightforward vegetable side to busy dinners and cook on the stovetop. The corn is naturally sweet without added sugar, so it does not need much attention.
Taste: Each kernel has a clean sweetness and retains a pleasantly crisp bite for canned corn. The flavor is simple rather than heavily seasoned, which makes it useful but not especially bold on its own.
Make It Better: Give the drained kernels a quick turn in a skillet for more character, or fold them into cornbread.
Parting Thoughts: A reliable staple like this earns its spot by working with nearly any main dish.
6. Bruce’s Cut Yams, 15 oz. Cans – $1.50
Holiday-style sides become much easier when the sweet potatoes are already cut and packed in light syrup. Heat them on the stovetop for a sweet side, or use them to begin candied yams or a casserole.
Taste: The soft chunks have a familiar sweetness and classic sweet-potato flavor. Because they come in syrup, they lean sweeter than a basic savory vegetable side.
Make It Better: Mash the warmed pieces for a smoother presentation, or turn them into candied yams when you want something more festive.
Parting Thoughts: This time-saver makes sense for sweet-side lovers, while strictly savory diners may want to pass.
7. Del Monte Canned Harvest Sliced Beets, 14.5-oz. – $1.50
For anyone who likes earthy vegetables, these sliced beets offer a side that requires no cooking. They work particularly well alongside a busy weeknight meal or added directly to a salad.
Taste: The slices have the rich, earthy flavor that makes beets distinctive, along with a tender canned texture. That earthiness can be polarizing, so this is not the safest choice for a beet skeptic.
Make It Better: Serve the slices as a simple side or toss them into a salad for extra color and substance.
Parting Thoughts: Beet devotees will appreciate having the slicing and cooking handled already.
