How Many Cups of Beans Are in 2 Cans? Breaking Down the Bean Volume

Canned beans are a pantry staple relied on by many home cooks. But have you ever wondered exactly how many cups of beans you get in those convenient cans? When a recipe calls for canned beans, it’s handy to know whether you have the right amount on hand.

In this guide, we’ll dig into the details on bean can sizes and how to convert them to cup measurements. Read on for a helpful breakdown of how many cups of beans are in 2 standard cans.

Typical Canned Bean Sizes

Canned beans come in a few common sizes:

• 15 oz – The most popular and widely available standard can size.

• 16 oz – Slightly larger than 15 oz, but not always easy to find.

• 29 oz – Larger cans great for feeding a crowd.

• 8 oz – Handy single-serve portions.

For this guide, we’ll focus on the typical 15 oz can, the size you’re most likely to find. When a recipe calls for “1 can of beans”, it is generally referring to a 15 oz can.

Volume of Beans in a 15 oz Can

So how many cups of beans are actually inside a standard 15 oz can?

• 1 drained 15 oz can = approximately 1 1⁄2 cups cooked beans

• 1 undrained 15 oz can = approximately 1 3⁄4 cups beans and liquid

However, it’s worth noting that bean can volumes can vary slightly between brands. Some may contain a bit more or less beans and liquid.

To get an exact measurement, you need to drain and measure the beans yourself. I tested two popular canned bean brands:

• Bush’s 15 oz pinto beans – 1 1/3 cups drained beans

• Goya 15 oz black beans – 1 1/2 cups drained beans

As you can see, there was almost a 1⁄4 cup difference between the two cans!

The bottom line: Don’t rely solely on the can label. Measure beans yourself if an exact cup amount is needed.

Converting 2 Cans of Beans to Cups

Now that we know one 15 oz can equals approximately 1 1⁄2 cups beans:

• 2 cans = 3 cups drained beans

Again, allow for some variance depending on brand. To be precise, measure out the beans yourself.

Weight of Canned Bean Contents

Besides volume, it’s also helpful to know the weight of canned bean contents:

• 1 drained 15 oz can = approximately 8-10 oz beans

• 1 undrained 15 oz can = approximately 14-16 oz beans and liquid

So for 2 canned beans, drained weight is about 16-20 oz.

Tips for Measuring Beans

To accurately measure beans, follow these tips:

• Drain beans in a strainer or colander first to remove excess liquid

• Lightly shake colander to drain thoroughly

• Transfer drained beans to dry measuring cup

• Level off top of beans, don’t pack down

• Measure against a flat surface

• Weigh beans on a kitchen scale for weight

Now you have the inside scoop on converting canned bean quantities!

Handy Bean Measurement Conversions

Use these quick references for bean can sizes:

• 1 pound dry beans = ~ 5-6 cups cooked beans

• 1 cup dry beans = ~2-3 cups cooked beans

• 1 can (15 oz) beans = ~ 1 1⁄2 cups drained cooked beans

• 2 cans (15 oz) beans = ~ 3 cups drained cooked beans

Sample Recipes Using 2 Cans of Beans

Here are some tasty ways to use up 2 cans of your favorite beans:

• Slow Cooker Chili – Kidney, pinto or black beans.

• White Bean Soup – Cannellini or navy beans.

• Cowboy Caviar – Black beans, black-eyed peas or pinto beans.

• Red Beans and Rice – Kidney beans.

• Bean Salad – Chickpeas, black beans or white beans.

With 2 cans, you have the perfect amount to make any of these satisfying bean-based dishes. Time to put those cans to use!

FAQs About 2 Cans of Beans

How many cups of beans are in 2 15 oz cans?

Two standard 15 oz cans of beans contain approximately 3 cups of drained, cooked beans. However, bean can volumes can vary slightly by brand. For a precise measurement, drain beans and measure in a dry measuring cup.

What is the weight of 2 drained 15 oz cans of beans?

The total weight of beans in two drained 15 ounce cans is approximately 16-20 ounces. Weigh your drained beans on a kitchen scale for an exact amount.

How many servings are in 2 cans of beans?

Most labels state that a 15 oz can of beans contains around 3 to 4 servings of beans. So 2 cans would provide 6 to 8 servings. The exact amount of servings depends on the serving size, which can vary.

Can I substitute dry and canned beans in recipes?

Yes, you can substitute dry and canned beans in recipes. Use approximately 1/2 cup dry beans for every 15 oz can, and adjust cooking time as needed. Or use the bean conversion calculator to substitute amounts.

How long do opened canned beans last in the fridge?

Once opened, canned beans will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Transfer them to an airtight container and store beans with their liquid to maximize freshness.

So now you know exactly what you’re working with when a recipe calls for 2 trusty cans of beans! This breakdown takes the guesswork out of bean can sizes.