I only take cans if they have the pull off top. It's much easier than using the piece of junk included in most multi-tools and better than lugging around a can opener.
For more than 2 days; corn tortillas covered with either brown rice or couscous and refried black beans. (Allow the corn tortillas to soak up the moisture from the refried black beans) The packets from the Spicy Shrimp, Beef or Pork Ramen products are also good for seasoning "bland" dry foods.
For a shorter hike/trip my wife and I like Opa's beef sausages cooked over an open fire, saurkraut, and spicy mustard wrapped up in a flour tortilla.
If possible, I carry either hamburger meat or steak the first day. If I bring frozen meat that is already semi thawed (wrapped in foil and put in freezer bags) it will stand up for a day. It's heavy, but I always eat it the first night anyway.
I'm suprised you pack with cans. I'm too weak to cary anymore wait then I have to. I usually eat oatmeal for breakfast (the kind that comes in the little paper pouches and you just stir in hot water). I eat trailmix type stuff for lunch. Then trout and rice every night.
The biggest cans I have carried are those 4 ounce cans like the fruit cups you give kids for their school lunches. Nothing heavy and never more than about 4 of them.
Besides, whatever weight that is gained by them I make up by only taking 1 pot, 1 cup and 1 spoon along with other things. It's worth having something sweet like fruit as a treat in a harsh environment.
The only thing I carry more than 1 of is pairs of socks. Always gotta have dry socks.
Grilled SPAM (I know, I know!)with carmelized brown sugar sauce. We lived on this at the Charles L. Sumners Wilderness Canoe Base at Ely, Minnesota. Redeye.