15 Beans Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds
Beans are a versatile ingredient that can enhance a wide variety of dishes. Recipes featuring beans can satisfy your cravings and boost your nutrition. From soups and salads to tacos and stews, there are countless ways to enjoy them.
Incorporating beans into your meals can also be budget-friendly and eco-friendly. They are packed with protein and fiber, making them a smart choice for anyone wanting to eat well without breaking the bank. You’ll discover how easy it is to prepare delicious bean dishes that your entire family will love.
1) Spicy Black Bean Tacos
Spicy black bean tacos are a quick and delicious meal perfect for any night. You can make them using canned or homemade black beans.
Start by warming corn tortillas on a skillet. Fill the tortillas with black beans, fresh tomatoes, and avocado. You can also add chopped spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Top your tacos with cilantro and a squeeze of lime. For a creamy touch, consider adding avocado cream sauce. Enjoy this easy, tasty recipe with your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Fill each tortilla with black beans, tomatoes, avocado, and spinach if using.
- Top with cilantro and drizzle with lime juice.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
2) Creamy White Bean Pasta
Creamy white bean pasta is a delicious and easy dish. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy meal. You’ll enjoy the rich flavor and smooth texture.
To start, cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce.
In a blender, combine white beans, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, garlic, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the pasta is ready, mix it with the creamy sauce. For added flavor, you can stir in some spinach until it wilts. Serve warm and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Spinach (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 7 minutes.
- Blend white beans, broth, nutritional yeast, garlic, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Season sauce with salt and pepper.
- Combine the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Stir in spinach if using and cook until wilted.
- Serve warm.
3) Black Bean Brownies
Black bean brownies are a delicious way to enjoy a healthier dessert. They are rich, fudgy, and surprisingly satisfying. You won’t even taste the black beans!
To make these brownies, you start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need a good food processor to blend everything smoothly. It’s an easy recipe that combines simple ingredients.
These brownies are perfect for a snack or dessert. They offer extra protein and fiber, making them a great choice for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans (about 15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, blend black beans until smooth.
- Add eggs, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla, and baking powder. Blend until combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares.
4) Bean and Vegetable Chili
Bean and vegetable chili is a hearty and healthy dish you can easily make at home. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a pot. This brings out their delicious flavors.
Next, add your favorite beans—like black beans or kidney beans—and a mix of vegetables such as carrots and corn. You can also include diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
Season your chili with spices like cumin and chili powder. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes on medium heat. This allows the flavors to blend wonderfully.
You can serve it hot, topped with avocado or fresh herbs. It’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 diced onion
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn
- 2 diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in beans, corn, and tomatoes.
- Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with toppings of your choice.
5) Mediterranean Bean Salad
Mediterranean Bean Salad is a refreshing dish that’s easy to make. It combines kidney beans, chickpeas, and cannellini beans with colorful veggies. The salad is tossed in a zesty garlic and Dijon vinaigrette, giving it a delicious flavor.
You can enjoy this salad as a side dish or a light meal. The mix of beans provides protein, while the fresh vegetables add crunch and nutrients. It’s great for gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup olives, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all the beans and diced vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for better flavors.
6) Tuscan Bean Soup
Tuscan bean soup is a warm, hearty dish packed with flavor. It combines beans, vegetables, and spices, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
To start, heat some olive oil in a pot. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until soft. Then, stir in garlic and your choice of beans.
Next, pour in chicken stock and seasonings like bay leaves and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the flavors meld together.
Feel free to add fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Serve this soup hot with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Canned beans (e.g., white beans)
- Chicken stock
- Bay leaves
- Rosemary
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add canned beans and chicken stock.
- Season with bay leaves, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally with fresh greens and bread.
7) Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
Sweet potato and black bean enchiladas are a tasty and healthy dish. You will love the combination of flavors and the bright colors of the ingredients.
To start, cook your sweet potatoes until they’re tender. You can peel and mash them, then mix with black beans for a hearty filling.
Next, grab some corn tortillas and fill them with the sweet potato and black bean mixture. Roll them up and place them in a baking dish. Pour your favorite enchilada sauce over the top, and don’t forget to sprinkle cheese for a gooey finish.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Top with avocado or cilantro for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- Avocado or cilantro for topping
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Mash the sweet potatoes in a bowl and mix with black beans.
- Take a tortilla, fill it with the mixture, and roll it up.
- Place the rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, then add toppings before serving.
8) White Bean and Kale Stew
White bean and kale stew is a hearty and nutritious dish. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. This one-pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings.
Start with sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add vegetable broth, white beans, and kale. Let it simmer until the kale is tender. You can also season it with herbs like thyme and oregano for extra taste.
This stew is filling and great for meal prep. You can enjoy it fresh or store it for later.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic in a pot over medium heat.
- Add vegetable broth, white beans, and herbs.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
9) Three-Bean Salad
This refreshing Three-Bean Salad is perfect for picnics or gatherings. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
You will need green beans, wax beans, and kidney beans for the base. The tangy dressing brings everything together. This salad is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup wax beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot. Add salt.
- Cook green and wax beans for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a bowl, mix all beans with diced onion.
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Pour dressing over the beans and toss to coat.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
10) Black Bean Salsa
Black bean salsa is a tasty and refreshing dish. It’s perfect for dipping with chips or as a topping for tacos. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make.
To start, you’ll need black beans, fresh tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice. This mix of ingredients gives the salsa a vibrant flavor.
You can adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer it milder, remove the seeds from the jalapeño. Fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick that brightens up the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the black beans, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- Add the lime juice and salt.
- Stir gently to mix all ingredients.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a taco topping. Enjoy!
11) Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
Bean and cheese quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal you can make any time. You will love how simple they are to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty dish.
Start with flour tortillas. They are soft and perfect for wrapping around your filling.
Next, add refried beans for creaminess and protein. You can use canned refried beans to save time.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well because they melt nicely.
Then, fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown.
You can make these quesadillas on a skillet or grill. Warm them over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Once the cheese is melted, they are ready to serve!
Ingredients
- 2 flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Oil or butter for cooking
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Spread refried beans on one half of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of the beans.
- Fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Remove when golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Cut into wedges and serve warm.
12) Vegan Bean Burgers
Vegan bean burgers are a tasty and healthy option for lunch or dinner. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. You can customize them with your favorite spices and toppings.
Black beans work great for these burgers. You can mix them with veggies like onions and peppers. This adds texture and taste.
Using beans gives your burger a good protein boost. You can also add ingredients like oats or breadcrumbs for firmness.
Here’s a quick recipe to get you started.
Ingredients
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 cup oats or breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mash the black beans in a bowl.
- Mix in the onions, bell pepper, oats, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into patties.
- Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
13) Pinto Bean Burritos
Pinto bean burritos are a tasty and satisfying meal. They are easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner. You can customize them with your favorite toppings.
To start, you’ll need some cooked pinto beans. You can use canned beans or make them from scratch. Mash the beans slightly for a creamy texture.
Next, warm some tortillas and fill them with the pinto beans. Add cheese, salsa, and veggies if you like. Roll them up tightly.
You can eat them right away or heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This makes them nice and warm.
Enjoy your delicious pinto bean burritos!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans
- 4 large tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salsa (optional)
- Chopped vegetables (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- If using canned beans, rinse and drain them.
- Mash the pinto beans lightly in a bowl.
- Warm the tortillas in a pan or microwave.
- Fill each tortilla with beans, cheese, and extras.
- Roll up the burritos tightly.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes if desired.
14) Bean and Corn Chowder
Bean and corn chowder is a comforting dish that highlights the flavors of beans and sweet corn. It’s perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.
To make this chowder, you can start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add beans and corn along with vegetable stock. Season to taste for that extra flavor.
You can also blend some of the mixture for a creamy texture, while leaving whole beans for heartiness. Serve it warm and enjoy the delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 1 can of black beans, drained
- 2 cups of sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until soft.
- Add black beans, corn, and vegetable stock.
- Stir in cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend half of the chowder for a creamy consistency if desired.
- Serve warm.
15) Chickpea and Bean Curry
Chickpea and bean curry is a delicious and satisfying dish. It combines the earthy flavors of chickpeas and beans in a spicy sauce. You can enjoy this meal anytime, and it’s easy to make.
For a tasty twist, add ingredients like coconut milk or spinach. This dish is rich in protein and fiber, which makes it healthy and filling. Serve it with rice or bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 can coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes.
- Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chickpeas, black beans, and coconut milk.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.