15 Black Bean Recipes That Everyone Will Love

Black beans are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can elevate many meals. With their rich flavor and hearty texture, they fit well into a variety of dishes, whether you’re preparing a cozy chili or a fresh salad.

From quick side dishes to filling main courses, black beans can be a key part of your meal planning. They are not only beneficial for your health but also add a wonderful depth to your cooking. Whether you are a seasoned chef or just starting, there are countless ways to make these beans a staple in your kitchen.

1) Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Black bean and corn salsa is a fresh and tasty dish. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a party or just snacking at home. The combination of black beans, corn, and fresh veggies creates a colorful dip.

You can use canned or frozen corn for a quick recipe. Fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños add great flavor. This salsa pairs well with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (canned, frozen, or fresh)
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix black beans and corn.
2. Add diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
3. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir everything until combined, then serve with chips or as a topping.

2) Spicy Black Bean Soup

Spicy black bean soup is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any day. It’s simple to make and can be ready in under an hour. You can use canned black beans for convenience, making the prep quick and easy.

This soup is packed with nutrients and has a wonderful kick from the spices. You can blend part of it for a creamy texture or leave it chunky for more bite.

Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or cheese.

Ingredients

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the chili powder and cumin, stirring for 1 minute.
3. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and broth.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Blend part of the soup if desired, then season with salt and pepper.

3) Black Bean Tacos with Avocado

Black bean tacos with avocado are a tasty and healthy meal option. They are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. You can enjoy them for lunch or dinner.

To make these tacos, you start with a soft tortilla. Fill it with seasoned black beans and fresh avocado. Add toppings like cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro for extra flavor.

You can customize the recipe to your liking. A drizzle of lime juice or hot sauce can add a nice kick. These tacos are not only delicious but also filling.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 4 small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tomato, diced
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat black beans in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C) until warm.
2. Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet.
3. Fill each tortilla with black beans and diced avocado.
4. Add cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro on top.
5. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

4) Southwestern Black Bean Salad

This Southwestern black bean salad is a vibrant and tasty dish. It’s perfect for summer BBQs or simple weeknight dinners. You can enjoy it as a side or a main dish.

The key ingredients include black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes. The zesty lime dressing adds a refreshing touch to the salad.

You can prepare this salad in just 15 minutes. It’s a great way to use fresh produce and makes for a healthy meal option.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

5) Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

This Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili is a hearty and nutritious dish. It combines the comforting flavors of sweet potatoes with the rich taste of black beans. Perfect for cold days, it’s packed with fiber and protein.

You’ll love how easy it is to make. Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add in diced sweet potatoes and black beans. Spices like cumin and chili powder bring a delicious warmth.

Lime juice and cilantro add freshness right before serving. Pair this chili with avocado or cornbread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cilantro and lime juice for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in sweet potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add black beans, tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Stir in lime juice and cilantro before serving.

6) Black Bean Burgers with Lime

Black bean burgers with lime are a tasty and healthy choice. They are packed with flavor and can be made quickly. The lime adds a fresh twist that brightens up the dish.

To make these burgers, you will need cooked black beans, lime juice, and spices. You can also add cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. These ingredients come together to create a delicious veggie burger.

You can serve these burgers on a bun or enjoy them on a salad. They pair well with toppings like avocado, salsa, or cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the black beans until mostly smooth.
3. Stir in lime juice, breadcrumbs, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Form mixture into patties.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7) Smoky Black Bean Dip

Smoky Black Bean Dip is a tasty and easy option for snacking or entertaining. It combines black beans with smoky flavors to create a dip that is both delicious and nutritious.

You can enjoy this dip with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or spread it in wraps. It’s quick to make, taking just about five minutes if you have your ingredients ready.

This dip is packed with fiber and can be made dairy-free, making it suitable for many diets. You’ll love its rich taste and smooth texture.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lime juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add black beans and chipotle peppers.
5. Blend until smooth, add lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.

8) Black Bean Enchiladas

Black bean enchiladas are a delicious vegetarian option that is easy to make. They are filled with black beans, corn, onions, and spices, all wrapped in soft tortillas.

You can top them with cheese and your favorite sauce before baking until bubbly. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

You will find them filling and satisfying, making it a great choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups black beans (cooked or canned)
• 1 cup corn
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup enchilada sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper until tender.
3. Add black beans, corn, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Fill tortillas with the mixture and roll them up.
5. Place enchiladas in a baking dish and pour sauce on top.
6. Sprinkle cheese over the sauce.
7. Bake for 20 minutes until heated through.

9) Black Bean Hummus

Black bean hummus is a tasty twist on the traditional chickpea version. It’s creamy and full of flavor, making it a great dip for vegetables or pita chips. You can whip it up in just a few minutes.

To make it, you can blend canned black beans with lemon juice, garlic, and tahini. Adjust the spices to your liking. If you enjoy some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.

This dip is not only tasty but also packed with protein and fiber. Serve it at your next party or enjoy it as a healthy snack.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Optional: cayenne pepper or jalapeños for spice

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve with pita or veggies.

10) Huevos Rancheros with Black Beans

Huevos rancheros is a classic Mexican dish that is hearty and satisfying. The combination of black beans, eggs, and salsa makes it perfect for any meal. You can enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

To make this dish, you’ll need to prepare the black beans and salsa. The black beans provide a creamy texture and great flavor. You can use canned beans or cook your own for a fresh taste.

A simple salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños adds brightness and spice. Top your huevos rancheros with a fried egg for a delicious finish. Serve it all on warm tortillas for the perfect bite.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans
• 4 eggs
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 4 tortillas
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add the black beans and season with salt and pepper.
3. In another pan, fry the eggs to your liking.
4. Warm tortillas and layer with beans, salsa, and fried eggs. Enjoy!

11) Black Bean-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Black bean-stuffed bell peppers make a tasty and satisfying meal. They’re packed with flavor and provide a great source of protein and fiber. You can customize them with your favorite spices and toppings.

To start, you’ll need bell peppers, black beans, rice, cheese, and spices. You can use any color of bell pepper you like. They not only look pretty but also taste great.

Once you prepare the filling, stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and bake them. For best results, bake at 375°F (190°C) until the peppers are tender.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix beans, rice, and spices.
4. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers.
5. Top with cheese.
6. Place them in a baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes.

12) Black Bean Quesadillas

Black bean quesadillas are a tasty and simple meal that you can whip up quickly. They are great for lunch, dinner, or a snack. You can customize them with your favorite toppings.

Start with tortillas and fill them with black beans, cheese, and any veggies you like. Cook them in a pan until the tortillas are golden and crisp.

These quesadillas are also freezer-friendly. Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ll have a meal ready to go anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or pepper Jack)
• 4 flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup corn (canned, frozen, or fresh)
• Optional: diced bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
3. Layer half the cheese, black beans, corn, and any optional veggies on the tortilla.
4. Top with another tortilla and cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Flip and cook the other side until cheese melts and tortilla is crisp.
6. Remove, slice, and serve warm.

13) Black Bean Burrito Bowl

A Black Bean Burrito Bowl is a simple and tasty meal. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and you can customize it to your liking. Start with a base of rice, then add black beans and any fresh toppings you enjoy.

You can use brown rice or white rice, depending on your preference. Top it off with ingredients like diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. You might also want to drizzle some lime juice for added flavor.

For a little bit of spice, add jalapeños or salsa. This hearty bowl is filling and nutritious, making it a great choice for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 avocado, diced
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Optional: jalapeños, salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, combine rice and black beans.
3. Top with diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
4. Drizzle with lime juice and add any optional toppings. Enjoy!

14) Chocolate Black Bean Brownies

Chocolate black bean brownies are a delicious and healthier dessert option. They are fudgy and rich in flavor, with the added benefit of being gluten-free. You may be surprised by how tasty they are, even with black beans as a main ingredient.

To make these brownies, you will blend black beans until smooth, then mix them with cocoa powder, a sweetener, and some chocolate chips for extra goodness. You’ll enjoy a sweet treat packed with protein and fiber.

They’re perfect for sharing at parties or as a snack. You can enjoy these brownies without feeling guilty about indulging.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Blend the black beans in a food processor until smooth.
3. Add eggs, cocoa powder, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla. Blend until combined.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!

15) Cuban Black Beans and Rice

Cuban black beans and rice is a delicious and hearty dish. It combines black beans, rice, and plenty of flavorful ingredients. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side.

Black beans are packed with protein and have a mild taste. They work well with garlic, onions, and bell peppers to create a rich flavor. Some recipes even include bay leaves for an earthy twist.

You can serve this meal with sautéed plantains or a fresh salad. It’s a great way to add some variety to your weekly menu.

Ingredients

• 1 cup black beans, dried
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the black beans in water overnight.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add onion and bell pepper.
4. Cook until they are soft.
5. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Drain the beans and add them to the pot.
7. Pour in 2 cups of water.
8. Add cumin and bay leaf.
9. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
10. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Serve the beans over cooked rice.