I love black beans for so many reasons. They’re economical, versatile, nutritious, have a long shelf life, and so much more. But like all staples, it can be hard to come up with fresh fun ideas to liven up your cooking. That’s why I’ve gone ahead and compiled all my favorites. From simple sides to entrees, here are my top 30 black bean recipes so you can have a whole month’s worth of new dishes to try.
30 Tasty Meals That Start With a Can of Black Beans
1. Chipotle Black Bean Soup
There is one thing from Chipotle I get every time, and that’s their black bean soup. It’s so good, I set out on a quest to perfect it at home, and this is how to do it. You’ll need about one pound of black beans, some garlic, and onions. The most important part, however, is getting the right spice blend and letting it simmer for a couple of hours.
2. Mexican Black Beans
Perfecting a simple side of black beans is a must for any Mexican food lover and this recipe nails it. Similar to the Chipotle soup, the trick is all in the seasoning. This one keeps it simple with a little cumin and salt. It also adds aromatics and cilantro for the super fresh flavor.
3. Black Beans and Rice
From enchiladas to mole, every home-style Mexican meal needs a proper side of rice and beans. I like this one for the fresh take and the fact it came straight from a grandma’s kitchen. White rice and black beans are cooked in a single pot, then get a light seasoning with a touch of lime to keep it fresh.
4. Black Bean Burgers
Forget the veggie burgers in the frozen aisle, homemade black bean burgers are far superior. They have so much flavor and use ingredients you most likely already have on hand. If you have a food processor, I recommend busting it out. Although, you can still mix these by hand.
5. Veggie Black Bean Enchiladas
Black bean enchiladas cause a lot of excitement in my household. They’re a fresher, healthier take that everyone loves. For the filling, wheat tortillas get jam-packed with seasoned black beans and veggies. Those are then smothered in a homemade enchilada sauce and a handful of cheese.
6. Weeknight Black Bean Chili
Quick and easy weeknight dinners are best after a long day. If you want one featuring black beans, I say go with this chili. Black beans and ground turkey make this chili very hearty. The addition of tomato paste makes it even richer. Unlike some chilis, this one is ideal for weeknights because you can have it ready for dinner in about 30 minutes.
7. Black Bean Salad with Corn, Avocado, and Lime Vinaigrette
No matter what time of day you eat it, black bean salad is incredible. It’s bright and zippy, which I find to be a breath of fresh air from heavy, rich meals. This dish requires zero cooking and you can make it ahead of time for a party. While it might seem weird at first not to grill the corn, trust me on this one. The flavor of raw corn can’t be beat in this salad.
8. Black Bean Brownies
The first time I heard about black bean brownies I thought it was a joke. Then I thought about mole sauce and chicken, so I gave it a try. And guys, I’m so happy I did! Black beans give these brownies a boost of protein and chewy texture. And you can’t even taste them!
9. Black Bean Tacos
Need a taco Tuesday or meatless Monday recipe? Black bean tacos are a fine choice. You’ll save money by not eating meat and don’t have to lose out on taste. You’ll need to heat the beans with some taco seasoning. Then, load them up in a corn tortilla with a homemade avocado lime dressing and your favorite taco bar toppings.
10. Southwestern Black Bean Pasta
Can’t decide between Italian or Mexican food? You won’t have to choose because you can have them both. Tex-Mex and Italian cuisine come together in this fusion recipe. You’ll take a pasta of choice and top that with a southwestern mix of black beans, canned tomatoes, bell peppers, and spice.
11. Healthy Black Bean Casserole
Eating healthy is so easy with this casserole. The combination of black beans, brown rice, and veggies packs this dish with a ton of nutrients. What’s even better is all you have to do is mix, pour, and bake.
12. Cheesy Black Bean Lasagna
I never would have thought to add black beans to lasagna until I gave this one a whirl. Black beans add substance and sustenance that goes remarkably well with lasagna noodles. In a way, it kind of reminds me of black bean and cheese enchiladas except with a simple tomato sauce.
13. Black Bean and Avocado Wraps
Is a lunch rut getting you down? I’ve got your solution right here. These wraps are full of my favorite black bean accompaniments, which are cheese, avocado, tomato, and bell pepper. They’re easy to assemble and great for on the go, so you can eat them when hunger strikes.
14. Black Bean Pasta Salad
Potlucks, picnics, or barbecues, black bean pasta salad is fit for so many occasions. It’s straightforward and effortless which anyone with a busy schedule can appreciate. You’ll simply cook your pasta, then combine it with a creamy citrus sauce, black beans, and fresh veggies.
15. Crispy Black Bean and Rice Burritos
I crave burritos more than one should. So when cravings strike, but I need something healthy, I make this. It starts by sauteeing black beans with bell peppers and corn. Load that into a tortilla with some cheese and cilantro, then grill.
16. Double Chocolate Vegan Black Bean Cookies
Black beans are surprisingly versatile when it comes to baked goods and that includes cookies. With six ingredients, you can whip up a batch of divine chocolate-rich cookies. No refined sugar, no dairy, just quality ingredients and black beans for texture.
17. Black Bean Chocolate Cake
If you like what black beans did for brownies and cookies, try it in this cake. Black beans give this cake a more fudgy texture. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it adds in protein. Aside from that, what’s also great about this cake is it uses wholesome foods like dates and maple syrup for sweetening.
18. Black Bean Fritters
Black bean fritters are great any time of day. It’s all a matter of how you do the toppings. I like to add a poached egg for breakfast, salsa and cheese for lunch, then make them like a burger come dinner. These are so easy to make and I find they freeze well. So whip up a double batch so you can bust them out the next time you want a quick meal.
19. Black Bean Sliders
These sliders are great for entertaining and excellent when you want a little nibble. You’ll mash black beans together with spices and corn as well as eggs and flour for binding. Once you get the right texture, you can chill then grill. If you find the mixture is too dry, use some of the black bean liquid from the can or add a splash of olive oil.
20. Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are always a fun break from the same old routine. Choose your favorite color bell pepper, then stuff them with a savory mix of black beans, rice, spice, and salsa. Rice and beans together make a complete protein. Pair that with all the other ingredients and you have a healthy, gratifying dish.
21. Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Don’t just settle for a standard baked potato. Freshen them up with a ton of flavor with this recipe. Fork-tender sweet potatoes get the works with seasoned onions, avocado, black beans, and a fabulous cashew cream sauce.
22. Cuban-Style Black Beans
Cuban-style black beans are super fresh and full of flavor. Part of the secret to achieving the right flavor is cooking the beans with bay leaf, cumin, and vinegar. Then, you’ll need some fresh scallions and cilantro.
23. Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce
This recipe is a take on a Chinese staple. It takes fermented black beans and turns them into a complex umami sauce. While it may have several applications, I love it like this. The sauce is poured over a meaty mix of juicy shrimp, pork, and egg.
24. Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
Another way I like black bean sauce is on chicken. You’ll stir-fry tender chicken breast with bell peppers and scallions. Then, you’ll smother it all in a rich fermented black bean sauce.
25. Spicy Black Bean Pizza
Tomato sauce may be the gold standard for pizza, but this black bean pizza sauce sure gives it a run for its money. The sauce is spiced with adobo, cumin, onions, and garlic. The result is a well-balanced flavor with a nice fiery kick. For the toppings, you can choose your own. But I recommend some avocado, tomato, and chorizo.
26. Beef With Black Bean Sauce
Not only does chicken and shrimp work with black bean sauce, but so does beef. Unlike the recipes before, this recipe calls for a black bean paste. Use that to make a complex umami sauce to pour over a savory stir-fry of beef tenderloin, asparagus, and celery.
27. Vegetarian Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Whether it’s Sunday brunch or Monday night, I am all for a tasty casserole and this one tops the list. The filling is a fabulous combination of earthy black beans, colorful bell peppers, corn, and shredded cheese. Plus, you’ll streamline the process by layering everything instead of rolling.
28. Black Bean Skillet Dinner
Next to casseroles, I love a good skillet and this one is on tonight’s dinner menu. It involves sauteing black beans with bell peppers and canned tomatoes. From there, you’ll top it with tangy pickled onions and cooling lime crema. You can serve this over rice, quinoa, or any other type of grain. If you happen to have leftovers, you can stuff them in a tortilla for lunch.
29. Black Bean Tostadas
Now, who can pass up a crunchy, fresh tostada! Lunch, dinner, or midday snack, these are irresistible bites. And they’re so easy it’s a sin! Simply spread a spiced black bean mixture on top of crisp corn tortillas and top with fixings like fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions.
30. Black Bean Dip
Expecting company and trying to figure out what to make? Make life a little less stressful and whip up this easy dip. It’s simple, tastes phenomenal, and you can serve it with tortilla chips. Plus, you already have the ingredients hiding in your pantry. Click on a star to rate it!
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