Bean bonanza: 29 savory recipes to elevate your meals

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Discover the magic of beans as we unlock their full potential, offering inventive and delectable dishes to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these innovative recipes will elevate your cooking game and leave your taste buds craving for more.

A close shot of a silver spoon holding creamy tan beans.
Chipotle Peruano Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Zesty Butter Beans

Close shot of creamy orange beans sprinkled with spices.
Zesty Butter Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Indulge in the harmonious fusion of zest and creamy goodness brought to life by butter beans! Whether simmered to perfection or accompanied by a bed of rice or quinoa, these beans conjure up a meal that’s bursting with satisfaction and flavor. Experience the joy of cooking with butter beans and savor the richness they add to your culinary creations!

Get the Recipe: Zesty Butter Beans

Chipotle Peruano Beans

A close shot of a silver spoon holding creamy tan beans.
Chipotle Peruano Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Prepare these luscious, velvety Peruvian beans with ease – a simple, wholesome, and effortless addition to your menu. Infused with the rich warmth of ground chipotle pepper powder, these comforting beans boast a deep, smoky flavor that complements a wide range of delectable dishes.

Get the Recipe: Peruano Beans

Southwest Salad

A large tan ceramic bowl filled with salad ingredients and a creamy dressing.
Southwest Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Indulge in the vibrant and effortlessly delectable Southwest Salad delight. Crisp greens, savory black beans, sweet corn, and a homemade creamy Southwest dressing come together in perfect synergy, crafting a flavor experience that stands out from the rest.

Get the recipe: Southwest Salad

Gallo Pinto

A white plate topped with white rice, black beans and green cilantro.
Gallo Pinto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Introducing Gallo Pinto, a traditional Central American rice and beans dish that’s bursting with flavor, comfort, and budget-friendly goodness!

Get the Recipe: Gallo Pinto

Twice Smoked Brisket BBQ Beans

Pot of bbq beans with onions.
BBQ beans. Photo credit: GirlCarnivore.

Say hello to our no-fuss Brisket BBQ Beans, brimming with tender brisket and easily crafted in either an electric or traditional smoker! This fail-proof recipe is a beginner’s paradise, making it an ideal selection for cooks of all expertise levels.

Get the Recipe: Twice Smoked Brisket BBQ Beans

Black Bean Brownies

Close shot of a stack of black bean brownies.
Black Bean Brownies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Embark on a journey of flourless culinary joy with these delightful, nutritious, and plant-based black bean brownies. Brace yourself for the revelation of their moist, fudgy texture that will leave your taste buds astounded!

Get the Recipe: Black Bean Brownies

Homemade Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Elevate your culinary skills with our perfected Homemade Refried Beans recipe! Bid farewell to canned beans and relish the authentic flavors of Mexico in every delicious bite.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Refried Beans

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Easy chicken tortilla soup.
Photo credit: Feast And West

Revitalize those last-minute dinners with our Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup! This flavorful delight is crafted from leftover chicken and pantry essentials, including canned black beans, to create a satisfying meal in no time.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving a mouthwatering and satisfying plant-based meal? Your search ends here with our specially crafted black bean burger recipe, designed to satisfy your every longing

Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger

Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Instant pot navy bean soup in a copper-colored spoon over a white bowl of soup.
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience the magic of our Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup! This recipe blends a comforting broth, savory bacon, hearty navy beans, celery, carrots, and fresh herbs for a quick, delightful dinner that’s ready in less than an hour, sure to please everyone at the table!

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Green Bean Salad

Low angle shot of green bean salad with fried onions and dry ricotta on a white plate.
Green Bean Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Indulge in the charm of this delightful green bean salad, topped with crunchy fried onions, presenting a refreshing twist that your family is sure to fall in love with.

Get the Recipe: Green Bean Salad

Texas Caviar

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Texas Caviar. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get ready to yee-haw in delight with our Texas Caviar bean recipe! This zesty combination of black-eyed peas, black beans, and vibrant veggies isn’t just incredibly flavorful—it’s also a nutritional powerhouse.

Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar

Smoked Baked Beans

Tray of smoked baked beans.
Smoked Baked Beans. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Indulge in a smoky and savory delight with our Smoked Baked Beans recipe! Take this timeless side dish to greater heights by infusing it with deep, smoky flavors and incorporating tender pulled pork for an extraordinary twist!

Get the Recipe: Smoked Baked Beans

Dry Fried Green Beans

Low angle shot of a plate of dry fried green beans.
Dry Fried Green Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Step into the world of authentic Szechuan cuisine with our Chinese Dry-Fried Green Beans recipe. Experience the perfect balance of tender green beans, seared to perfection in a sizzling wok or skillet, accompanied by the bold flavors of bacon, garlic, ginger, and chiles.

Get the Recipe: Dry Fried Green Beans

Dandelion Greens & Beans

Dandelion greens and beans in a skillet with a wooden spatula.
Dandelion Greens and Beans Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Discover a straightforward recipe for sautéed dandelion greens with cannellini and kidney beans, creating a quick and delightful vegetarian meal in less than 30 minutes. Uncover a fresh and tasty approach to cooking dandelion greens!

Get the Recipe: Dandelion Greens & Beans

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Indulge your Chipotle black bean cravings right at home with our Copycat Chipotle Black Beans recipe. Using basic pantry staples, you can recreate the same bold and savory flavors without leaving your doorstep. Enjoy the full Chipotle experience right at your fingertips!

Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Bowls of refried beans garnished with sliced jalapenos, cheese, and tomatoes with a napkin and two spoons on the side.
Instant Pot Refried Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Leave behind the canned version – Homemade refried beans are in a league of their own. Armed with your Instant Pot and a handful of pantry staples, crafting a batch from scratch takes just an hour and minimal effort. Savor the rich, homemade flavors without the need for hours in the kitchen!

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans

Tuscan White Bean Dip

A teal towel, plate of bread and a tomato lie next to a black bowl of tuscan white bean dip.
Tuscan White Bean Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate your summer party with this Vegetarian Tuscan White Bean Dip that captures all the delightful Italian flavors. Packed with creamy white beans, succulent tomatoes, fragrant onion, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs, this appetizer will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Dip

BBQ Green Beans with Ham

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham.
Barbecued Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Indulge in the simplicity of our BBQ Green Beans recipe, where tender beans meet smoky ham, sweet onions, and a tangy sauce to create a mouthwatering side dish bursting with flavor.

Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans with Ham

Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot bean soup made with dried bean mix in bowls.
Instant Pot Bean Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Experience the warmth of a comforting, vegan Instant Pot bean soup! Our recipe brings together a harmonious blend of 13 beans and lentils in a hearty tomato base, crowned with vibrant Tuscan kale leaves for added color and nutritional goodness. It’s the ideal choice for a cozy, flavor-packed meal.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup

Blueberry White Bean Salad

Blueberry white bean salad with tahini dressing in a white bowl with pickled onions in a jar to the side.
Blueberry White Bean Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Delight in the creaminess of an anti-inflammatory tahini turmeric dressing enveloping this straightforward white bean salad, adorned with luscious blueberries, aromatic basil, fresh mint, and zesty pickled red onions. Complemented by the nutritious crunch of broccoli sprouts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, it’s a flavorful and healthful treat.

Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad

Mango Black Bean Salad

Mango black bean salad in a glass bowl.
Mango Black Bean Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whip up our quick and delightful Mango Black Bean Salad in mere minutes, delivering a refreshing, protein-packed, and healthy option for a satisfying lunch or side dish.

Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad

Instant Pot Black Beans

Low angle shot of two bowls of Mexican black beans garnished with crumbled cheese and lime wedges.
Instant Pot Black Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Create mouthwatering Instant Pot Mexican Black Beans using dried beans, all in under an hour—no soaking required! They pair perfectly with tacos or burritos for an authentic and quick meal.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest tortilla pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in the enticing flavors of the Southwest with our delectable Southwest Tortilla Pie. This stacked masterpiece showcases succulent rotisserie chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and lively spices, all harmoniously layered between crispy tortillas and crowned with ooey-gooey melted cheese.

Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

A poached egg sits on top of a grain bowl with swiss chard and goat cheese.
Warm Grain Bowl with Goat Cheese and Greens. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Craft your own Mediterranean Grain Bowls, bringing together chickpeas, wholesome grains, an abundance of vibrant vegetables, and the fresh, bold flavors of the Mediterranean for a nourishing and mouthwatering weeknight meal that’s ready in just about 10 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Escarole and Beans

Escarole soup with pasta and sausage in a bowl.
Escarole Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Savor the heartiness of white beans and leafy escarole in this robust, stew-like creation. With a warm loaf of crusty bread, you’ll have everything you need to relish this comforting dish to the fullest!

Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans

Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup

Image shows a bowl of Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup with a drizzle of olive oil in a green bowl.
Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight in the comforting sophistication of Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup, a velvety fusion of beans, fragrant herbs, and savory richness that envelopes you in warmth. Relish its luxurious creaminess and savor the enchanting Tuscan flavors.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup

Quick Pickled Green Beans

Holding a jar of pickled green beans with garlic and dill.
Quick Pickled Green Beans. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Discover the unexpected coolness of beans with our Quick Pickled Green Beans. They’re a thrilling flavor adventure, with a hint of tang, a dash of spice, and a whole lot of deliciousness. These versatile delights are ideal for snacking, elevating a Bloody Mary, or adding a zesty flair to your charcuterie board.

Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Green Beans

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