31 flavorful bean recipes to brighten your plate

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Get ready to elevate your bean game with our collection of 31 mouthwatering recipes that will transform your meals from dull to delightful.

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

Chipotle Peruano Beans

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

These creamy, buttery, tender Peruvian beans are super simple, healthy, and easy to make. Spiced with ground chipotle pepper powder, these comforting beans are filled with a deep, smoky flavor that accommodates a variety of dishes.

Get the Recipe: Peruano Beans

Zesty Butter Beans

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

Enjoy the zesty and creamy goodness of butter beans! Whether stewed or served over rice or quinoa, they make a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Get the Recipe: Zesty Butter Beans

Air Fryer Green Beans

Green beans topped with shredded cheese and lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Green Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Experience the perfect blend of crispiness, healthiness, and deliciousness with Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans—a speedy and effortless delight. This one-bowl treat reaches new heights of perfection when paired with a refreshing touch of zesty lemon.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Beans

Adzuki Bean Curry

Hands hold a dark bowl filled with rice and adzuki beans.
Adzuki Bean Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

An incredibly flavorful coconut curry broth enveloping adzuki beans makes for one filling and healthy meal when served alongside rice or quinoa. This Adzuki Bean Curry is vegan and gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Adzuki Bean Curry

Southwest Salad

A tan ceramic bowl filled with salad greens, corn, beans and cheese rests on a tan table next to a large wooden bowl of salad.
Southwest Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Indulge in the vibrant and effortless flavors of our southwest salad recipe. Crisp greens, savory black beans, sweet corn, and a homemade creamy southwest dressing come together in perfect harmony.

Get the recipe: Southwest Salad

Black Bean Brownies

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

No flour is to be found in these delicious, healthy, vegan, and gluten-free black bean brownies. They are so moist and fudgy, you won’t believe your taste buds! 

Get the Recipe: Black Bean Brownies

Gallo Pinto

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

Gallo Pinto is a rice and beans dish with its origins in Central America. It is flavorful, comforting, and budget-friendly!

Get the Recipe: Gallo Pinto

Twice Smoked Brisket BBQ Beans

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

Easy brisket bbq beans loaded with brisket and easy to make in an electric or traditional smoker! The perfect recipe for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Twice Smoked Brisket BBQ Beans

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 flavorful and satisfying plant-based meal? Our black bean burger recipe is here to fulfill your cravings. Packed with protein, fiber, and a medley of spices, these hearty patties offer a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional burgers.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger

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.

Green bean casserole is a spring-friendly version of the Thanksgiving classic. This green bean salad topped with crispy fried onions is a fresh alternative that I’m positive your family will love.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Salad

Homemade Refried Beans

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

Elevate your cooking game with our Homemade Refried Beans recipe, crafted to perfection with love and care. Forget about canned beans and experience the true essence of homemade goodness. With a blend of traditional spices and slow cooking techniques, every bite will transport you to the heart of Mexico.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Refried 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.

Chinese dry fried green beans are a classic Szechuan dish. Tender green beans are seared in a hot wok or skillet along with bacon, garlic, ginger, and chiles.
Get the Recipe: Dry Fried Green Beans

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Easy chicken tortilla soup.
Photo credit: Feast And West

Made with leftover chicken and pantry staples like canned black beans, this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe will change your mind about last-minute dinners that actually taste good. It’s the best soup for busy weeknights and quick lunches, or any time you need to restock the fridge. You’ll make this recipe again and again!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

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.

An easy recipe for sautéed dandelion greens with cannellini and kidney beans makes a simple vegetarian meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Learn how to cook dandelion greens in a new tasty way!
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Greens & Beans

BBQ Green Beans with Ham

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

This easy-to-make BBQ Green Beans recipe is full of tender beans, smoky ham, sweet onions, and tangy sauce that makes a tasty side-dish.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans with Ham

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.

This Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup recipe combines warming broth, rich, salty bacon, hearty navy beans, celery, carrot, and fresh herbs for an easy, delicious dinner everyone will love that’s ready in under an hour!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Texas Caviar

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

Texas Caviar is the bean recipe that’ll have you two-stepping in delight. With its bold combo of black-eyed peas, black beans, and a medley of veggies, it’s not just insanely flavorful but also a nutritional powerhouse. The beans make it hearty and satisfying, while the zesty dressing gives it that yee-haw factor.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar

Smoked Baked Beans

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

Smoky, savory delight: Smoked Baked Beans! 🍲🔥 Elevate this classic side dish with rich smoky flavors, & pulled pork! Easy mouthwatering recipe!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Baked Beans

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

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

Craving the deliciousness of Chipotle’s black beans but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home? We’ve got you covered with our Copycat Chipotle Black Beans recipe. Using simple pantry ingredients, you can enjoy the same bold and savory flavors without having to step foot outside. It’s like having your own Chipotle 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.

Homemade refried beans are so much better than canned. And it’s easy to make them from scratch in the Instant Pot and only requires a few pantry staples! You can start with dried beans and have these on your table in about an hour with almost no hands-on work at all.
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.

This vegetarian Tuscan White Bean Dip has all the Italian flavors you need to bring to a summer party. Featuring white beans, juicy tomatoes, onion, garlic and a medley of fresh herbs, this is an appetizer your guests won’t soon forget.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Dip

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.

A creamy, anti-inflammatory tahini turmeric dressing coats this simple white bean salad with blueberries, basil, mint and pickled red onions while broccoli sprouts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds bring a nutritious boost and crunchy texture.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White 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.

Instant Pot Mexican Black Beans are made with dried beans and take less than an hour—no soaking needed! Perfect with tacos or burritos.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans

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.

This Instant Pot bean soup recipe uses a 13 bean and lentil blend with a hearty tomato base for a cozy vegan meal. Tuscan kale leaves are stirred in at the end for added color and nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup

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.

Mediterranean Grain Bowls combine chickpeas, grains, lots of healthy vegetables, and fresh, bright, bold Mediterranean flavors for an easy, nourishing, and delicious weeknight meal that comes together in about 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Mango Black Bean Salad

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

This mango black bean salad comes together in just a few minutes for a refreshing, healthy protein-packed lunch or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding some Mexican Skillet Quinoa over a pan containing the remainder of the dish.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This naturally gluten-free recipe is filled with protein between the quinoa and beans plus has tons of flavor with the salsa, corn, and more. This one pot meal has it all, and it’s super easy to make, too.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Escarole and Beans

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

White beans and leafy escarole are served in this chunky, stew-like dish which needs nothing more than some good crusty bread to enjoy it with!
Get the Recipe: Escarole and 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.

Treat yourself to the flavors of the Southwest with a tantalizing Southwest tortilla pie. This layered dish features rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and zesty spices, all nestled between crisp tortillas and topped with melted cheese. Whether served as a main course or a festive party dish, this Southwest-inspired pie will impress your taste buds with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Dive into the Southwest experience and enjoy a slice of this delicious tortilla pie.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Quick Pickled Green Beans

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

Who knew beans could be this cool? Quick Pickled Green Beans are like a flavor rollercoaster – a little tangy, a little spicy, and a whole lotta yum. They’re a versatile treat; perfect for snacking, jazzing up a Bloody Mary, or adding a punch to a charcuterie board.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Green 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.

Experience the comfort and elegance of Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup, a velvety blend of beans, herbs, and savory goodness that warms you from within. Indulge in its creamy consistency and savor the delightful Tuscan flavors.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup

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