Beans—especially canned beans—don’t get any of the credit they deserve. Sure, that sounds like an overstatement, but it’s the truth. I don’t make the rules. I talk all the time about the versatility of different ingredients (that’s pretty much the whole premise of this non-boring recipe series), but beans are truly one of the most versatile of the whole bunch. They can be whipped into a dip, cooked down into a creamy mash, stuffed into tortillas, peppers, and sweet potatoes, formed into patties, and more. Not only that, but they’re basically a blank canvas when it comes to flavor. The world is your oyster. They’re just so, so useful. Still don’t believe me? Well, stick with us, because we’ve rounded 30 recipes that’ll prove just that.
1. Sweet Potato, Kale, and Black Bean Enchiladas
2. Black Bean Soup
3. BBQ Chicken Salad
4. Black Bean Breakfast Bowls
5. Butternut Squash Instant Pot Chili
6. Vegan Black Bean Tostadas with Mango Salsa
7. Mango Ginger Rice Bowl
8. Black Bean Coconut Stew
9. Sheet Pan Nachos with Chicken and Black Beans
10. Black Bean Dip
11. Jerk Chicken Bowls with Pineapple Black Bean Salsa
12. Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Bowl
13. Chicken Enchilada Soup
14. Black Bean Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches
15. Tamale Pie
16. Spicy Black Bean and Butternut Squash Jar Salad with Sriracha Lime Vinaigrette
17. Black Bean Veggie Burger
18. Flourless Black Bean Brownies
19. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Freezer Burritos
20. Avocado Black Bean Quesadillas
21. Plant-Powered Balance Bowls
22. Steak Huevos Rancheros
23. Farmers Market Pasta Salad
24. Double Chocolate Black Bean Cookies
25. Cucumber and Black Bean Salad
26. Stuffed Acorn Squash
27. Brazilian Steak and Grilled Sweet Potato Fry Quinoa Bowl with Spicy Coconut Tomato Sauce
28. Chocolate Black Bean Blender Muffins
29. Kale Couscous Salad
30. Cuban Quinoa Bowls with Pineapple Salsa