Beans are one of the cheapest, healthiest foods you can buy. They’re full of fiber and plant protein, and a can in the pantry means dinner is never far away.
These bean recipes go from tacos and rice bowls to salads and soups, and I saved the black bean brownies for last.
Canned or Dried Beans?
Canned beans work for every recipe here. Drain them and rinse them well.
If you’d rather cook dried beans, soak them overnight and simmer until tender, or skip the soaking and use the Instant Pot like I do in my healthy refried beans.
14 Healthy Bean Recipes
“Goes with Everything” Black Beans Recipe
Seasoned black beans that really do go with everything: tacos, bowls, eggs or a simple side.
Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Cream Sauce
Spicy black bean tacos topped with an avocado cream sauce that’s my favorite swap for sour cream.
Loaded Veggie Black Bean Burritos
Smoky chipotle black beans wrapped in a tortilla with a cilantro-lime slaw. Ready in about 20 minutes.
Gallo Pinto (aka Quick Rice & Beans)
A quick version of the Costa Rican rice and beans dish. Great on its own and even better with scrambled eggs.
Black Beans and Eggs Rice Bowl (Easy & Healthy)
Spiced black beans with jammy eggs cooked right in the pan, served over warm rice. High in protein and fiber.
Buddha Bowl Recipe with Spicy Black Beans
A flexible bowl that uses up leftover rice, beans and veggies, with spicy black beans on top.
Superfood Black Bean & Quinoa Salad Recipe
Black beans and quinoa with lots of fresh vegetables. One of my favorite quick meals.
Black Bean & Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
Roasted sweet potatoes, black beans and fresh herbs in a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for meal prep.
Easy Three Bean Salad
A light three bean salad with no mayo, tossed in a Dijon vinaigrette with fresh basil.
Mediterranean Bean Salad
A fresh, zesty bean salad with arugula and a simple vinaigrette. Filling enough for lunch.
Easiest Black Bean Soup Recipe [4 Ways]
An easy, inexpensive black bean soup loaded with protein and fiber, with 4 ways to make it.
Hearty White Bean and Kale Soup
Creamy cannellini beans, kale and Yukon gold potatoes in a cozy, nourishing soup.
Healthy Refried Beans Recipe (Instant Pot, No Soaking)
Unfried refried beans made in the Instant Pot with no soaking. The pot does almost all the work.
The Best Black Bean Brownies Recipe
Fudgy brownies made with black beans. I promise you can’t taste them.
FAQs About Bean Recipes
Are beans healthy?
Yes. Beans are full of fiber, plant protein, folate, iron and magnesium. A cup of black beans has about 15 grams each of protein and fiber.
Do I need to rinse canned beans?
Yes. Rinsing removes extra salt and the starchy liquid, so your dish tastes fresher.
How long do cooked beans last?
Cooked beans keep for 4 to 5 days in the fridge, and they freeze well for months.
For more, try my easy lentil recipes and chickpea recipes.
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