25 Delicious Black Bean Recipes for Fast and Flavorful Comfort Food
From healthy tacos to hearty soups, there's so much the mighty black bean can do.
There’s a world of healthy, easy black bean recipes waiting in each 15 oz. can on the shelf (even the ones that have been in your pantry for months). Opening a can of black beans is like releasing a recipe genie from its bottle — it will grant you spicy, colorful, Mexican-inspired black bean recipes, hearty, can’t-believe-it’s-vegan recipes, and variations on soup that you never could have imagined. Plus, you get wayyy more than three wishes.
If you have a can of black beans in your pantry, dinner (and breakfast ... and lunch) is not far away. There’s even a little something for dessert.
What do you eat black beans with?
If you’re just not sure how to eat black beans, try adding them to meals you already love. Wraps, salads, and tacos of any kind can benefit from the smooth, creamy texture and mild taste of a black bean. If you’re a vegetarian, it’s a great source of plant-based protein. From black beans and rice (or riced cauliflower!) to the best bean chili, we’ve got ideas for delicious, inexpensive, complete meals.
Are black beans really good for you?
Short answer? Yes — black beans are really good for you. More than just a great source of protein (one cup contains 15 grams!), black beans are loaded with fiber, magnesium, and potassium. The fiber-packed legume helps you stay fuller for longer, plus, black beans provide both soluble and insoluble fiber — which can help decrease LDL cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. The magnesium in black beans is key for bone health, while the potassium can help improve your blood pressure numbers.
There are plenty of reasons to make black beans your new pantry staple — and delicious weeknight dinner star.
Smoky Vegan Black Bean Soup
Black beans give this hearty, veggie-packed soup an added protein boost. It's perfect for your vegan friends.
Southwest Steak Wraps
Spice-up a favorite taco combo — steak, corn, black beans, and queso fresco — by stuffing it into a wrap instead!
Get the recipe for Southwest Steak Wraps »
RELATED: 30 Wrap Recipes to Bring Your Lunch Game to the Next Level
Supercarb Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Load 'em up with black beans, veggies, and cheese for a fast and filling dinner.
Caribbean Chicken and "Rice"
With a little help from "riced" cauliflower, this spicy coconut-lime chicken is a healthy weeknight dinner winner.
Butternut Mole Enchiladas
Roasted butternut squash and easy mole sauce make these enchiladas spicy-sweet and so, so good.
Get the recipe for Butternut Mole Enchiladas »
RELATED: 29 Irresistible Butternut Squash Recipes You Need to Make
Grilled Pork Scaloppine With Mango Salsa
Grilled corn, black bean, and fresh mango salsa is the perfect pairing to juicy pork chops.
Get the recipe for Grilled Pork Scaloppine with Mango Salsa »
Sweet Potato, Avocado, and Black Bean Tacos
Spicy sweet potatoes and black beans make the ultimate vegetarian taco filling. We promise — you won't miss the beef.
Get the recipe for Sweet Potato, Avocado and Black Bean Tacos »
Vegetarian Chili Macaroni
Spicy, hearty chili — but make it pasta. It's the ultimate vegetarian comfort food.
Quinoa and Veggies
A spritz of fresh lemon, fresh basil, and juicy tomatoes give a flavor boost to this healthy and hearty veggie-packed dinner!
Healthy Bean Chili
Top this smoky bean chili with sweet sliced mango and crunchy pumpkin seeds for an extra boost of Vitamin C and Magnesium.
Breakfast Beans
These citrus-spiked beans make the perfect addition to any savory breakfast. Make a big batch to enjoy all week.
Get the recipe for Breakfast Beans »
RELATED: 24 Easy Make-Ahead Meals to Fill up Your Fridge (and Freezer)
Scrambled Egg Burrito
This breakfast has it all — protein, veggies, and plenty of melty cheese.
Pepper and Black Bean Salad With Citrus Dressing
A little sweetness, a little spice, and plenty of crunch make this salad a healthy lunch hero.
Get the recipe for Pepper and Black Bean Salad with Citrus Dressing »
Roasted Vegetable Bowl
It's easy to get your daily dose of veggies when they're seasoned, marinated, and sauced-up. The Parmesan topping doesn't hurt.
Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
Turn your favorite app into dinner! Toss together veggies, black beans, and chicken — layered with chips and cheese — for the tastiest weeknight meal ever.
Get the recipe from Woman's Day »
RELATED: How to Make Nachos on a Sheet Pan for a Quick and Easy Dinner
Stewed Black Beans With Collared Greens
Spiced with cumin, allspice, and fresh lime, you'll want to eat these zesty black beans with everyyything.
Smoky Shredded Beef Burritos
The best burrito fixings — saucy shredded beef and black beans — come together in your slow cooker for an easy, hands-off dinner.
Scrambled Egg Tacos
Soft scrambled eggs, black beans, and lemony greens make your breakfast taco dreams come true.
Turkey Chili With Wheat Berries and Beans
This rich and filling chili, spiced with cumin and coriander, is healthy and comforting for the whole family.
One Skillet Taco Chicken & Rice
Filled with spice-rubbed chicken, veggies, black beans, and brown rice, this comfort food casserole is a healthier take on Tex-Mex.
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