10+ Bean Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

Beans are such a simple, healthy ingredient. You can toss them into all sorts of meals, honestly. They’re easy to cook, and they’ll boost your protein and fiber intake without much fuss.

Whether you’re after a quick snack or a full-on meal, beans just work. They’re flexible like that.

Beans can be made into tasty dishes that suit your taste and help you eat well without much effort. Cooking with beans opens up so many options—soups, salads, stews, you name it.

Exploring bean recipes can actually be pretty fun. Plus, it’s good for your health.

1) Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Sausage

Red beans and rice with smoked sausage is a classic, comforting meal. The sausage brings a smoky, rich flavor to the creamy beans.

This dish comes together fast, especially if you use canned beans. Start by browning the sausage to get all that flavor going.

Add the beans and chicken broth, then let everything simmer until it thickens up. Spoon it over some hot rice and you’re set.

It’s budget-friendly and you only need one pot, so cleanup’s a breeze.

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage
• 1 (14 oz) can dark red kidney beans
• 1 (14 oz) can light kidney beans
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the smoked sausage into rounds.
2. Heat a large pot over medium and cook sausage until browned.
3. Add drained beans and chicken broth.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then.
5. Serve over cooked rice.

More details? Check this Easy Red Beans & Rice With Sausage Recipe.

2) Pan-Fried White Beans with Kale and Parmesan

Try pan-frying white beans with kale and a bit of Parmesan for something simple but so satisfying. The beans get a golden, crunchy crust—kind of addictive.

Kale brings a fresh, slightly bitter kick. Parmesan adds that salty, nutty thing that just works.

Finish it with a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It’s quick, and you only need a handful of ingredients.

This one’s great as a side dish or even a light main meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white beans
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lemon (for juice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium.
2. Add white beans and cook until they’re golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Toss in chopped kale and cook until wilted, maybe 3 minutes.
4. Stir in Parmesan, add salt and pepper.
5. Take it off the heat and finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Want more? Recipe’s here.

3) 15-Minute Garlic Parmesan Cannellini Beans

This one’s for busy nights. Grab canned cannellini beans, garlic, and Parmesan—done in about 15 minutes.

Add cherry tomatoes or greens if you want to jazz it up. The garlic really makes the flavor pop.

It works as a side or a quick, light meal. Sometimes you just don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, fresh greens

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add garlic, cook until fragrant, about a minute.
3. Stir in beans and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring often.
4. Add Parmesan and mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. If you like, toss in tomatoes or greens and cook until just warmed.

4) Classic Navy Bean Soup

Classic navy bean soup is pure comfort. Dried navy beans soak up tons of flavor as they cook.

You can toss in ham or a ham bone for extra richness, but honestly, it’s good either way. Start by soaking the beans, then cook them slow with onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.

Season lightly with salt and pepper. You end up with a hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly days.

Need a step-by-step? Here’s a recipe for classic navy bean soup with ham like this one.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups water or broth
• 8 ounces cooked ham or ham bone (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak beans overnight, or quick soak in hot water for 1 hour.
2. Drain beans and add to a big pot with water or broth.
3. Toss in onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and ham or ham bone.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer 1.5 to 2 hours until beans are soft.
5. Remove ham bone, shred the meat, and put it back in.
6. Add salt and pepper, and serve warm.

5) Spicy Creamy Pinto Beans

Spicy creamy pinto beans are perfect for a quick meal or a hearty side. Soak your pinto beans first, then cook them low and slow until they’re soft and creamy.

Jalapenos or green chiles bring in some heat. Toss in cumin and smoked paprika for that smoky, earthy flavor.

Add bacon or a splash of broth if you want a little extra richness. Stir often so nothing sticks.

Serve with rice or warm tortillas if you’re feeling it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried pinto beans (soaked overnight)
• 1-2 jalapenos, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 slices of bacon (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse soaked beans and put them in a pot with broth or water.
2. Add jalapenos, bacon, cumin, and paprika.
3. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Stir now and then so nothing burns, and check the beans for doneness.
5. Add salt near the end, cook 10 more minutes.
6. Serve warm.

6) Black Bean Burgers

Black bean burgers are a solid alternative to regular burgers. They’re easy, filling, and pretty flavorful.

Mash the beans, then add spices, garlic, and onion for some kick. Oats or bread crumbs help hold everything together.

You can cook them in a pan or bake them until crispy outside. Pile them on buns with your favorite toppings.

Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend cookout.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 cup grated yellow onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup oats or panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash black beans in a big bowl until mostly smooth.
2. Stir in onion, garlic, oats, soy sauce, spices, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape into 4 patties.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium (about 350°F / 175°C).
5. Cook patties 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
6. Serve on buns with whatever toppings you like.

Want more? Here’s an easy black bean burger recipe.

7) Homemade Hummus with Chickpeas

Making hummus at home is honestly way easier than you’d think. Start with chickpeas for that creamy base.

Add garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil to bring it all together. Canned chickpeas make things faster.

If you want extra smooth hummus, try boiling the chickpeas before blending. Blend everything up, taste, and tweak the salt or lemon juice until it’s just right.

Serve with pita, veggies, or slap it on a sandwich. It’s a healthy snack that actually tastes good.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor.
2. Blend while you slowly pour in olive oil.
3. Add water a little at a time until you get the texture you want.
4. Taste and adjust lemon or salt if needed.
5. Serve with pita or veggies.

Full details? Try this Easy Hummus Recipe.

8) Vegetarian Bean Tacos

Vegetarian bean tacos are honestly such a breeze to throw together, especially on a weeknight when you just want something good without any fuss. I usually reach for canned black beans—they’re quick, packed with protein, and honestly, who has time to soak beans on a Tuesday?

I like to toss in diced onions, maybe some bell peppers, and a good pinch of cumin and chili powder. It smells amazing while it cooks.

Once the filling’s ready, I pile it onto tortillas. Sometimes I go for crispy shells for that crunch, but soft tortillas hit the spot, too.

Toppings make all the difference. Fresh salsa, creamy avocado, maybe a drizzle of cilantro lime sauce—whatever’s in the fridge, really.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 small corn or flour tortillas
• Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
• Optional: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Warm tortillas in another pan or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
5. Fill each tortilla with the bean mixture.
6. Top with salsa, avocado, and cilantro. Squeeze some lime over the top if you’re feeling it.

9) One-Pot Butter Bean Stew

This one-pot butter bean stew is the kind of meal I crave on a chilly night. It’s simple, hearty, and you only need one pot—can’t argue with less cleanup.

The base is butter beans and tomatoes, with a little rosemary for that cozy, Mediterranean vibe. I sometimes toss in parmesan or even a handful of chopped greens if I have them.

You don’t need much time, either. In about half an hour, dinner’s on the table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a big pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until they’re soft.
3. Stir in tomatoes, butter beans, and rosemary.
4. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, and sprinkle parmesan on top if you like.

10) Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken with Beans

You know, some days you just want to toss a few things in the slow cooker and call it good. Garlic butter chicken with beans really fits that mood.

The garlic and butter melt into the chicken, making everything taste rich and a little indulgent. Beans bring some heartiness, so you don’t walk away hungry.

Just layer chicken pieces with garlic, butter, and whatever beans you like. I usually grab green beans or white beans, but honestly, you could experiment.

Throw in some salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice if you’re feeling fancy. Then let the slow cooker do its thing for a few hours, until the chicken basically falls apart and the beans soak up all that flavor.

You can serve it over rice, next to some potatoes, or with a pile of veggies. It’s low-effort, but it tastes like you put in way more work than you did.

Ingredients:

• Chicken pieces (thighs or breasts)
• Minced garlic
• Butter
• Beans (green beans or white beans)
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle minced garlic over the chicken.
3. Add butter on top.
4. Pour in beans around the chicken.
5. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken’s cooked through.

If you want to check out a bit more detail, here’s a Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe.