56 Recipes That Start with a Can of Black Beans

Slow-Cooked Southwest Chicken

This dish needs just 15 minutes of prep, so you’ll be out of the kitchen in no time. The delicious low-fat chicken gets even better with a garnish of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California

Go to Recipe

Grilled Bean Burgers

These juicy veggie patties have major flavor with cumin, garlic and a little chili powder. They hold their own against any veggie burger you‘d buy at the supermarket. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey

Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup

This zesty soup is loaded with chicken, corn and black beans in a mildly spicy red broth. As a busy mom of three young children, I’m always looking for dinner recipes that can be prepared in the morning. The kids love the taco taste of this easy soup. —Marlene Kane, Lainesburg, Michigan

Corn and Black Bean Salad

This colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad is chock-full of easy-to-swallow nutrition that all ages will love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees, or as a wholesome salsa! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon

Black Bean and Corn Guacamole

Head to any Mexican restaurant and we guarantee you’ll see this combo on the menu. The bright colors and contrasting textures make black beans and corn fun additions to guacamole. For extra flavor, grill the corn first.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet

One of the first things my husband made for me was a variation of this chicken sweet potato skillet. Over the years, it has become a family favorite. Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, lettuce or anything else your family likes. —MacKenzie Wright, San Antonio, Texas

Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

My hearty, delicious, nutrient-packed vegetarian dish is amazingly healthy. Everyone I’ve made it for has loved it—even carnivores! I always make two batches and freeze one. You’ll want to eat this every week! —Elizabeth Lindemann, Salem, Massachusetts

Tex-Mex Grain Bowl

This Tex-Mex grain bowl is special because it is not only healthy but also delicious. Oatmeal is one of those dishes often eaten sweetened. People rarely think about using it in a savory dish—and they really should! —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina

Black Bean & Chicken Enchilada Lasagna

Twice a month I make chicken enchiladas, lasagna-style. It’s a regular with us because assembly is easy and my whole family gives it a thumbs-up. —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland

Black Bean-Pumpkin Soup

This healthy recipe is packed with protein from the beans and with vitamins from the pumpkin. The dollop of light sour cream adds a satisfying touch that feels indulgent. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas

Black Bean Tart

This colorful dish was a hit at a get-together I had for friends. I served the tart with sour cream on the side, a green salad and crusty bread. —Ellen Papa, Miami, Florida.

Texas Black Bean Soup

This hearty meatless stew made with convenient canned items is perfect for spicing up a family gathering on a cool day. It tastes as if it's made with love and yet it requires so little time and attention. —Pamela Scott, Garland, Texas.

Taco Bowls

When it’s done slow-cooking, this beef shreds like a dream. We make it often, because it’s super easy to customize with fun, fresh and healthy toppings. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio

Shortcut Oven-Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Mimic the crunch of a chimichanga by brushing these with oil and baking them. Our children love to have them when they get home late after school activities. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Jicama and Black Bean Salad

There are so many colorful items in this black bean salad, there is no need for a garnish. The jicama adds a surprising crunch. —Jeanette Marks, Ashland, Kentucky

Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian skillet chili screams comfort food to me. This recipe makes me feel warm and fuzzy, and it’s loved by both my vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends. —Casey Hill, London, United Kingdom

Taco Twist Soup

Spiral pasta adds a fun twist to this dish. I lightened up this soup recipe by substituting black beans for ground beef, and by topping it off with reduced-fat sour cream and cheese. —Colleen Zertler, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Black Bean Tortilla Pie

I found this entree a while ago and decreased the cheese and increased the herbs called for in the recipe. It’s one of my toddler’s favorite meals. She always smiles when she sees it on the table. —Wendy Kelly, Petersburg, New York

Black Bean & Corn Quinoa

Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts

Black Bean Brownies

You’d never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. Who would have thought black bean brownies would be so amazing? —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island

Black Bean Chip & Dip Burgers

I finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn't dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Enchilada Casser-Ole!

My husband loves this casserole, so it never lasts too long in our house. Packed with black beans, cheese, tomatoes and southwestern flavor, it's an impressive-looking entree that's as simple as it is delicious. —Marsha Wills, Homosassa, Florida

Slow-Cooked Stuffed Peppers

My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska

Slow-Cooked Bean Medley

I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total the five cans called for. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with just about everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan

Brazilian Pork & Black Bean Stew

During high school, I spent a year in Brazil and fell in love with the culture and food. One of my favorite dishes was feijoada, a chili/stew served over white rice. I introduced this easy recipe to my family, and it has become one of our favorite comfort foods. —Andrea Romanczyk, Magna, Utah

Breakfast Tacos

This is a really simple, tasty breakfast. It has been a mainstay for our mornings together as a family. —Jo Ferguson, Arnold, Missouri

Black & White Bean Chili

This is a healthy and filling meal that even the kids love! The satisfying chili is great for football games or potluck dinners. —Katti Scott, Manteo, North Carolina

Buenos Dias Breakfast

I love the way the tortilla strips puff up when this is baked. It is a terrific no-fuss recipe that everyone in my family enjoys, even the meat lovers. —Barbara Burge, Los Gatos, California

Hacienda Hash Browns

I use a clear glass dish to show off my hash brown bake. The bold pepper, cilantro, cumin and garlic make this potato-egg casserole extraordinary. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Layered Taco Salad

I invented this taco salad to make my kids happy. Make it with ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken and it's equally good. —Betty Nickels, Tampa, Florida

Turkey Chili with Penne

This turkey chili easily turns into a vegetarian dish by leaving out the meat or replacing it with soy crumbles. A topping of goat cheese makes this full-flavored chili stand out from others. —Patricia Burk, North Canton, Ohio

Layered Garden Bean Salad

For easy entertaining, cover and refrigerate the salad a few hours before guests arrive so you don't have to bother with last-minute assembly. Turn it into a light lunch by adding sliced rotisserie chicken, salmon or tuna. —Melissa Wharton, Cincinnati, Ohio

Southwestern Pulled Pork Crostini

As a different take on crostini, these apps are fantastic for tailgating and casual parties alike. —Randy Cartwright, Linden, Wisconsin

Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls

While growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans for this chorizo breakfast bowl. You can even add a spoonful of pico de gallo. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Black Bean Turkey Chili

This busy-day chili is packed with flavor. We make it ahead and freeze some to eat later. —Marisela Segovia, Miami, Florida

Hearty Pork & Black Bean Nachos

My husband and I are both graduate students right now, so we don't have a lot of time to cook dinner. Our family loves coming home to this incredible nacho platter, and I love how easy it is to prepare. —Faith Stokes, Chickamauga, Georgia

Sausage Bean Soup

You’re moments away from a flavor-packed soup that keeps you warm on even the chilliest nights. It's just the kind of recipe we Minnesotans love. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, Minnesota

Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas

Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota

Chili-Rubbed Steak with Black Bean Salad

Busy weeknights don't stop my husband from firing up the grill. This meal-in-one comes together fast. Try it with chimichurri and cotija cheese. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Black Bean & Sweet Potato Rice Bowls

I have three hungry boys in my house, so dinners need to be quick and filling, and it helps to get in some veggies, too. This one is a favorite because it's hearty and fun to tweak with different ingredients. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey

Black Bean 'n' Corn Quesadillas

Black beans partner up with spinach and corn in these easy and satisfying quesadillas from Susan Franklin of Littleton, Colorado. —Susan Franklin, Littleton, Colorado

Black Bean-Sweet Potato Skillet

My fiancé loves sweet potatoes. By adding black beans, I came up with a nutritionally complete main dish. Its bright orange and black color makes it fun for Halloween. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey

Pico de Gallo Black Bean Soup

Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It is quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin

No-Fry Black Bean Chimichangas

My chimichangas get lovin’ from the oven so they’re a bit healthier. Black beans and corn make it meatless. And it’s a smart way to use leftover rice. —Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, Texas

Black Bean & White Cheddar Frittata

This is one of my favorite comfort foods for breakfast or even a quick dinner. I like to make it with lime salsa. But if you're looking for something with more kick, use hot salsa or add some chipotle pepper. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

Black Bean Potato au Gratin

The addition of black beans and vegetables adds hearty protein and fiber to this tasty side dish. For a southwestern twist, add a handful or two of chopped cooked ham or chorizo sausage and replace the peas with 1 cup of frozen, thawed corn. —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York

Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Black Beans

As a vegan, I'm always looking for impressive dishes to share. Sweet potatoes loaded with beans and a touch of peanut butter are one of my mom’s favorites. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California

Tex-Mex Chicken with Black Beans & Rice

I came up with this Tex-Mex recipe for my sister who just got her first slow cooker. It’s a delicious go-to recipe for busy days. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado

Marinated Three Bean Salad

Fresh herbs and cayenne pepper provide the fantastic flavor in this marinated salad featuring fresh veggies and canned beans. —Carol Tucker, Wooster, Ohio

Beef 'n' Bean Torta

This zesty dish is a favorite of mine because it has a wonderful Southwestern taste and is easy to prepare. I serve it on nights when we have only a few minutes to eat before running off to meetings or sports events. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Spicy Bean and Beef Pie

My daughter helped me come up with this recipe when we wanted a one-dish meal that was different than a casserole. This pie slices nicely and is a fun and filling dish. —Debra Dohy, Massillon, Ohio

Black Bean Bulgur Salad

The only cooking in this easy bulgur salad is heating the broth and bulgur. You can adapt the recipe to your preference; if you want to add chopped cooked chicken, use chicken broth in place of vegetable broth. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Black Bean Tacos

My husband and I love Mexican food and these tacos have become one of our favorite meals. Try setting out the toppings in different bowls on the table so dinner guests and kids can make their own tacos. —Laura Rodriguez, Willoughby, Ohio

Vegetarian Bean Tacos

I love Mexican food but was looking for a healthier option to share. My family devours these tasty tacos whenever I make them. —Amanda Petrucelli, Plymouth, Indiana

Pot Roast with Asian Black Bean Sauce

I love stir-fry with black bean sauce. This recipe takes the delicious flavor of black bean sauce and joins it with fork-tender pot roast. —Judy Lawson, Chelsea, Michigan