RecipesWhite Beans and Spinach This skillet side is a variation of a recipe I received from my Italian mother. I’ve prepared spinach this way for years—because my children eat it happily! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
RecipesGinger Green Beans The bright gingery sauce on these green beans is delicious and so simple to whip up. It’s perfection on either hot or cold beans, but I also really love it tossed with cooked shrimp. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
RecipesBaked Beans Mole My son and husband love this hearty side dish. It’s quick and easy to prepare but yet so flavorful. Chocolate, chili and honey mingle to create a rich, savory flavor that’s not too spicy and not too sweet. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
RecipesTwo-Bean Hummus My children love this easy hummus and even like to help me make it! Hummus is a fantastic way to sneak some beans and important soluble fiber into their diets. I also serve this in a bread bowl with my vegetable platter for our Thanksgiving dinner. —Kelly Andreas, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
RecipesBean & Bulgur Chili A hot bowl of this zesty bulgur and bean chili will warm you throughout the year. The bulgur adds amazing texture and heartiness, so you won’t miss the meat. —Tari Ambler, Shorewood, Illinois
RecipesFestive Bean Salad I had experimented with all kinds of bean salads before I hit on this one. My husband loves all the different bean varieties, and corn adds to the color and texture.—Dale Benoit, Monson, Massachusetts
RecipesSouthwestern Bean Chowder Even though there is a bit of heat from the spices and green chiles, my young children love this soup as much as my husband does. I like using white kidney beans—they have a terrific texture. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
RecipesGreen Beans Provencale Garlic, tomatoes and olive oil are wonderful ingredients often found in Southern French cooking. In this dish, they complement the green beans perfectly. Paula Wharton — El Paso, Texas
RecipesMushroom Bean Burritos “The whole family will love this. The filling can be used for tacos, nachos, enchiladas or salads.” —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
RecipesBean & Barley Salad “This hearty salad lasts for days in the fridge – perfect for leftovers. We like to spoon it onto pita chips. It’s wonderful!” Janelle Lee, Appleton, WI
RecipesTurkey Bean Burgers Packed with veggies, beans, turkey and loads of flavor, these moist burgers are anything but boring. What an easy meal for a busy weekday! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
RecipesCuban Black Beans This hearty side dish starts with sofrito, a combination of finely minced onions and green peppers. The tomato puree and sherry give the beans a distinctive flavor.—Nena Linares, Los Angeles, California
RecipesItalian Bean Soup This budget-friendly bean soup with orzo, potato and veggies is so hearty, you won’t even notice it’s meatless. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
RecipesChicken with Beans and Potatoes This all-in-one entree is great to make when your afternoon is going to be busy. The veggies and a little onion soup mix give the broth lots of flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
RecipesFabulous Green Beans My family loves this buttery sauce over green beans, whether they’re garden fresh or frozen. Another greeny option: Try sugar snap peas. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
RecipesCalico Cowboy Beans This cowboy beans recipe is tradition when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls’ weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin