Get ready to explore our curated collection of 20 healthy recipes with black beans, each offering a burst of flavor, nutritional goodness, and culinary creativity.
From the convenience of make-ahead black bean and quinoa freezer burritos to the robust and savory chickpea and black bean curry, these dinner recipes showcase the versatility of black beans in crafting delicious and wholesome meals.
Whether you’re craving the Southwestern flair of sweet potato refried bean tostadas or the satisfying crunch of crispy black bean tacos, these recipes cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring a delightful and nutritious dining experience.
Plus, we share a bonus dessert—black bean brownies! It’s a guilt-free yet decadent treat that challenges the conventional notion of desserts.
Elevate your culinary repertoire with these black bean recipes, turning every meal into a celebration of health and flavor.
1. Black Bean and Quinoa Freezer Burritos
These black bean and quinoa freezer burritos are a convenient and wholesome make-ahead option, loaded with a delightful mix of black beans, quinoa, vegetables, and seasonings. Ideal for those busy moments or when you’re too tired to cook, these vegetarian burritos offer a protein-packed, flavorful filling wrapped in whole wheat tortillas. They are freezer-friendly, allowing for easy reheating in the microwave or oven whenever a quick and nutritious meal is needed. The recipe provides flexibility for customization, making it suitable for various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.
2. Chickpea and Black Bean Curry
This chickpea and black bean curry recipe is a delightful homemade dish that combines chickpeas and black beans in a well-seasoned, aromatic sauce. Infused with curry powder, cinnamon, and ginger, this curry offers a rich and savory flavor profile complemented by the wholesome goodness of spinach. Quick and flavorful, it’s an ideal choice for a hearty dinner or a filling lunch, perfect when served with fluffy basmati rice or naan. The recipe also provides expert tips, serving suggestions, and storage instructions for convenience. Whether enjoyed immediately or made ahead of time, this gluten-free curry is sure to become a family favorite.
3. Vegetarian Enchiladas with Butternut Squash and Black Beans
These vegetarian enchiladas with butternut squash and black beans offer a flavorful and nutritious twist to traditional enchiladas. The filling is comprised of butternut squash, black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, and spices, creating a wholesome mixture that is wrapped in tortillas, smothered with enchilada sauce, and baked with cheese. Perfect for meatless Mondays or any day, these enchiladas provide a satisfying and healthy option, pairing well with sides like cilantro lime rice or homemade guacamole.
4. Sweet Potato Refried Bean Tostadas
These sweet potato refried bean tostadas are a delightful meatless meal option, offering crispy tostada shells adorned with a flavorful combination of mashed sweet potatoes, refried beans, fresh kale slaw, avocado, and a creamy cilantro lime dressing. The tostadas provide a satisfying texture and a burst of diverse flavors, making them a perfect choice for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner. With the flexibility for everyone to customize their own toppings, these tostadas are not only a culinary delight but also a fun and interactive meal for family and friends.
5. Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce
These crispy black bean tacos are a vegetarian delight, featuring a satisfying black bean filling tucked into golden crispy tortillas and accompanied by a refreshing cilantro lime sauce. The recipe is remarkably simple, requiring only tortillas, black beans, salsa, and taco seasoning. While extras like Mexican cheese, fajita veggies, or a creamy cilantro lime sauce are optional, these tacos stand out for their ease of preparation and can even be frozen for later enjoyment. The cilantro lime sauce, a cool and creamy accompaniment, adds a delightful finishing touch.
6. Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato
This ground turkey skillet with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomato is a quick, one-pot dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. In under 25 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful and wholesome meal that captures the essence of summer with fresh zucchini, corn, black beans, jalapeño, and tomatoes. The ground turkey is seasoned with cumin and salt, creating a delicious base for the dish. The recipe provides variations, including low-carb options and serving suggestions, making it versatile for different preferences. Whether served with a grain or enjoyed on its own, this ground turkey skillet is a convenient and tasty addition to your recipe repertoire.
7. Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas
These hearty black bean quesadillas are a flavorful and filling vegetarian option, featuring a delicious mix of black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, and melted cheddar cheese, seasoned with taco seasoning. Perfect for a quick and easy meal, these quesadillas can be made in advance and frozen for future enjoyment. The recipe provides flexibility, allowing for personalization with additional ingredients like sour cream, salsa, or even meat for those who prefer a heartier version.
8. The Best Black Bean Burgers I’ve Ever Had
These black bean burgers are hailed as the best, boasting a hearty texture and robust flavor. The unique method involves partially drying out black beans to avoid mushiness, and the incorporation of sautéed garlic, onion, and pepper adds depth. With easy preparation and the ability to grill or bake, these burgers maintain their shape without being crumbly, offering a satisfying and versatile dining experience.
9. Fresh Black Bean Salad
This Southwestern black bean salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish, featuring a delightful combination of black beans, corn, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. The recipe incorporates lime zest and juice, along with white wine vinegar, offering a zesty and refreshing flavor profile. Perfect for parties or busy weeks, this vegan and gluten-free salad can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish paired with various accompaniments like avocado, feta, or tortilla chips.
10. Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl
This Chipotle-inspired chicken burrito protein bowl is a colorful and nutrient-packed dish, featuring marinated chicken with chipotle peppers, cilantro lime rice, and an array of fresh toppings. With 36g of protein, healthy fats, and vibrant flavors, this burrito bowl is both easy to make and customizable to suit individual tastes. Perfect for meal prep, it offers a delicious balance of smokiness, freshness, and satisfying textures in every bite.
11. Vegan Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
This vegan slow cooker black bean soup recipe makes for a hearty and flavorful weeknight meal. Loaded with dry black beans, vegetables, and an array of spices, this plant-based soup is both nutritious and easy to prepare. The slow cooker does the work, infusing the dish with cozy aromas, and you can customize the texture by blending a portion of the soup for added creaminess. Top it off with avocado and cilantro for a delightful finish.
12. Tex Mex Casserole
This tex mex casserole is a crowd-pleasing, protein-packed dish featuring lean ground beef, brown rice, canned beans, and a cheesy topping. With 33 grams of protein per serving, it’s both satisfying and gluten-free, offering customization with favorite toppings like avocado and sour cream. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep, this casserole delivers a flavorful and hearty dinner option.
13. Black Bean Dip
This creamy black bean dip, inspired by the flavors of Costa Rican cuisine, offers a delicious, healthy, and easily prepared option. Infused with ample onions, garlic, jalapeños, and fresh lime juice, the dip boasts a flavorful profile. By blending black beans with this aromatic mixture, along with cumin and cilantro, a smooth and satisfying dip is created, perfect for serving with tortilla chips. The recipe emphasizes the importance of handling jalapeños carefully and provides flexibility for adjusting the dip’s thickness and spiciness according to personal preferences.
14. 5 Minute Black Bean Hummus
This 5 minute black bean hummus offers a delightful twist on the classic hummus. Blending one can of black beans, lime juice, tahini, olive oil, garlic, cayenne, and other spices, it creates a creamy dip with a Southwestern flair. With a prep time of only 5 minutes and no cook time needed, this hummus makes for a quick and healthy snack, pairing perfectly with fresh veggies or pita chips.
15. Instant Pot Rice and Beans
This Instant Pot black beans and rice recipe offers a convenient and speedy weeknight dinner option, combining black beans and brown rice in one pot in under 40 minutes. With minimal chopping and no need for bean soaking, this healthy dish is both flavorful and time-efficient. The recipe features simple ingredients like brown rice, dry black beans, canned diced tomatoes, onion, and a selection of spices. Prepared in the Instant Pot, it requires no sautéing or stirring during the cooking process. The addition of cilantro and green onion provides a fresh finish, and the dish can be served with optional hot sauce or cucumber and tomato salad. The recipe also addresses potential variations, such as the use of white rice or the addition of chicken. Additionally, freezer meal instructions are provided for convenient make-ahead preparation.
16. Southwestern Pasta Salad (Vegan)
This vegan Southwestern pasta salad features a delightful combination of farfalle pasta, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and green onions, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, this salad is not only easy to make but also a healthy and flavorful addition to BBQs and potlucks. The lime-infused dressing adds a perfect tang, and letting the salad chill in the fridge enhances the melding of flavors for a satisfying dish.
17. Spicy Black Bean Nachos
These spicy baked black bean nachos are the perfect way to kick off the week, with a burst of bold flavors and zesty toppings. The recipe features a savory black bean mixture seasoned with chipotle, cumin, and garlic, creating a spicy kick that complements the crunchy tortilla chips. Layered with shredded cheddar and baked to perfection, these nachos offer an ideal chip-to-topping ratio. Topped with pickled red onions, fresh jalapeños, tomatoes, cilantro, and a drizzle of sour cream, they provide a delightful balance of textures and flavors. With tips for success, including using sturdy chips and layering ingredients, this recipe ensures a satisfying and fuss-free nacho experience.
18. Vegan Chili Recipe with Black Beans
This quick and easy vegan black bean chili recipe is ready in just 15 minutes, offering a delightful combination of flavors featuring black beans and split red lentils. Loaded with over 50% of your daily fiber per serving, it’s a hearty, plant-based dish with classic chili tastes. The recipe incorporates pantry staples and spices, such as chili powder and cumin, and includes ingredients like diced tomatoes, chipotles in adobo, and a variety of beans for a satisfying and fiber-packed meal. The versatile chili can be garnished with Fritos, vegan sour cream, and fresh cilantro, making it a perfect option for a nutritious and filling lunch or dinner.
19. Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
These black bean stuffed peppers offer a quick, flavorful, and meatless meal, combining rice, black beans, onions, and Mexican spices. The recipe is gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a meatless Monday option. The peppers are filled with a delicious mixture, topped with Mexican cheese, and baked until tender, creating a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.
20. The Best Vegan Meatballs
These vegan meatballs are a game-changer, delivering a robust and flavorful plant-based alternative. Made with a combination of quinoa, black beans, herbs, and spices, these meatballs are firm, not mushy, and boast a delightful texture. Perfect for a variety of dishes, from pasta to sandwiches, these meatballs are a delicious and satisfying addition to any meal.
BONUS! Black Bean Brownies – No Flour Required!
These black bean brownies are a deliciously fudgy and healthy chocolate treat that defies expectations. With a secret ingredient of black beans, they pass the taste test even among those accustomed to traditional brownies, proving that healthy desserts can be just as indulgent. The recipe is straightforward, involving blending black beans with cocoa powder, oats, sweeteners, and chocolate chips for a guilt-free yet satisfying dessert.