Canned chickpeas, red beans, black beans, white beans, edamame, butter beans: They’re all versatile, cost-effective, healthy and boast a really long shelf life. From hearty enchiladas to vegan chickpea “crab” cakes and pinto bean breakfast sausage, there’s a plethora of ways to incorporate humble protein-packed beans into your everyday dishes.
White Bean and Winter Greens Chili
With the mix of swiss chard, kale and hearty spices this flavourful chili bowl packs a punch. We love it as a warm lunch on a cold winter’s day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always add a bit of grilled steak to the dish.
Sausage and White Bean-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Celebrate all the flavours of hearty sausage and white bean soup that are jam-packed into this mouth-watering roasted spaghetti squash. It’s so tender that a fork is all you’ll need to transform the gourd into veggie noodles. Check out our ultimate squash guide.
Eat-Your-Veggies Italian Meatballs
Amp up spaghetti night with these healthy veggie-packed meatballs featuring frozen collards and canned black beans. We’ll bet the meat-eaters in your family won’t even be able to tell the difference. For more inspiration, check out our all-time best vegetarian recipes.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
We love black beans in pretty much anything, which is why stuffing them in portobello mushrooms was a no-brainer. This healthy and delicious vegan recipe uses the sweetness of sweet potatoes and saltiness of black beans to bring this dish together.
15-Minute Bean, Egg and Avocado Tostadas
Inspired by huevos rancheros, we’re already drooling over the salsa verde, refried black beans and roasted red bell peppers featured in this delish recipe. Perfect for a substantial breakfast or lighter dinner, the easy-peasy Mexican-inspired meal will be on the table within 15 minutes. Here are more easy 15-minute dinner recipes.
10-Minute White Bean Soup With Toasted Cheese and Tomato
Don’t be deceived by its somewhat bland colouring: this soup will simultaneously warm your belly and satisfy your taste buds. If you’ve got time to spare, steep the chicken broth and white beans with sprigs of rosemary and thyme for just a few minutes for added flavour.
Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole
Whip up this simple and satisfying green bean casserole when you’re in a pinch for dinner. Time-saving shortcuts like rinsing the green beans in advance and shaving cheese with a veggie peeler will get dinner to the table even faster. For more inspiration, try these healthy 10-minute meals.
Vegan Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Cheese and Beans
Taking its cue from Mexican-inspired spices, this budget-friendly loaded sweet potato features black beans, fresh vegan cheese and tomato slathered in vegan yoghurt, jalapenos and cilantro.
Greek-Style Baked Beans With Tomato Sauce and Feta
Gently simmer the sauce before adding the boiled beans and feta cheese to this Greek-inspired casserole that works as a side dish or an appetizer served up with crusty bread. If you’re not able to track down dried Greek gigante beans, large white lima beans work just as well.
Texas Baked Bean Dip
If you’re looking for something new to bring to your next family potluck, opt for this ooey-gooey Texas-style dip jam-packed with thick-cut bacon slices, bell peppers, grated Cheddar and, of course, pinto beans. Find more of The Pioneer Woman’s best potluck dishes.
Oxtail Stew
This deliciously savoury dinner is so satisfyingly scrumptious it will be your new favourite recipe. Butter bean-packed broth and seasoned oxtail make for a hearty dinner option your family won’t soon forget. Discover more things healthy people eat for breakfast.
This 20-Minute Tuscan White Bean Skillet is a Dinner Winner
When it comes to packing a hearty punch in this vibrant dish, cannellini beans are the true star. But this one-skillet meal’s versatility is highlighted with the swap-friendly marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and Tuscan kale. Find more comforting one-pot recipes that will warm your belly.