If that lonely can of beans has been staring you down every time you open the pantry, it’s time to end the standoff. Beans aren’t just survival food—they’re your ticket to a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t involve microwaving a sad frozen dinner. Here are some delicious meals to get you started.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
White beans and kale are smashed together in these cheesy quesadillas. Topped with a creamy BBQ sauce, they’re a satisfying, meatless meal option.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Italian Black Bean Meatballs
These black bean meatballs bring Italian flavors to the table. Serve them over pasta or zoodles with marinara sauce for a comforting, plant-based dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs
Vegetable Bean Skillet
This skillet meal is packed with fresh vegetables and two kinds of beans for a simple, hearty dinner. It’s an easy way to enjoy a meatless meal that’s still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet
Simple Spicy Black Bean Soup
A quick and straightforward black bean soup that’s packed with a kick of spice. This budget-friendly, protein-loaded meal is ready in just 45 minutes and makes a great choice when you need something nourishing on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Simple Spicy Black Bean Soup
Dutch Oven Chili
This Dutch Oven Chili is a hearty, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners. Made with ground beef, beans, and a blend of seasonings, it’s a simple, one-pot meal that cooks up easily on the stovetop.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Chili
The Best Kenyan Githeri Recipe
A flavorful Kenyan Githeri that combines garam masala, fresh tomatoes, and potatoes for a slightly spicy, meat-free dish. It’s a unique way to enjoy a simple and hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: The Best Kenyan Githeri Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Chicken Tortilla Soup, made with tender chicken and crispy tortilla strips, is a breeze to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, offering a comforting Tex-Mex option.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Refried Kidney Beans
Whip up a batch of homemade refried kidney beans in just 10 minutes. This simple recipe uses only seven ingredients and is a staple for any Mexican-inspired feast.
Get the Recipe: Refried Kidney Beans
Pasta e Fagioli
A gluten-free take on the classic Italian pasta and bean soup. This recipe is easy to make, filling, and perfect for a light dinner or lunch that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Pasta e Fagioli
Quinoa Black Bean Salad
This Quinoa Black Bean Salad is a protein-packed, make-ahead recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy and versatile dish that works as a quick meal or a healthy side.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Black Bean Salad
Easy Breakfast Beans and Eggs
Beans simmered in a rich, chipotle tomato sauce with delicately poached eggs make for a satisfying breakfast. Topped with pickled red onion and fresh cilantro, it’s a morning meal that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Easy Breakfast Beans and Eggs
White Bean and Tomato Soup
This White Bean and Tomato Soup is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a quick option for a wholesome dinner. It’s a simple way to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup.
Get the Recipe: White Bean and Tomato Soup
Pumpkin Pie Hummus
Pumpkin Pie Hummus is a sweet spread that pairs perfectly with pretzels, apples, or graham crackers. It’s a quick snack option that brings a taste of fall to your table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Hummus
Vegetarian Ravioli with White Beans and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tart sweetness to this ravioli dish, while white beans add a hearty texture. Top with parmesan and basil for a simple, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ravioli with White Beans and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Madras Lentils
Madras Lentils offer a vegetarian curry with lentils and kidney beans in a tomato cream sauce. It’s an easy way to bring some spice to your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Madras Lentils
Hearty Homemade Chili Con Carne
This Chili Con Carne is simmered to perfection, with ground beef and beans coming together for a dish that’s rich and full of flavor. A reliable choice for a hearty, home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Homemade Chili Con Carne
Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet
A quick vegetarian meal packed with chickpeas and Mediterranean flavors. This one-pot dish is easy to prepare ahead and can be ready in 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet
Italian Butter Beans with Cherry Tomato Confit
Butter beans meet smoky pancetta and cherry tomatoes for a surprisingly fast and healthy side dish. It’s an easy way to bring Italian-inspired flavors to your table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Butter Beans with Cherry Tomato Confit
Hearty Bean Dinner Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
This filling dinner salad is made with three types of beans and a simple sun-dried tomato dressing. It’s a quick meal option that requires minimal prep and delivers big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Bean Dinner Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
Mexican Bean Soup
This soup combines three types of beans with tender chicken, creamed corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes for a taco-inspired meal. It’s a robust dish that’s perfect for when you need something filling.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Bean Soup
Baked Bean Casserole
This Baked Bean Casserole blends sweet and sour flavors with three types of beans and two kinds of meat. Pair it with a salad for a complete, protein-packed dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole
Healthy Roasted Chili Lime Chickpeas
Chili lime chickpeas are a simple snack that doesn’t skimp on flavor. They’re a crunchy, protein-rich option that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Roasted Chili Lime Chickpeas
Charro Beans
Charro Beans, or Frijoles Charros, are pinto beans cooked with bacon, tomatoes, and garlic. This dish can be made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot for a versatile addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Charro Beans
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
