My Favorite Ways to Make Beans for Dinner
This post contains affiliate links from retailers, including Amazon. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
My favorite ways to make beans for dinner change depending on the day. Sometimes I’ll cook garbanzos into a creamy pasta salad, other nights I’ll simmer a pot of stewed black beans with sofrito, and when I want something quick I’ll make a bean bowl with rice and vegetables.
However I use them, beans are one of the easiest and most filling dinners I know.
What You’ll Find in These Bean Recipes
Some of these recipes use garbanzos in pasta salads or bowls, others feature black beans simmered or cooked with rice, and there are a few that mix beans with fresh vegetables and herbs. They’re all simple dinners I reach for when I want something meatless but still satisfying.
1
Black Beans and Rice with Green Chiles
A simple black beans and rice recipe made with green chiles, cumin, and lime. Great for taco night, meal prep, or as a quick side dish.
Check out this recipe
2
Stewed Black Beans – Habichuelas Negras
Habichuelas negras made from scratch with delicious Puerto Rican flavors like sofrito, onions, garlic, cilantro, and cumin.
Check out this recipe
3
How To Make The Best Canned Black Beans
Turn bland canned beans into delicious restaurant-like black beans (frijoles negros) and serve with white rice and fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley.
Check out this recipe
4
Healthy Ground Chicken Taco Soup
Healthy ground chicken taco soup with black beans, corn, and a blend of taco spices. Cooked in one pot and topped with cilantro, cheddar, and lime.
Check out this recipe
5
Loaded Cheesy Beef Nachos
These loaded cheesy beef nachos are perfect for game day or a party. Tortilla chips are topped with seasoned ground beef, Monterey Jack and Oaxaca cheeses, and baked until melted and bubbly. Finished with black beans, salsa roja, tomatoes, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, these nachos are packed with flavor. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges for a complete snack.
Check out this recipe
6
Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl
This chicken fajita burrito bowl has all the flavors of classic fajitas over rice, with tender chicken, colorful peppers, and plenty of spice. I like to add black beans, avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese, but you can top it with whatever you have on hand!
Check out this recipe
7
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
This creamy chicken enchilada soup is loaded with shredded chicken, chunky tomatoes, and a cheesy, creamy broth, all seasoned with classic enchilada flavors. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients like enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and plenty of shredded cheese. Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that comes together quickly any night of the week!
Check out this recipe
8
20-Minute Simple Black Bean Pasta Salad
A simple and quick black bean pasta salad packed with fresh ingredients like fusilli, arugula, sweet corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and a yogurt lime dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s great as a meal or side dish!
Check out this recipe
9
Vegan Arroz con Gandules
Arroz con gandules – Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas, cooked with sofrito, sazon, and adobo. This vegetarian version comes together in one pot and is perfect with tostones.
Check out this recipe
10
Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad
Creamy caesar pasta salad is a quick and easy dish loaded with creamy dressing, crispy garbanzos, and fresh arugula. Perfect for potlucks, weekday dinners, or meal prep.
Check out this recipe
11
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy ranch pasta salad features shell pasta coated in ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and crunchy roasted garbanzos. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and pairs perfectly with your favorite mains like crispy chicken cutlets or hot honey bites.
Check out this recipe
12
