Beans, beans… they’re good for your heart! Be good to your body, your budget and the environment by incorporating these protein-packed legumes into your diet. If you want to feel energetic, curb hunger and stay healthy, let this pantry staple take center stage during breakfast, lunch, dinner or even dessert. We have 20 protein-packed ways to get black beans on your plate, in your lunch box — even in your cookies!
1. Bean Chilaquiles With Avocado and Queso Fresco: Groggy and half caffeinated, you can serve this brunch in under 10 minutes and then feel satisfied for hours. (via The Kitchn)
2. Cocoa Black Bean Triple Oat Breakfast Bake: No need to yawn when you awake to this chocolatey breakfast bake. Don’t be turned off by the beans. You get all the nutrients minus the taste (crazy, right?!). (via Skinny Weighs)
3. Cajun Spiced Oatmeal With Red Peppers and Black Beans: Start your day with a spicy kick and say good morning to your taste buds with this savory bowl of oats. (via The Oatmeal Artist)
4. Black Bean and Lentil Salad: Here’s a knockout salad, throwing out a one-two punch of protein and fiber, pairing lentils and black beans. (via The Garden Grazer)
5. Loaded Black Bean Sweet Potato Boats: Move over nachos! (via Minimalist Baker)
6. Black Bean and Corn Fritters: They’re crispy, crunchy and hard to stop at just two. Don’t forget to pass the guacamole and salsa. (via Jilly Inspired)
7. Black Bean Hummus: Traditionally made with chickpeas, the flavor of black beans is a welcomed change to this classic. Whip up a big bowl and share with your friends. (via Flour Child)
8. Spicy Black Bean Endive Boats: A great starter that will please meat eaters and vegetarians alike, these eye-catching boats show off your mad culinary skillz. (via Colorful Palate)
9. Refried Beans: Frijoles negros a la Mexicana style! Trust us on this one, you’ll be serving these again and again. (via Frontera Fiesta)
10. Feijoada: Brazil’s national dish is meant to be shared with friends. Prepare this one-pot meal filled with hearty beans and salted meats. Be sure to stick to tradition and serve feijoada with steamed rice, shredded kale or collard greens and orange slices. (via Simply Recipes)
11. Kale and Black Bean Falafel: Wrap these protein-packed balls of flavor into a pita accompanied with dressed greens, smashed avocado, pickled red onion and tzatziki sauce. (via Vintage Mixer)
12. Chipotle Raspberry and Black Bean Pizza: You want this — creamy goat cheese, smokey-yet-sweet raspberry chipotle sauce, gooey Monterey jack, crisp bacon and black beans. (via Cooking for Keeps)
13. Quinoa Black Bean Tacos: Check out this equation: Quinoa + black beans = complete protein, so skip the carne asada and surprise the skeptics. The meat will not be missed. (via Damn Delicious)
14. Really Awesome Black Bean Burgers: For connoisseurs of bean burgers, you may relate to the dreaded mush dilemma. This recipe has resolved the issue, and what you get is a hearty-not-heavy burger begging you to sink your teeth into. (via Food Lab)
15. Black Bean “Meatballs”: Seasoned with Italian flavors, these bean balls served atop spaghetti and marinara will become a family favorite. (via The Plant Strong Vegan)
16. Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers: You’ve hit the motherlode with these stuffed peppers. Flavorful and chock full of veggies, it’s a meal good for the body and the taste buds. (via Ambitious Kitchen)
17. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: These come with a warning: Extremely addictive! (via Chocolate and Carrots)
18. Chocolate Black Bean Power Cookies: Whether you’re traveling, working out or just have a craving but want to be healthy, eat these! The fiber and protein from the black beans are what makes these cookies POWERFUL. (via Green Kitchen Stories)
19. Black Bean Avocado Bread With Lime Glaze: Yeah it sounds weird, but you have to try it. (via Our Studio Kitchen)
20. I Can’t Believe These Are Healthy Brownies: It’s true: Fudgy, chocolatey, melt in your mouth brownies can be good for you — thanks to black beans. (via Brit + Co.)
Let us know how you’re dishing out black beans by spilling the beans in the comments below.
Michelle Swift
Michelle Swift is a freelance writer and blogs on michelleswift.com. She has an affinity for running, culinary eats, travel and sparkly gold things. People and adventure light her up like a hot pink neon sign!
