Black beans help make dinner both nutritious and flavorful. That’s why we’ve rounded up the recipes EatingWell readers love to make the most. From bean soups and chilis to burgers and enchiladas, we’re sure you’ll enjoy these four- and five-star rated dishes. Make our Black Bean Fajita Casserole to spruce up a classic weeknight meal, or have our Black Bean Soup on the table in just 20 minutes.
01 of 20
Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Josh Hoggle.
This Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is a delicious, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor. Tender cubes of butternut squash and hearty black beans are simmered in green enchilada sauce, with tortilla strips stirred in. As it cooks, the tortillas soak up the sauce. A layer of melted cheese ties everything together. It’s a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
02 of 20
Black Bean Fajita Casserole
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
This one-pan Black Bean Fajita Casserole is an easy weeknight dinner idea. Strips of corn tortillas soak up the saucy goodness, turning tender as they bake under a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Top it with creamy avocado, a dollop of sour cream and some fresh cilantro for a colorful, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under an hour.
03 of 20
20-Minute Black Bean Soup
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
This easy black bean soup takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Canned black beans help speed things up, and taco seasoning and fire-roasted tomatoes help build rich, savory flavor in just minutes. Cream cheese melted in at the end gives this soup a silky texture. Pair it with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a simple, comforting meal.
04 of 20
Black Bean & Pepper Jack Quiche
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
This black bean quiche with pepper Jack cheese is perfect for brunch or a light dinner. The creamy egg filling is packed with fiber-rich black beans, sweet peppers and spicy pepper Jack cheese for a flavorful kick. If you want to tame the heat, Monterey Jack cheese can be used in its place. Serve it with a simple green salad or fresh salsa on the side.
05 of 20
High-Protein Black Bean Salad
Credit: Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
In this high-protein salad, black beans take center stage. As the main source of plant-based protein, they make the salad satisfying, with their creamy texture pairing perfectly with sweet potato, crisp veggies and a citrusy dressing. It’s an easy, filling option for lunch or dinner—especially for those looking to add more plant-powered protein to their diet.
06 of 20
No-Cook Black Bean Taco Bowls
Credit: Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
These black bean taco bowls with lime crema are a refreshing no-cook meal that’s perfect for busy days. They feature hearty black beans, veggies and zesty toppings layered over crispy cabbage and lettuce. The lime crema adds a tangy, creamy finish that brings all the flavors together. Enjoy these effortless bowls with the suggested toppings below, or customize them with your own favorites.
07 of 20
Crispy Sheet-Pan Black Bean Tacos
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong
These sheet-pan crispy black bean tacos are the best way to spice up your dinner with bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Baked to crispy perfection on your trusty sheet pan, these tacos are packed with seasoned black beans and melty cheese and served with a creamy chipotle crema, making them a fuss-free meal the whole family will love!
08 of 20
Roasted Veggie & Black Bean Bowls
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Pricilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
These roasted veggie and black bean bowls featuring sweet potatoes, poblano peppers and red onion are bursting with bold flavors. Together, these ingredients deliver a hearty, fiber-packed meal that also offers a healthy dose of plant-based protein. Add a tangy scoop of guacamole, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and more of your favorite toppings and you’ll have a vibrant, satisfying dinner for your regular rotation.
09 of 20
Sweet Potato–Black Bean Tostadas
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
These sweet potato tostadas pack in plenty of plant-based protein, combining hearty black beans and nutrient-packed sweet potatoes for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Along with the protein, you’ll also get a boost of gut-healthy fiber and plenty of anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals from the sweet potatoes.
10 of 20
Black Bean Enchilada Skillet
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
This easy version of black bean enchiladas only needs one pan and skips the hassle of stuffing and rolling corn tortillas. We use mild enchilada sauce to keep the spice level suitable for everyone, but if you prefer more heat, using medium or hot enchilada sauce will add extra zest to your meal.
11 of 20
Cheesy Beef & Black Bean Skillet Casserole
Credit: Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Think of this creamy skillet casserole as a one-pan taco. The corn tortillas crisp up under the broiler, adding crunch to go with the creamy filling. If you enjoy a bit of spiciness, opt for hot salsa or chipotle salsa for some smoky undertones. Tomatillo salsa works well, too, adding tang and a fresh flavor to this easy skillet dinner.
12 of 20
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall , Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
This hearty sweet potato and black bean chili has a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Swap out regular chili powder for chipotle and ancho chile powder, or try using reduced-sodium taco or fajita seasoning for a unique twist.
13 of 20
Grilled Vegetable & Black Bean Farro Bowls
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
These bowls are filled with all the hearty goodness of a black bean and veggie burrito, minus the tortilla. Nutty, chewy farro takes the place of rice, and the veggies are grilled with a zesty lime vinaigrette. The bowls are delicious at room temperature, but you can also heat the beans with a splash of vegetable broth and reheat the vegetables in a small skillet.
14 of 20
Slow-Cooker Chicken & Brown Rice with Roasted Corn & Black Beans
Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
With plenty of spice from ground cumin, cayenne and paprika and the bit of char that frozen roasted sweet corn brings to the dish, you won’t miss the browning step in this easy load-and-go recipe. If frozen roasted corn isn’t available, substitute regular.
15 of 20
Black Bean & Mushroom Enchilada Casserole
Credit: Ali Redmond
Mushrooms and creamy black beans spiced with cumin and oregano create the filling for this vegetarian enchilada casserole. Pepper Jack adds nice flavor, but you can substitute regular Monterey Jack cheese if you don’t want the heat.
16 of 20
Beef & Bean Sloppy Joes
This healthy copycat recipe of the comfort food classic trades beans for some of the meat to bump up fiber by 7 grams. We also cut back on the sugar and ketchup in this Sloppy Joe recipe makeover to save you 12 grams of added sugar.
17 of 20
Cheesy Black Bean & Quinoa Skillet Casserole
Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek
This Southwestern-inspired one-skillet casserole is stuffed with quinoa and plenty of fresh vegetables. Sharp Cheddar cheese flavors the filling and adds a layer of ooey-gooey melted cheese on top.
18 of 20
Bean & Beef Taco Soup
This taco soup is filled with quintessential taco ingredients and flavors—from two types of hearty beans to corn and ground beef—but it’s the toppings that really make this soup stand out. Better yet, this healthy soup is easy to make and leftovers freeze beautifully for later.
19 of 20
Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas
Credit: Greg DuPree
A crisp, citrusy slaw contrasts nicely with the enchiladas’ creamy squash filling.
20 of 20
Beef & Black Bean Nacho Casserole
Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Sue Mitchell
Hominy adds a chewy texture in this healthy casserole, which draws flavor inspiration from nachos. Crushed corn tortilla chips add a crunchy layer to complete the dish. Mild, medium and hot green chiles all work well, so choose what you like best depending on your heat preference.
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