Ready to leave the bland behind? Canned beans are about to get a major upgrade in your kitchen playbook. Gone are the days of limiting them to the same old soups and dips. With 21 creative and tasty recipes, we’re here to show you the full potential of these pantry powerhouses. Beans are not just good for you, they’re great for shaking up your meal routine without breaking the bank. From comforting chilis to unexpected sweet treats, discover meals that are both nutritious and exciting.
Escarole and Beans
This dish is a no-brainer for anyone wanting to whip up something quick and filling. Beans and escarole come together for a meal that proves you don’t need much to make something great. It’s hearty and just right for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans
Fudgy Vegan Black Bean Brownies
End your week on a high note with these fudgy brownies made from black beans. They’re moist, chocolatey, and you’d never guess beans are the secret to their perfect texture.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Vegan Black Bean Brownies
Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup
This soup is light, creamy, and filled with good stuff like cannellini beans. It’s perfect for when you want something easy yet hearty, and it’s totally vegan.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup
BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza
Mix it up with a tortilla pizza that’s loaded with black beans, chicken, and plenty of cheese. It’s easy, fun, and a perfect pick for a laid-back dinner or weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza
Instant Pot Bean Soup
Throw some beans, tomatoes, and kale into your Instant Pot and you’ve got a cozy vegan soup that’s perfect for a cold day. It’s hearty, nutritious, and gets everything right about a bean soup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup
Dandelion Greens and Beans
Here’s a quick, green twist on your bean game. Dandelion greens meet cannellini and kidney beans for a meal that’s all about simplicity and speed. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Greens and Beans
Mango Black Bean Salad
Need something quick and refreshing? This mango and black bean salad is it. Great for a protein-packed lunch or side, it’s bright, fresh, and ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
This one-skillet wonder with chicken and chickpeas is all about making dinner easy and tasty. It’s creamy, quick to make, and perfect over rice. For a great dinner ready in no time, this is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans
Got an Instant Pot and some beans? Throw in tomatoes and you’ve got yourself a fantastic meal in no time. This one’s a game changer for anyone looking for a simple yet hearty dish, perfect with some crunchy toast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans
Blueberry White Bean Salad
This salad’s got it all – beans, berries, and a killer tahini turmeric dressing. It’s simple, nutritious, and brings a burst of flavor and texture with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad
Italian Black Bean Meatballs
Swap the meat for beans and you’ve got yourself some amazing meatballs. Perfect over pasta or zoodles, they’re a hearty, plant-based meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs
Chicken Sausage Breakfast Tostadas
Start your day with a bang with these tostadas. Topped with chicken sausage, eggs, and a refried bean base, they’re a great breakfast that’s both filling and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage Breakfast Tostadas
Brisket Chili
Leftover brisket? Add beans and a few more ingredients to cook up a chili that’s perfect for a comforting meal. It’s chunky, hearty, and exactly what you need for a chill evening. Plus, it’s a great way to use up what you have in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Who needs meat when you have white beans and kale stuffed in a quesadilla? Melted cheese and a creamy BBQ sauce top it off for a great meatless meal that’s all about comfort.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
This dip with roasted garlic and white beans is creamy, packed with protein, and goes with just about anything. It’s a great way to sneak some beans into your snack time.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
BBQ Roasted Chickpeas
When you’re craving something savory and crunchy, these BBQ chickpeas are the answer. Easy to make and perfect for snacking, they’re a great alternative to chips.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Chickpeas
Kung Pao Chickpeas
Love takeout but want to keep it plant-based? These Kung Pao chickpeas bring all the flavor of your favorite Chinese dish with a simple protein swap. It’s bold, it’s easy, and it’s a great way to enjoy beans.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas
Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies
Beans in your cookies? Yes, and they’re incredible! These black bean cookies with peanut butter centers hit the spot when you need a sweet treat. Plus, they’re healthier than your average cookie, so you can feel good about reaching for another.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies
Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas
Think cinnamon toast but healthier and crunchier. These chickpeas are sweetened with maple syrup and make for a great snack any time of the day.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas
Chocolate Chip Blondies
Chickpeas make these blondies not just good for you but also irresistibly soft and gooey. With chocolate chips in every bite, they’re a perfect snack or dessert that you won’t believe is made from beans.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Blondies
Chocolate Lamb Chili
This recipe takes chili to the next level with lamb, beans, and a hint of chocolate. It’s like a Mexican mole sauce but easier. Perfect for when you want to impress someone or just treat yourself to something special.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lamb Chili
13 Amazing Cabbage Recipes That Go Way Beyond Slaw
Forget everything you thought you knew about cabbage! It’s not just for boring salads anymore. This humble vegetable is bursting with versatility and can be transformed into a whole world of delicious dishes. From hearty and comforting soups to vibrant and flavorful side dishes, cabbage has something to offer everyone.
Get the Recipes: 13 Amazing Cabbage Recipes That Go Way Beyond Slaw
Keep These 10 Foods Out Of The Microwave To Avoid Ruining Them
Ever popped something in the microwave only to find it’s turned into a rubbery mess or exploded all over the interior? In our search for quick and convenient meals, the microwave can sometimes feel like our best friend, but not all foods appreciate this kind of heat. Before you hit ‘start’ on your next microwave adventure, check out this list of foods that are better off reheated by any method other than the microwave, unless you’re aiming for a kitchen disaster.
Read it Here: Keep These 10 Foods Out Of The Microwave To Avoid Ruining Them
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.
