15 of The Best Bean Recipes for Cheap and Easy Meals

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Beans are a pantry staple for good reason. This humble food is cheap, easy to cook, and endlessly versatile in the kitchen. It doesn’t matter if you’re working with dried beans or canned—there’s always something delicious you can cook with them! Transform beans into creamy dips for your next get-together, make a hearty chili for dinner, or turn them into a spotlight-stealing side dish for any meal. You won’t get tired of eating beans with this collection of mouthwatering bean recipes!

Refried Beans

Refried beans are simple to make and perfect for stuffing into tortillas or serving alongside your favorite dishes. Using canned beans means they don’t take long to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Seasoned Black Beans

An incredibly versatile side, seasoned black beans can be served with your favorite dishes or used as an ingredient in burritos, bowls, and more. Make a big batch to enjoy all week!
Get the Recipe: Seasoned Black Beans

White Bean Dip

Herbs flavor this creamy white bean dip, turning it into a delicious party snack. Serve with pita chips, pretzels, or crudites.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Dip

Borracho Beans

Grab your slow cooker and make a batch of these tender borracho beans. Simmered with bacon, spices, and beer, they’re always a hit!
Get the Recipe: Borracho Beans

Beef and Bean Burrito Skillet

This one-pan beef and bean burrito skillet is an easy option for busy weeknights. Serve in bowls or use to fill your favorite tortillas with salsa and sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Bean Burrito Skillet

Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Beans are the hearty addition to this savory pumpkin turkey chili. It’s cooked in the slow cooker so you can have delicious dinner ready when you get home from work!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Ranch Style Beans

Make your own ranch style beans for the best cookout side dishes. Simmered in the slow cooker, they’re great for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Style Beans

Corn and Black Bean Salad

Corn pairs with black beans for this simple yet flavorful salad. Serve as a simple meatless lunch or alongside your favorite mains for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Black Bean Salad

Black Bean & Squash Vegetarian Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a great choice for showcasing beans. This version pairs up beans and squash for a cheesy, flavorful meal option.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean & Squash Vegetarian Enchiladas

Bean Tostada

Refried beans are the delicious base to these bean tostadas. Top with all of your favorites, like salsa, lettuce, pickled jalapenos, and avocado!
Get the Recipe: Bean Tostada

Escarole and Beans

Simple but full of flavor, this escarole and beans dish is a hearty Italian classic. All you need is some bread to make it a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans

Vegetarian Baked Beans

Make baked beans from scratch and keep them vegetarian with this easy recipe. They still have delicious smoky-sweet flavor, without the meat!
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Baked Beans

Italian White Bean Hummus

Whip up this Italian hummus for a Mediterranean twist on the classic appetizer. Fresh herbs and olive oil make it a creamy, craveworthy dip.
Get the Recipe: Italian White Bean Hummus

Three Bean Chili

Grab all your favorite canned beans to make this vegetarian three bean chili in just 30 minutes! It’s a hearty, comforting dinner everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Three Bean Chili

Popeyes Red Beans and Rice

Make your own red beans and rice with this copycat recipe of Popeye’s famous side. Don’t forget the ham hock, which adds the signature smoky flavor.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Red Beans and Rice