32 Healthy Recipes to Make with Canned Beans (2024)

Home Recipes Ingredients

These healthy canned bean recipes prove that good-for-you meals don't have to break the bank. Put that pantry staple to good use while giving your family a meal that they'll love.

1/32

Black Bean Chicken Burritos

I try to hide as many veggies as possible in these burritos. Another way I bump up the nutrition level is by using thinly sliced cabbage instead of regular iceberg lettuce. The filling freezes well, so double the recipe! —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia

(Aside from canned beans, here are other healthy pantry staples to stock up on.)

2/32

Veggie Nicoise Salad

More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish…and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois

3/32

Lentil, Bacon and Bean Soup

This quick soup feels extra cozy with lots of lentils and a touch of smoky, bacony goodness. You might want to cook up extra—I think it’s even better the next day! —Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

4/32

Here’s a hearty take on Mediterranean food, this time with sweet potatoes tucked inside. These unique pockets are delicious for lunch or dinner. —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

5/32

Vegetarian Farro Skillet

Farro is a type of wheat that was popular in ancient Rome. A good source of fiber, it includes more protein than most grains, making it a smart choice for meatless meals like this vegetarian farro skillet dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

6/32

Taco Bowls

When it’s done slow-cooking, this beef shreds like a dream. We make it often, because it’s super easy to customize with fun, fresh and healthy toppings. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio

7/32

During my undergrad years, my roommate taught me how to cook vegetarian dishes like brown rice with pintos. It’s so versatile; you can turn it into a wrap or casserole. —Natalie Van Apeldoorn, Vancouver, British Columbia

8/32

Growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo for extra pop. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

9/32

Portobello and Chickpea Sheet-Pan Supper

This is a fantastic meatless dinner or an amazing side dish. It works well with a variety of sheet-pan-roasted vegetables. We enjoy using zucchini or summer squash in the summer, and you can also change up the herbs in the dressing. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

10/32

Skinny Cobb Salad

This “skinny” version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and do all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida

11/32

Chickpea Tortilla Soup

This vegan tortilla soup recipe is healthy, filling and family-friendly! We love how hearty and flavorful it is. We like to play around with the different toppings we add each time it’s served. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

12/32

Best Hummus

Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I’ve picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you’ll ever have. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

13/32

Vegan Taco Salad

The best salads are made with ingredients that have different textures and complementary flavors. In this vegan taco salad, you’ll love the crunch of the tortilla chips with the sweet, crisp lettuce and “meaty” crumble mixture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

14/32

Chickpea ‘n’ Red Onion Burgers

When chilly days arrive and we retire the grill to the garage, I bake a batch of chickpea veggie burgers. Even die-hard meat eaters can’t resist them. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

15/32

Pressure-Cooker Turkey Chili

I’ve taken my mother’s milder recipe for chili and made it thicker and more robust. It’s a favorite, especially in fall and winter. —Celesta Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

16/32

Indian Spiced Chickpea Wraps

Raita, an Indian condiment made with yogurt, elevates this vegetarian dish to a satisfying gourmet wrap. If you’re in the mood to experiment, try diced mango or cucumber for the pineapple and add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia

17/32

Turkey Salsa Bowls with Tortilla Wedges

Delicious and nutritious, this dish was a favorite ofthe kids who participated in the junior chef classes I taught at my church.The recipe encouraged creativity and healthy eatingas students designed their own salsa bowls using whole grains, vegetables and lean protein.—Jean Gottfried, Upper Sandusky, Ohio

18/32

Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans

When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on the menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine

19/32

Vegan Tortilla Soup

Quinoa may be an unconventional ingredient, but it adds protein in this vegan tortilla soup, making it hearty enough for a main dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

20/32

Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota

21/32

Quickpea Curry

This colorful curry is a nice change of pace for a busy weeknight. I like to substitute fresh peas for frozen when they’re in season. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois

22/32

Turkey Pinto Bean Salad with Southern Molasses Dressing

This salad is a welcome alternative to the usual weeknight fare. It’s a tasty main dish loaded with good-for-you protein.—Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

23/32

Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California

24/32

Butternut Squash Burrito Bowl

This butternut squash burrito bowl is an easy-to-prep dinner that combines fresh ingredients with wholesome convenience foods. It comes together in just minutes and can be customized with everyone’s favorite toppings. —Patricia Kukuc, Clearwater, Florida

25/32

Pressure-Cooker Chickpea and Potato Curry

I make chana masala, the classic Indian dish, in my slow cooker. Browning the onion, ginger and garlic first really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas

26/32

Herbed Tuna and White Bean Salad

This is a quick and delicious salad that can be made special for guests—or yourself—by grilling fresh tuna steaks instead of using canned. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

27/32

Pressure-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Don’t be shy about loading spices and shredded chicken into your pressure cooker. This chicken tortilla soup tastes amazing as leftovers the next day. Your family will thank you for this one! —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland

28/32

Air-Fryer Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Meatless meals will be so tasty when these hearty air-fryer veggie burgers are on the menu. Guacamole and sour cream make them seem decadent. —Jill Reichardt, St. Louis, Missouri

29/32

Pressure-Cooker Manchester Stew

While in college, I studied abroad. A vegetarian at the time, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious and diverse vegetarian food in Britain could be. After returning to the States I re-created my favorite meal from my favorite restaurant and named it after the University of Manchester. When the enticing aroma fills the kitchen, I’m back in England!—Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, Texas

30/32

Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps

Say bye-bye to ho-hum tuna salad. Here’s a recipe we actually look forward to eating. —Heather Senger, Madison, Wisconsin

31/32

Pressure-Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Here’s a good-for-you dinner that’s also a meal-in-one classic. Add a salad and, in just moments, call everyone to the table. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska

32/32

Instant Pot Chili con Carne

Although multicookers can’t replace every tool in the kitchen, they sure are coming close. Chili con carne is one of our favorite dishes to re-create in them. This cooks up fast but tastes like it simmered all day! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Christina is a Social Media Editor for Taste of Home. She enjoys trying out local restaurants and coffeehouses and adding copious amounts of garlic and cheese to any recipe she can get her hands on. In her free time, you can find her hunting down one-of-a-kind furniture pieces at thrift and vintage stores and DIYing trendy home decor crafts.