These bean dishes bring bold flavor and serious satisfaction. Whether in stews, salads, or mains, they prove beans deserve center stage. Protein-packed and versatile, they’re anything but boring.

Navy Bean and Ham Soup with Canned Beans

Navy Bean and Ham Soup with Canned Beans. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Granny’s navy bean and ham soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Made with canned beans for convenience, it comes together quickly without losing any of that homemade flavor. Hearty, smoky, and satisfying — it’s a timeless family favorite that’s sure to become one of yours too.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup with Canned Beans

Mixed Bean Chili

Mixed Bean Chili. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This mixed bean chili is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare. Loaded with protein-rich beans, spices, and vegetables, it’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prep. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for a complete and comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili

Kale White Bean Salad

A square white bowl filled with kale salad, featuring beans and avocado pieces, placed on a table with a spoon beside it.
Kale White Bean Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Fresh, bright, and full of texture, this kale white bean salad is a simple yet satisfying side dish. The tender kale pairs beautifully with creamy white beans, all tossed in a tangy lemon mustard vinaigrette. It’s healthy, quick to make, and bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Kale White Bean Salad

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These smashed white bean and kale quesadillas are comfort food with a wholesome twist. Filled with creamy beans, melted cheddar, and a touch of smoky BBQ sauce, they’re crispy on the outside and cheesy inside. A perfect meatless meal that still feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

A spoonful of soup is shown in the foreground over a bowl of Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup.
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Warm up with this hearty Instant Pot navy bean soup, made with bacon, carrots, celery, and herbs. The pressure cooker makes it tender and flavorful in under an hour. Each spoonful delivers cozy, savory comfort that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Instant Pot Chipotle Peruano Beans

Instant Pot Chipotle Peruano Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These chipotle Peruano beans are creamy, buttery, and deeply flavorful. Cooked in the Instant Pot with a hint of smoky spice, they’re a simple yet versatile dish you can enjoy as a side or main. Nutritious, easy, and full of Southwestern flair.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chipotle Peruano Beans

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These black bean burgers are a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a plant-based meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re hearty, protein-packed, and full of spice and flavor. Serve them on a bun with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meatless option.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

A bowl of Ham and Bean Soup with visible chunks of meat, seasoned with herbs, next to a whole onion and fresh parsley.
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker ham and bean soup is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. With smoky ham, tender beans, garlic, and herbs, it’s rich and deeply comforting. Just set it and forget it — dinner practically makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad

A close-up of a spoonful of black bean, corn, and vegetable salad held above a bowl filled with the same salad.
Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Fresh, colorful, and full of flavor, this black bean and corn salad is a perfect anytime side. Tossed with lime juice and a hint of spice, it’s light yet filling. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a quick healthy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad

Chicken Bean Soup

Overhead image of a bowl of chicken bean soup.
Chicken Bean Soup. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Hearty and full of protein, this chicken bean soup is a bowl of pure comfort. The mild spice and rich broth make it both soothing and satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need an easy, wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This Tuscan white bean skillet brings rustic Italian comfort to your kitchen. White beans, kale, and garlic simmer together for a simple, flavorful dish that’s healthy yet hearty. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every savory bite.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Easy Black Bean Soup

Easy Black Bean Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Simple, rich, and full of depth, this easy black bean soup is a weeknight winner. Ready in minutes, it’s a cozy, flavorful dish that feels homemade without the fuss. Top it with cilantro, lime, or avocado for the perfect finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Black Bean Soup

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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