33 Ways to Jazz up a Can of Black Beans

Ever find yourself staring at that humble can of black beans in your pantry, wondering how to make it the star of your next meal? Well, you’re in for a treat!

Not only are black beans a fantastic way to sneak some health benefits into your dishes (hello, protein boost!), but they’re also super wallet-friendly.

Yep, these little gems are proof that eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank. And guess what? With a sprinkle of creativity, they can be a hit with the kiddos too.

So, whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a whole crew of little bean lovers, let’s dive into some delicious ways to jazz up that can of black beans. Ready to get cooking?

Simple Canned Black Bean Recipes Ideas

Before we jump into all the fun ways to use black beans, let’s chat about prepping them right out of the can. First things first, always give them a good rinse under cold water. Why, you ask?

Well, rinsing them not only helps get rid of any lingering aluminum taste from the can but also washes away that murky bean water, which can sometimes give our beloved beans a less-than-appetizing look.

Trust me, a quick rinse can make all the difference in making your black beans look and taste their best. So, grab that colander and let’s get those beans ready for action!

1. Black Bean and Cheese Quesadilla Bites

Make mini quesadillas with black beans and cheese. Once cooked, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Serve with mild salsa or sour cream for dipping.

2. Black Bean Sliders

Create small black bean patties, grill them, and place them between mini burger buns. Add a slice of cheese and some lettuce for a fun-sized treat.

3. Black Bean and Corn Nachos

Spread tortilla chips on a baking tray, sprinkle with black beans, corn, and cheese. Bake until cheese is melted. Serve with guacamole and mild salsa.

4. Black Bean Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Prepare macaroni and cheese as usual, then stir in some black beans for added protein and a fun twist on a classic.

5. Black Bean and Cheese Roll-Ups

Spread a tortilla with cream cheese, sprinkle black beans and shredded cheese, then roll up and slice into pinwheels.

6. Black Bean Taco Cups

Press small tortilla rounds into a muffin tin, fill with black beans, ground meat (if desired), and cheese. Bake until crispy and serve with toppings like sour cream and guacamole.

7. Black Bean-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Halve and deseed mini bell peppers, then stuff with a mixture of black beans, corn, and cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender.

8. Creamy Black Bean Dip with Veggie Sticks

Blend black beans with a bit of cream cheese, garlic powder, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Serve with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips.

9. Spicy Black Bean Dip

Transform your beans into a creamy dip by blending them with minced garlic, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a touch of tahini or olive oil for richness, and a pinch of cayenne for a kick. Perfect for dipping tortilla chips or crunchy veggie sticks.

10. Black Bean Salad

Create a refreshing salad by combining beans with sweet corn kernels, juicy diced tomatoes, creamy avocado chunks, finely chopped red onion, and fragrant cilantro. Drizzle with a zesty lime vinaigrette for added flavor.

11. Black Bean Tostadas

Elevate your tostada game by spreading a hearty layer of mashed black beans on a crispy toasted tortilla. Top it off with crunchy lettuce, melty cheese, tangy salsa, and a dollop of sour cream for a satisfying bite.

12. Black Bean Soup

Craft a comforting soup by sautéing onions and garlic until translucent, then adding beans, rich vegetable broth, earthy cumin, and smoky chili powder. Blend until velvety smooth and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro.

13. Black Bean Quesadillas

Make a cheesy delight by mixing beans with your favorite cheese and sautéed veggies like bell peppers and onions. Sandwich this mixture between two tortillas and grill until golden and crispy.

14. Black Bean and Rice Bowl

Construct a wholesome bowl by layering beans over fluffy cooked rice. Add sautéed veggies for texture, salsa for zest, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cheese for a delightful finish.

15. Black Bean Hummus

Reinvent the classic hummus by blending beans with creamy tahini, aromatic garlic, zesty lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. This twist on hummus makes for a great dip or sandwich spread.

16. Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

Create a hearty meal by combining beans with cooked quinoa or white rice, juicy diced tomatoes, and your favorite spices. Stuff this mixture into vibrant bell peppers and bake until tender.

17. Black Bean and Spinach Enchiladas

Roll a mixture of beans and fresh spinach in soft tortillas. Place them snugly in a baking dish, drench with your favorite enchilada sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and bake to perfection.

18. Black Bean Burgers

Craft a vegetarian burger by mashing beans and mixing with breadcrumbs, an egg to bind, and spices for flavor. Shape into patties and grill or pan-fry until they have a crispy exterior.

19. Black Bean and Egg Breakfast Burritos

Start your day with a protein-packed burrito. Scramble eggs with black beans, melty cheese, and zesty salsa. Wrap this mixture in a warm tortilla for a breakfast on-the-go.

20. Black Bean Salsa

Whip up a chunky salsa by combining beans with diced tomatoes, crunchy onions, spicy jalapeños, fragrant cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. This salsa pairs well with chips or as a fresh topping for grilled meats.

21. Black Bean Pasta

Make a hearty pasta dish by sautéing garlic and onions until fragrant, then adding beans, diced tomatoes, corn, red bell peppers, and your preferred pasta sauce. Toss with al dente pasta and finish with a sprinkle of grated parmesan.

22. Black Bean and Sweet Potato Hash

Create a savory hash by sautéing diced sweet potatoes until caramelized, then adding beans, onions, bell peppers, and a medley of spices. This hash can be a side dish or topped with a fried egg for a complete meal.

23. Black Bean Bruschetta

Toast slices of baguette and top with a mixture of black beans, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. A Mediterranean twist on the classic.

24. Black Bean Shakshuka

In a skillet, simmer a spicy tomato sauce with cumin, paprika, and black beans. Make wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them. Cover and cook until the eggs are set. Garnish with cilantro and feta.

25. Black Bean and Mango Salad

Combine black beans with diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and a dressing of lime juice, honey, and chili powder. A sweet and tangy delight.

26. Black Bean-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Hollow out large portobello mushrooms and fill with a mixture of black beans, breadcrumbs, garlic, and grated cheese. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden.

27. Black Bean and Coconut Curry

Sauté onions, ginger, and garlic, then add curry powder, coconut milk, and black beans. Simmer until flavors meld. Serve over rice or with naan bread.

28. Black Bean Falafel

Blend black beans with parsley, cilantro, garlic, and spices. Form into balls and fry until crispy. Serve with tahini sauce or inside pita pockets with veggies.

29. Black Bean and Corn Pizza

Spread pizza dough with olive oil and garlic, then top with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, red onions, and cheese. Bake until crispy and finish with fresh cilantro.

30. Black Bean and Chorizo Empanadas

Sauté chorizo with onions and garlic, then mix with black beans. Use this as a filling for empanada dough, seal, and bake or fry until golden.

31. Black Bean and Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Roast sweet potatoes until tender. Split open and stuff with a mixture of sautéed spinach, black beans, garlic, and spices. Drizzle with a yogurt or tahini sauce.

32. Black Bean and Avocado Wraps

Spread a whole wheat wrap with mashed avocado, then layer with black beans, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll up and enjoy a creamy, protein-packed wrap.

33. Black Bean Chocolate Brownies

Venture into the world of desserts by using black beans as a base for brownies. When blended, they provide a moist texture, and combined with cocoa powder and sweeteners, they make for a surprisingly delicious and healthier brownie option.

How to season black beans?

As we’ve journeyed through the versatile world of black beans, it’s clear to see just how much potential lies within that simple can. They’re not just a nutritious and budget-friendly addition to meals, but with a sprinkle of imagination, they can be the centerpiece of delightful dishes that both kids and adults will adore.

So, the next time you spot that can of black beans in your pantry, I hope you feel inspired to jazz it up and make some culinary magic. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delightful bean-filled meals ahead!