9 Canned Black Bean Recipes, from Spicy Skillets to Sweet Desserts

Canned black beans are almost too easy to accumulate. Maybe you picked up a few cans on sale and need some new ideas. Or maybe you decided to take the plunge into plant-based eating and have no idea how to prepare the protein-packed legume. Either way, these canned black bean recipes are here to help.

Black beans pack quite the nutritional punch for being so tiny. Aside from being a great source of protein and fiber, a past study found they also contain 10 times the antioxidants of an equivalent serving of oranges. Like we said—powerful is an understatement.

Aside from being nutritious, black beans are also planet-friendly. According to a study published in the journal Climatic Change, if Americans swapped beef for beans, we'd be on track to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions (one of the leading causes of climate change) by 334 million metric tons per year.

Thankfully, beans are super inexpensive and are a staple in many cultures and cuisines. You don't need anything fancy to prepare them, either. Ready to get to cooking? These delicious canned black bean recipes will have your pantry empty in no time.

9 Canned Black Bean Recipes to Try

1. Black Bean Burger

Black bean burgers are a protein-packed staple in vegan and vegetarian diets. This recipe is quick and easy to make: combine mashed-up black beans with spices and breadcrumbs, then cook and devour.

2. Black Bean Corn Salad

Black beans and corn are the savory equivalents of peanut butter and jelly. Enjoy this salad as is, or make it even more filling by adding it to a tortilla with your plant or animal protein of choice. It can also be served alongside pasta or your favorite grain.

3. Black Bean Tacos

Black bean tacos can be whipped up in a pinch. Add them into a tortilla with your favorite cheese, guac, and peppers, and you're all set for dinner in under 15 minutes.

4. One-Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta

Pasta salad is perfect for anyone looking to start meal prepping. This one-pot dish includes a blend of carbs, veggies, and protein from the beans, but feel free to add any extra veggies you'd like.

5. Black Bean and Rice Skillet

Skillet meals like this one make for a delicious and hearty meal. Feel free to swap out the spicy peppers for bell peppers if that's more your style. The combination of rice, beans, cheese, and tomato will melt in your mouth.

6. Spicy Black Bean Potato Stew

If you're one of those people who think cilantro tastes like soap (yes, that's a thing!), we promise it's totally fine to skip that part of this recipe. Between the black beans, garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, and onion, this soup provides a warm and cozy winter staple.

7. Black Bean Brownies

Okay, we already know black beans are great for breakfast and dinner. But dessert, too? It's true: These brownies are super fudgy, chocolatey, and delicious, and you can't even taste the beans.

8. Chinese Black Bean Chicken

The black beans in this dish make a great sauce to accompany a chicken and rice dish. It's a light meal that still tastes great, with sesame oil and garlic as the main flavors. What more could you ask for?

8. Chè Đậu Đen (Vietnamese Sweet Black Bean Dessert)

This popular black bean dessert is super common in Vietnam and works well as both a hot dessert (think of a warm custard) or a cold dessert (like an icy bubble tea). It takes a little longer to prepare than some of the other canned black bean recipes on this list, but we promise it's worth the wait.