17 Black Bean Dishes to Try This Week

Black beans bring bold flavor and hearty texture to a wide range of meals, from comforting soups to zesty salads and satisfying burgers. This list brings together different ways to cook with black beans, blending global flavors and easy techniques. From Korean noodles to Mediterranean-inspired sides and Mexican classics, these dishes show how versatile one simple ingredient can be. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a quick dinner, there’s something here to try next.

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.

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This quick recipe uses mashed black beans, breadcrumbs, and spices to form patties fast. They’re pan-fried to get a crisp crust and can be customized with any toppings. The flavor is mild and pairs well with both spicy and tangy sauces. Great for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Korean Black Bean Noodles

A close-up of a pan filled with savory noodles and chunks of meat being lifted by chopsticks. The dish appears well-seasoned with sauce, and green garnishes are sprinkled on top. A beige napkin and a piece of dumpling are in the background. — Korean Black Bean Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

This take on the popular Korean dish, Jajangmyeon, coats noodles in a thick, rich black bean sauce. It’s deeply savory with a slight sweetness and often includes pork and vegetables. The sauce clings to the noodles, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. Serve it with crisp cucumber slices or pickled radish on the side.
Get the Recipe: Korean Black Bean Noodles

Easy Black Bean Soup

This smooth and creamy soup uses canned beans and basic pantry ingredients. It’s seasoned with cumin, garlic, and sometimes a bit of lime juice for brightness. It can be blended fully or left chunky depending on your preference. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese.
Get the Recipe: Easy Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing

This chilled salad is tossed with a bold, citrusy dressing that brings everything together. Black beans mix with peppers, onion, and sometimes corn or tomatoes. It’s quick to prep and holds up well for potlucks or lunchboxes. Add chopped avocado or jalapeño for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing

Air Fryer Black Bean Burger

Two homemade black bean burgers in buns ready to eat. — Air Fryer Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Using the air fryer makes these black bean burgers crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. They’re quick to make and hold their shape well in a bun. A mix of spices gives them depth without being overpowering. Add avocado, tomato, or your favorite sauce for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Black Bean Burger

Chipotle Black Bean Chili

A white bowl filled with raspberry black bean chili topped with cilantro and Greek yogurt. — Chipotle Black Bean Chili. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This chili has deep, smoky flavor thanks to chipotle peppers and a blend of spices. Black beans give it body and a creamy texture without meat. It simmers quickly and tastes even better the next day. Serve with toppings like diced onions, shredded cheese, or tortilla strips.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Black Bean Chili

Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Black bean meatballs in tomato sauce with a spoon. — Italian Black Bean Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Black beans stand in for meat in these soft, herb-filled meatballs. They’re flavored with Italian seasoning, garlic, and a little cheese for richness. Serve them with marinara sauce over pasta or in a sub roll. They’re also great as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup

This soup combines soft sweet potatoes with earthy black beans in a broth full of spices. It’s slightly sweet, with smoky undertones from paprika or chipotle. The texture is thick but not heavy, making it satisfying without being too rich. Fresh lime juice adds a final pop of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

This version adds olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes to the black bean mix. A lemony dressing gives it a bright, clean flavor. Feta cheese adds saltiness and richness. It’s great served chilled with pita or on a mezze platter.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl. — Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These beans capture the smoky, seasoned taste from the popular fast-casual chain. Simmered with bay leaf, garlic, and spices, they’re great for burrito bowls or tacos. The recipe makes a big batch and reheats well for lunches. Use canned or dried beans depending on how much time you have.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Mexican Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

A round white baking dish filled with cheesy stuffed peppers. — Mexican Black Bean Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Bell peppers are filled with a mixture of black beans, rice, corn, and spices. Baked until tender, the peppers hold their shape and soak up the flavors. You can top them with cheese before baking or add fresh cilantro after. Serve with sour cream or salsa on the side.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Roasted sweet potatoes and spiced black beans make a filling taco base. The mix is slightly sweet, a little smoky, and works well with crunchy slaw or creamy toppings. Use corn or flour tortillas based on preference. These also make great leftovers for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza

Tortillas are used as a thin, crisp base for this quick pizza. A layer of BBQ sauce holds black beans, shredded chicken, and cheese. It’s baked until bubbly and then sliced into wedges. A drizzle of ranch or extra BBQ sauce finishes it off.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza

Mango Black Bean Salad

Sweet mango pieces contrast with the earthy beans and a tangy lime dressing. Red bell pepper and onion add crunch and color. It’s fresh and juicy, ideal for summer meals or BBQs. Serve on its own or alongside grilled foods.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad

Black Bean Quinoa Burger

Quinoa adds a nutty texture and helps bind these burgers without eggs. The patties are firm and flavorful, with garlic and onion blended into the mix. They work well baked or pan-fried, and you can freeze extras for later. Pile them high with toppings or eat them plain with a dip.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Burger

One Pot Steak and Black Beans Chili

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices, accompanied by pieces of cornbread. — One Pot Steak and Black Beans Chili. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Tender chunks of steak simmer in a spicy, tomato-based chili with black beans. The one-pot method keeps cleanup easy and lets the flavors blend. It’s hearty and filling, great for cool nights or game day. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Steak and Black Beans Chili

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Bright and fresh, this salad balances the richness of black beans with juicy corn. Diced red onion and bell pepper add crunch and color. It’s tossed in a simple vinaigrette and served cold. Great as a side or spooned over greens or rice.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salad