21 Comforting Bean Recipes from Soups to Skillet Meals

If you love hearty, satisfying meals, this collection of bean and green bean recipes has you covered. From cozy slow cooker soups and baked beans to skillet dinners and roasted veggie sides, these recipes make home cooking effortless and flavorful. Try classic dishes like navy bean and ham soup, refried beans, or old-fashioned three bean salad, or mix things up with Thai pork and green beans, sheet pan roasted green beans and potatoes, and no-bake black bean brownies. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy weekend, these bean recipes are simple, delicious, and versatile.

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

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Navy beans simmer slowly with chunks of ham and aromatics. The beans break down slightly to create a thick, savory broth. The ham infuses smoky flavor throughout. It is a hearty, satisfying soup.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

No-Bake Black Bean Brownies

Black beans blend into a rich, fudgy base for brownies. The beans are undetectable once the mixture sets. Chocolate flavor stays prominent while texture is smooth. They come together quickly without baking.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Black Bean Brownies

Old-Fashioned Green Beans

A dish of cooked green beans sprinkled with seasoning and bits of bacon, served with a fork on the side. — Old-Fashioned Green Beans. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Green beans cook simply in water or light broth with minimal seasoning. The beans remain crisp yet tender. A bit of butter or salt enhances natural flavor. It is a classic side dish that pairs with many meals.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Green Beans

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 steak pieces simmer with black beans and spices in one pot. The chili thickens slightly as it cooks. Each bean contributes texture while the meat stays juicy. It is a filling meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Steak and Black Beans Chili

Orzo Salad with Black Beans and Corn

Black beans mix with corn, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables. A light dressing enhances flavor without overpowering. The beans remain firm and creamy. It is a vibrant side or lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Salad with Black Beans and Corn

Pickled Green Beans

Three glass jars filled with green beans, herbs, and garlic in brine sit on a table, with containers of spices in the background. — Pickled Green Beans. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Green beans are preserved in a tangy pickling liquid. They retain crispness while absorbing bright, acidic flavor. Herbs and spices can be added for depth. They make a zesty snack or addition to sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Green Beans

Pinto Bean Soup

A bowl of baked beans in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, placed on a beige cloth next to a metal spoon. — Pinto Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pinto beans simmer in broth with vegetables and aromatics. The beans soften while maintaining some texture. The broth thickens naturally as the beans cook. It is a comforting, easy soup.
Get the Recipe: Pinto Bean Soup

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

A bowl of creamy dip garnished with olive oil and spices, served with pita bread pieces on the side. — Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

White beans blend with roasted garlic into a smooth dip. Olive oil and seasoning create a rich, flavorful spread. The texture is creamy and easy to serve. It pairs well with bread or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Potatoes and green beans roast together until tender and lightly caramelized. Seasonings cling evenly during cooking. The vegetables remain slightly crisp on the edges. It is a simple, hearty side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness to roasted green beans. Both vegetables brown evenly in the oven. A sprinkle of seasoning highlights their flavors. It is a colorful, easy tray bake.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Green beans cook quickly over high heat for blistered, slightly charred edges. Aromatics or seasonings add punch. The texture stays crisp yet tender. It is a fast, flavorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Sheet Pan Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes

A bowl of roasted red potatoes and green beans seasoned with herbs. — Sheet Pan Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Green beans and potatoes roast together on a single pan. The high heat caramelizes edges for added flavor. Seasonings coat both vegetables evenly. It is a convenient, hands off side dish.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes

Simple Ribollita Italian Bean Soup

A ceramic bowl of vegetable and bean soup topped with grated cheese and herbs, with a spoon resting on the rim and slices of bread in the background. — Simple Ribollita Italian Bean Soup. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

White beans cook with vegetables, greens, and bread in a thick Italian soup. The beans create a creamy base. Vegetables retain some texture for bite. It is a rustic, comforting option.
Get the Recipe: Simple Ribollita Italian Bean Soup

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side. — Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Pork and green beans cook quickly on high heat. Thai spices create bold flavor and aroma. The beans stay slightly crisp while absorbing sauce. It is a fast, skillet style dish.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Chicken thighs and bacon cook together with green beans in one pan. The bacon adds smoky flavor throughout. The beans remain crisp yet tender. It is a hearty, all-in-one meal.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Slow Cooker Apple Pie Baked Beans

Beans simmer in the crockpot with apple and warm spices. The sauce thickens as it cooks slowly. The flavors balance sweet and savory notes. It is a unique twist on baked beans.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Pie Baked Beans

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Black beans cook gently in the slow cooker with aromatics. The broth thickens slightly as beans soften. The soup develops rich, layered flavor. It is ideal for easy, hands off cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

A slow cooker filled with Boston baked beans ready to be served. — Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Boston style beans cook slowly in a sweet and savory sauce. The beans become tender while the sauce thickens. Smoky and sweet flavors meld together. It is a classic comfort dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

Slow Cooker Cajun Bean Soup

A bowl of hearty bean and sausage stew with carrots and tomatoes, placed on a woven mat next to a spoon and a cloth napkin. — Slow Cooker Cajun Bean Soup. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Beans simmer with Cajun spices and vegetables in the slow cooker. The flavors intensify over time. Beans stay soft without falling apart. It is a bold, flavorful soup with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Beans cook with meat, spices, and aromatics for a hearty dish. The slow cooker allows flavors to meld fully. The beans remain tender yet firm. It is a filling, one pot classic.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Green beans bake slowly in a creamy base with a crunchy topping. The beans stay tender and flavorful. The sauce thickens over time. It is an easy, hands off side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole