21 Cozy Bean Recipes That Make Weeknight Cooking Easy

Bean based dishes come in many forms, from cozy soups to bright salads and hearty skillets. This collection brings together slow cooked comfort, quick stovetop meals and creative twists. The range includes familiar classics along with some inventive ideas that keep things interesting. Each description highlights what makes the dish appealing without complicated steps.

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

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Ham simmers slowly with beans until the broth becomes rich and flavorful. The beans soften and take on the savory notes from the meat. Vegetables blend into the background and add depth. It is a simple option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

Ham seasons the broth as green beans and potatoes cook gently. The vegetables absorb the smoky flavor and become tender. The slow cooker keeps everything moist. It is an easy all in one meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

Slow Cooker No Bean Chili

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, jalapeño, and a dollop of sour cream, placed on a black and white checkered cloth next to a spoon and halved avocado. — Slow Cooker No Bean Chili. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This chili focuses on meat and spices instead of beans. The slow cooker helps the flavors meld throughout the day. The texture turns thick and hearty. It works well for feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker No Bean Chili

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate. — Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Green beans cook with broth and simple seasonings until very tender. The long cook time deepens the flavor. Small pieces of onion add a gentle sweetness. They make a cozy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Slow Cooker White Bean and Chicken Enchilada Soup

White beans blend with chicken and enchilada inspired ingredients. The soup becomes creamy as it simmers. Shredded chicken adds satisfying texture. It is ideal for a hands off meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Bean and Chicken Enchilada Soup

Smoked Green Bean Casserole

A smoky element elevates this classic casserole. Green beans mix with a creamy base before baking. The topping becomes crisp and golden. It stands out on a holiday table or potluck spread.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Green Bean Casserole

Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

Red beans join spinach and a tomato base to create a hearty skillet. Eggs settle into the mixture and cook gently. The beans add filling texture. The dish is great for breakfast or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

A top-down view of stir-fried green beans with coconut on a white plate, accompanied by a white napkin and fork. — Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green beans cook quickly in a hot pan with coconut accents. The coconut adds a hint of richness. The beans stay crisp yet tender. It is a bright side dish.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

A plate of white rice with stir-fried chicken and green beans, garnished with sesame seeds. — String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Tender pieces of chicken cook with crisp string beans. A savory sauce coats everything evenly. The dish comes together quickly on the stovetop. It is a strong option for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Sweet potatoes roast until soft while black beans add hearty texture. The combination creates a balanced filling. Simple toppings complete the tacos. They are easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Tasty Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup

A bowl of bean and vegetable soup with chunks of ham, next to a spoon, parsley, and a striped napkin on a white surface. — Tasty Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Leftover ham adds depth to tender cannellini beans. The soup thickens naturally as it simmers. Vegetables blend into the broth for added flavor. It is a good use for leftover meat.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup

Three Bean Salad

A mix of beans creates a variety of textures. A tangy dressing ties the ingredients together. Crunchy vegetables add contrast. It holds up well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Three Bean Salad

Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup

An overhead view of the Tuscan bean soup placed on a serving dish with a spoon on the side. — Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cannellini beans simmer with aromatic vegetables to create a rustic soup. The broth becomes silky without extra effort. Herbs bring gentle fragrance. It works well with crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Beans and kale cook together in a simple skillet. The greens wilt while the beans warm through. Garlic and herbs add subtle depth. It makes a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Vegetable Bean Skillet

Mixed vegetables combine with beans for a quick sauté. The ingredients cook evenly and maintain their color. A light seasoning ties everything together. It is a convenient stovetop dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

White Bean Green Chile Chicken Soup

White beans and chicken cook with green chiles for a bright, cozy soup. The broth thickens slightly as it simmers. The flavors balance mild heat with savory notes. It reheats well.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Green Chile Chicken Soup

White Bean Salad

White beans mix with fresh vegetables and herbs. A simple dressing coats each ingredient lightly. The texture stays firm and pleasant. It is suitable for picnics or lunches.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad

White Bean Soup

This soup uses white beans as the base, creating a creamy texture without blending. Vegetables simmer until soft and flavorful. Herbs add gentle aroma. It is simple yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

White Bean Veggie Chili

Beans and vegetables form the foundation of this chili. The seasoning brings warmth without overpowering the dish. The mixture thickens as it cooks. It is a strong alternative to traditional chili.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Veggie Chili

Worcestershire Green Beans

Green beans sauté quickly with Worcestershire sauce. The flavor becomes savory with a slight tang. The beans keep their bright color. It is a quick side dish for many meals.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Zesty Butter Beans

Butter beans simmer with lively seasonings. Their tender texture absorbs flavor well. The broth becomes slightly thick as it cooks. They complement a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Butter Beans