19 Easy Bean Recipes From Soups to Salads

Beans shine in quick pressure cooker meals, colorful salads, and international dishes full of bold flavors. They adapt well to hearty stews, crisp sides, and layered bakes. Many of these recipes pair beans with vegetables, grains, or proteins to create filling meals without extra fuss. The collection below highlights both classic and inventive ways to cook beans.

Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

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Navy beans soften into a smooth, comforting soup. Herbs and aromatics infuse the broth with gentle flavor. The beans partially break down for creamy consistency. It reheats well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Red beans become tender and flavorful in the pressure cooker. The cooking liquid thickens slightly, coating the beans. It combines perfectly with rice for a classic dish. Spices provide balanced warmth.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

White beans cook in a tomato based broth until tender. Herbs and garlic enhance flavor throughout. The tomatoes break down slightly for a thicker sauce. It makes a bright, satisfying soup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

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 form a firm, flavorful base for meatballs. Herbs and seasoning add Italian flair. The exterior crisps slightly when baked or pan seared. They are great with sauce or in sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Italian Cannellini Bean and Sausage Skillet

A skillet filled with sausage, white beans, tomatoes, and shredded cheese, garnished with fresh basil leaves. — Italian Cannellini Bean and Sausage Skillet. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Cannellini beans mix with sausage and aromatics in one pan. The beans absorb savory flavors while keeping their shape. The skillet cooks quickly and evenly. It is a balanced, filling dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Cannellini Bean and Sausage Skillet

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Tuna combines with white beans for a protein rich salad. Olive oil and herbs highlight the flavors. The beans remain firm and creamy. It is simple to assemble and serve chilled.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Italian White Bean Salad

White beans combine with vegetables and herbs. A light dressing ties the ingredients together. The beans stay tender and flavorful. It is easy to make in advance.
Get the Recipe: Italian White Bean Salad

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Red beans cook with spices and aromatics until tender. The beans mix with rice for a classic pairing. Bold seasoning carries subtle heat and earthy flavor. It is a one pot meal.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Kale White Bean Salad

A square white bowl filled with kale salad, featuring beans and avocado pieces, placed on a table with a spoon beside it. — Kale White Bean Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Kale adds texture to tender white beans. A light dressing enhances freshness without overpowering. The beans provide creamy balance to the greens. It works as a side or light main.
Get the Recipe: Kale White Bean Salad

Korean BBQ Baked Beans

Beans bake in a sweet and savory Korean BBQ inspired sauce. The flavors meld as the dish cooks. The beans stay soft but not mushy. It is a unique twist on classic baked beans.
Get the Recipe: Korean BBQ Baked Beans

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.

Black beans combine with noodles for a thick, flavorful sauce. Aromatics add depth to the dish. The beans contribute richness and texture. It is a comforting Asian inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Korean Black Bean Noodles

Mango Black Bean Salad

Mango adds sweetness to tender black beans. Vegetables and herbs balance color and crunch. A light dressing pulls the flavors together. It is refreshing and bright.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad

Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Fresh green beans are gathered into small bundles and wrapped in smoky bacon. A drizzle of maple syrup caramelizes as it bakes, adding sweetness that balances the saltiness of the bacon. The beans stay tender but retain slight crispness. These bundles make a visually striking and flavorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Black beans mix with vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. The flavors remain fresh and slightly tangy. Beans hold their texture well. It is easy to serve cold or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Mediterranean White Bean Salad

White beans combine with vegetables, olives, and herbs. A simple dressing brightens the flavors. The beans stay firm and creamy. It is versatile as a side or packed lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad

Mexican 5 Layer Bean Dip with Ground Beef

Layers of beans, cheese, meat, and vegetables create a multi textured dish. The beans provide creamy stability. Each layer contributes flavor and visual appeal. It works well for parties or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mexican 5 Layer Bean Dip with Ground Beef

Mexican Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

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

Black beans mix with spices and fill bell peppers. The peppers bake until tender while beans remain firm. Cheese or toppings can be added. It is a colorful and filling dish.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

Mixed Bean Chili

A variety of beans cook together with spices and aromatics. The chili thickens as flavors meld. Each bean adds texture and body. It is a hearty, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili

Mung Bean Soup

Mung beans simmer until soft in a light broth. Aromatics provide gentle flavor. The beans break down slightly for smooth texture. It is a comforting and simple soup.
Get the Recipe: Mung Bean Soup