Delicious, nutritious, and budget-friendly meals you'll love! Beans are a true powerhouse in the kitchen—whether you’re craving burgers, quesadillas, pizza, or chili, these 14 easy bean recipes will hit the spot in no time! Packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, these vegan bean recipes are not only nutritious but also affordable and versatile, offering something for everyone at the table.
Incorporating beans into your meals is a fantastic way to boost nutrition while keeping your grocery bill low. Plus, beans pair perfectly with ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, potatoes, quinoa, rice, your favorite vegetable, and more, adding depth and flavor to any dish. And the best part? These recipes are all plant-based, making them ideal for vegan, vegetarian, or anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal.
4 Helpful Tips When Cooking with Beans:
- Using Canned Beans: Always rinse and drain canned beans like chickpeas, black beans, white beans, navy beans, and pinto beans to remove excess sodium and canning liquids. This simple step not only makes them taste fresher but also helps them absorb the flavors of your dish better. Additionally, rinsing reduces gas and bloating—an extra bonus!
- Cooking Dried Beans: For perfectly tender and flavorful beans, start by sorting and rinsing them well. Soak them overnight or use the quick-soak method if short on time. Cook the beans in a large pot with enough water to cover them, adding aromatics like bay leaves or garlic for extra flavor. Simmer gently to avoid breaking the beans, and add salt or acidic ingredients like tomatoes only after they’ve softened to ensure even cooking. When substituting for canned beans, remember that one can of beans typically equals about 1 ½ to 2 cups of cooked beans.
- Use the Aquafaba: Don’t toss that chickpea liquid! Known as aquafaba, this liquid is a vegan treasure. You can whip it into meringues, vegan marshmallow fluff, or use it as an egg replacer in pancakes to make them light and fluffy. It’s also perfect for making vegan cakes airy, as a substitute for egg wash to give your pie crusts a beautiful golden finish, to help sesame seeds stick to homemade bagels, or as an oil substitute when roasting veggies. If you have leftovers, simply pour the aquafaba into an ice cube tray and freeze it for future use—ready whenever you need it!
- Freeze Your Beans: Cooking a big batch of beans or have leftover open canned beans? Freeze the extras in airtight containers to have on hand for soups, stews, or quick stir-fries. It’s a great way to ensure you have a protein-packed meal ready to go when time is tight. To freeze cooked or canned beans, first allow them to cool completely. Transfer the beans to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw the beans in the refrigerator or add them directly to soups, stews, and other cooked dishes.
Explore These 14 Vegan Bean Recipes:
This collection of vegan bean recipes includes everything from smoky black bean burgers to hearty chili that’ll warm you up from the inside out. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try the fresh and zesty cowboy caviar or vegan ranch chickpea salad—perfect for a quick and easy lunch. These recipes feature simple instructions, minimal prep time, and can be made gluten-free. Plus, they keep well in the refrigerator, making them perfect for meal prep, leftovers, and mid-week lunches or dinners.
- "Sam.... This is seriously the best pizza and I don't even like BBQ. Even the meat eating husband went for seconds 🙂 Thank you for this recipe!" -Megan
- "I have made these over and over again! They turn out perfect every single time and are SO DELICIOUS! ...Even meat eaters think they are great!" -Kim
- "Best quesadilla I've ever had! There's so much flavor in the bean and corn filling and the heat level is perfectly balanced." -Rebecca
- "These were amazing! Easy, great flavor and texture. Seriously great recipe." -Jane
- "This was so easy, quick and delicious! Loved it with all the tortilla chips, lime, cilantro and avocado slices. I couldn't believe it turned out as delicious as it was even though it was so simple." -Joan
- "Made this for lunch today for my boys and I. It was delicious and super easy to pull together! They even asked for seconds! Will definitely be our go to lunch for summer!" -Autumn
- "One of the tastiest, best dips I have ever made. Thank you!!!" -Suzy
- "Another great recipe, thank you! I just finished a large bowl of this and it is going to be a repeat meal at my house. It's fast and very easy." -Paul
- "DELICIOUS!! Fantastic flavor! Easy to throw together. This is the only chili recipe I make now." -Amy
- "This is truly the best hummus recipe that we have ever made. It's so simple, creamy and delicious. We have been making it weekly. It comes together very easily. Get ready to be hooked on hummus, we are!!" -Marlene
- "This is absolutely the best thing I’ve tried in a while! I’ve made it once a week the last several weeks. Even though it’s a hot soup, the lemon makes it great for summer. My kids said it tastes like something you would get at a fancy restaurant!" -Lindsey
- "I made this for my nephew's birthday BBQ, and it was a huge hit! Everyone was raving about it, and rightfully so! It's delicious and addicting! It does make a lot, so consider halving the recipe if you don't need a huge amount." -Ann
- "Now THIS is what a green bean casserole should taste like...a definite hit at this old Southerner's Thanksgiving table, to be sure! Will definitely be keeping this in the rotation. Thanks, Sam!" -Daveigh
- "Made this last night and was delicious. Quick, healthy, nourishing, comforting." -JoJo
These bean recipes are not just great for weeknight dinners but also for spicing up your meal rotation. If you’re hungry for more, check out the full recipe index to find hundreds of more protein and fiber-packed deliciousness.
If you try any of these recipes, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
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