What to Make with a Can of Black Beans

Black beans are a versatile and nutritious pantry staple that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you want to make a quick dinner, add protein to a salad, or create a hearty snack, black beans are an excellent ingredient to have on hand. Here are a few delicious and easy ideas for what to make with a can of black beans.

1. Black Bean Tacos

A simple and tasty meal, black beans make the perfect filling for tacos.

Ingredients

• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 small taco shells
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, cilantro, and shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Heat black beans in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
3. Warm taco shells in the oven or microwave.
4. Fill the taco shells with the seasoned beans and top with your favorite toppings.

2. Black Bean Salad

A refreshing and protein-packed salad that can be enjoyed as a side or a light main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine black beans, onion, bell pepper, corn, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for an hour for better flavor.

3. Black Bean Soup

A comforting and filling soup that is quick to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 500 ml vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency (optional).
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

4. Black Bean Quesadillas

A quick and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 100 g shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salsa and sour cream for serving

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mash the black beans with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place a tortilla in a hot, lightly oiled skillet and spread a layer of mashed black beans on one half.
3. Sprinkle cheese on top of the beans, then fold the tortilla in half.
4. Cook the quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
5. Slice and serve with salsa and sour cream.

5. Black Bean Burgers

A hearty, meatless alternative to traditional burgers, packed with flavor and protein.

Ingredients

• 1 can of black beans, drained and mashed
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Burger buns and toppings (lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc.)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the mashed black beans, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Serve the patties on burger buns with your favorite toppings.

6. Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

A hearty, warming chili that combines the earthiness of sweet potatoes with the richness of black beans.

Ingredients

• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 500 ml vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Serve with sour cream and cilantro if desired.

Black beans are not only affordable and nutritious, but they are also incredibly versatile, making them the perfect base for a variety of dishes. From soups and salads to tacos and burgers, these recipes will help you turn a simple can of black beans into a delicious and satisfying meal.