Chickpeas, red beans, black beans, white beans, edamame, butter beans: They’re all versatile, cost-effective, healthy and boast a really long shelf life. From hearty enchiladas to vegan chickpea “crab” cakes and pinto bean breakfast sausage, there’s a plethora of ways to incorporate humble protein-packed beans into your everyday dishes.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
This Mexican classic boasts a cheesy, spicy flavour that will have both you and your guests reaching for seconds. Hearty canned black beans and diced sweet potatoes form the crux of this delicious casserole.
Sausage and White Bean-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Celebrate all the flavours of hearty sausage and white bean soup that are jam-packed into this mouth-watering roasted spaghetti squash. It’s so tender that a fork is all you’ll need to transform the gourd into veggie noodles. Check out our ultimate squash guide.
Eat-Your-Veggies Italian Meatballs
Amp up spaghetti night with these healthy veggie-packed meatballs featuring frozen collards and canned black beans. We’ll bet the meat-eaters in your family won’t even be able to tell the difference. For more inspiration, check out our all-time best vegetarian recipes.
Vegan Chickpea "Crab" Cakes
Canned chickpeas are the real star of this briny, lemony dish that tastes (and smells) just like the real deal. Standing in for the popular shellfish, the chickpeas offer a hearty alternative to crab while managing to act as an adhesive for the patties. For those eschewing meat and seafood, prep these freezer-friendly vegan dinner ideas this week.
15-Minute Bean, Egg and Avocado Tostadas
Inspired by huevos rancheros, we’re already drooling over the salsa verde, refried black beans and roasted red bell peppers featured in this delish recipe. Perfect for a substantial breakfast or lighter dinner, the easy-peasy Mexican-inspired meal will be on the table within 15 minutes. Here are more easy 15-minute dinner recipes.
10-Minute White Bean Soup With Toasted Cheese and Tomato
Don’t be deceived by its somewhat bland colouring: this soup will simultaneously warm your belly and satisfy your taste buds. If you’ve got time to spare, steep the chicken broth and white beans with sprigs of rosemary and thyme for just a few minutes for added flavour.
10-Minute Ham, White Bean and Kale Salad
Whip up this simple and satisfying salad when you’re in a pinch for dinner. Time-saving shortcuts like rinsing the white beans in advance, toasting almonds in a skillet and shaving cheese with a veggie peeler will get dinner to the table even faster. For more inspiration, try these healthy 10-minute meals.
From the Pantry: Mexican Bean, Rice and Corn Bake
Taking its cue from Mexican-inspired chilaquiles (fried tortilla chips tossed with a red or green sauce), this budget-friendly casserole features black beans, corn niblets and white rice slathered in jarred salsa, pickled jalapenos and chili powder.
Greek-Style Baked Beans With Tomato Sauce and Feta
Gently simmer the sauce before adding the boiled beans and feta cheese to this Greek-inspired casserole that works as a side dish or an appetizer served up with crusty bread. If you’re not able to track down dried Greek gigante beans, large white lima beans work just as well.
Vegan Pinto Bean Breakfast Sausage
This meatless brekkie is so satisfyingly delicious it will fool even the meat-lovers in your household. Bean-packed sausages and versatile side options make for a hearty morning meal your family won’t soon forget. Discover more things healthy people eat for breakfast.
This 20-Minute Tuscan White Bean Skillet is a Dinner Winner
When it comes to packing a hearty punch in this vibrant dish, cannellini beans are the true star. But this one-skillet meal’s versatility is highlighted with the swap-friendly marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and Tuscan kale. Find more comforting one-pot recipes that will warm your belly.