We all have that one can of black beans sitting in our pantry, but we never know what to do with it. It’s a bland ingredient, but there’s so many ways to spice up a regular old can. Not to mention, black beans can be in almost anything; they’re a staple in every vegan and vegetarian’s pantry. And the hype is so real because they have so many health benefits (and you don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy them).
Being college students, we already split our time between studying and socializing, which is stressful enough. Making food shouldn’t take so much of our valuable time, so I compiled a list of the easy black bean recipes you can make in under an hour.
1. Black Bean Burger
To start off your black bean dish repertoire, you can make a typical black bean burger. There are even more recipes of this kind if you want to expand your black bean burger knowledge.
2. Black Bean Brownies
These are the brownies in which you can indulge and NOT feel guilty because you know you’re getting enough protein and nutrients. And if you still want to eat some sweets but not over-do it, these brownie bites will do the trick.
3. Black Bean Lasagna
Lasagna doesn’t always have to be the usual meat and cheese. There are so many ways you can upgrade this favorite of Garfield’s, and black beans is one of them. Hey, anything is good with cheese, right?
4. Black Bean and Mango Salad
Vegetarians and vegans, you should all know that mango and black beans are a power couple together in salads. Trust me when I say this salad will be amazing.
#SpoonTip: Turn it into a salsa by swapping your fork for tortilla chips.
5. Black Bean Burritos
Up your vegetarian burrito game with this recipe. I know, nothing can beat Chipotle burritos, but this black bean beauty comes real close to it.
6. Black Bean and Butternut Squash Tacos
Yup, your #TacoTuesday vegetarian game just got stronger. You’re welcome.
7. Black Bean Chili
With fall and winter approaching, this is a must to make for those cold, snowy nights. This makes me want to huddle on the couch under a blanket and watch some Netflix.
8. Black Bean Stew
When you hear “stew,” you probably think that this must be fancy AF and too hard to make, but this recipe makes stew as easy as pie. Need another reason to try this? It’s 100% vegan!
9. Mexican Black Bean and Corn Salad
This will be a nice complement to your black bean tacos, and I’m betting you already have all seven of the ingredients.
#SpoonTip: Avocado makes everything better, especially on a salad like this.
10. Black Bean Salsa
This salsa is a step up from the corn and black bean salad if you have more ingredients. With just a few tweaks to the recipe, this will surely have you walking out the door to buy more black beans.
You can make each of these easy black bean recipes in just under an hour, so there’s really no excuse to not make them. And if I haven’t already convinced you that you can do so much with just ONE can, Trader Joe’s sells them for less than a dollar each. So what are you waiting for? Time to put those beans to use!