14 Ways To Use a Can of Black Beans

Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
Photo: Stephen DeVries

We love recipes that make use of ingredients we already have on hand in our kitchen. One thing you probably almost always have in your well-stocked pantry is a can or two of black beans. They're a great to serve alongside dinner for an extra dose of protein, but they can also be a great addition to a variety of dishes. Instead of just serving them as a side, we've rounded up our best recipes using black beans that will help you make the most of the versatile legume.

From casseroles to chilis to enchiladas and more, canned black beans offer a convenient way to add flavor and an extra source of protein to your meal. In fact, some of these recipes skip that meat altogether and let the black beans take center stage to a filling meal. So, if you have canned black beans in your pantry, open a can, give them a rinse, and add them to one of these easy recipes.

01 of 14

Beef Tamale Pie

Beef Tamale Pie
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Beef Tamale Pie

Grab your cast-iron skillet to pull together this cornbread-topped pie in just 40 minutes.

02 of 14

Burrito Bowls

Burrito Bowls
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Burrito Bowls

This recipe will show you how easy it is to serve restaurant-quality burrito bowls at home.

03 of 14

Pork Carnitas Nachos

Pork Carnitas Nachos
Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

Recipe: Pork Carnitas Nachos

These pretty nachos come together easily thanks to the help of your slow cooker.

04 of 14

Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole
Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

This casserole puts your 9x13 pan to stellar use. The cheesy dish will have every member of your family asking for seconds.

05 of 14

Black Bean-Corn Tacos

Shrimp-Tomatillo Tacos, Black Bean-Corn Tacos, and Chicken-Bell Pepper Tacos
Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Black Bean-Corn Tacos

You won't even miss the meat in these veggie-packed tacos. Plus, they come together in just 20 minutes.

06 of 14

Cuban Black Bean-and-Yellow Rice Bowls

Cuban Black Bean-and-Yellow Rice Bowls
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Cuban Black Bean-and-Yellow Rice Bowls

Start each bowl by filling it with yellow rice, black beans, and plantains. Then let everyone add their favorite toppings.

07 of 14

Taco Pie

Taco Pie
Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Taco Pie

This savory pie starts with a base of fried corn tortillas and we then pile on the flavor with a ground beef mixture that's seasoned with onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin.

08 of 14

Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
Stephen DeVries

Recipe: Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

These handheld enchiladas are a 30-minute take on the classic dish.

09 of 14

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

New Mexico chile powder and ground cumin are used to create a flavor-packed broth for this one-dish soup.

10 of 14

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

black bean and corn salsa in a bowl with a bowl of chips and some beer
Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Whether you serve it as a side or an appetizer, this salsa will disappear quickly from the serving bowl.

11 of 14

Southwest Chicken Tortillas

Southwest Chicken Tortillas
Greg DuPree

Recipe: Southwest Chicken Tortillas

You're just 30 minutes away from enjoying this Southwestern meal.

12 of 14

Easy Enchilada Bake

Easy Enchilada Bake
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Easy Enchilada Bake

You might be surprised to find out that you can cook the casserole and cornbread in your slow cooker at the same time.

13 of 14

Slow-Cooker Beef Nachos

Slow-Cooker Beef Nachos
Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Beef Nachos

Nachos are always a good idea, especially when served for dinner.

14 of 14

Black Bean Chili

Black Bean Chili
Southern Living

Recipe: Black Bean Chili

Combine black beans with top sirloin steak for a hearty twist on traditional chili.

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