14 Ways To Use a Can of Black Beans

By Jenna Sims Updated May 17, 2022

Credit: 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.

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Beef Tamale Pie

Credit: 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.

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Burrito Bowls

Credit: 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.

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Pork Carnitas Nachos

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

Recipe: Pork Carnitas Nachos

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

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Cowboy Casserole

Credit: 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.

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Black Bean-Corn Tacos

Credit: 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.

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Cuban Black Bean-and-Yellow Rice Bowls

Credit: 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.

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Taco Pie

Credit: 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.