25 Cheap and Filling Meals Using Black Beans

Cooking with black beans is a great way to make meals that are both healthy and budget-friendly. These recipes are packed with protein and work for any meal, from a fast lunch to a filling dinner. You can mash them for burgers, add them to soup, or even use them in brownies. Black beans mix well with all kinds of spices and vegetables. They are perfect for a busy night or for feeding a group, showing how useful and tasty they can be.

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Black Bean and Corn Dip

A bowl of creamy queso dip topped with sliced jalapeños, black beans, corn, and cilantro is surrounded by tortilla chips—one of the perfect make ahead appetizers for any gathering. — Black Bean and Corn Dip. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This dip mixes black beans with corn for a snack that is full of bold flavors. Black Bean and Corn Dip is easy to make and always a hit at parties.
Get Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Dip

Southwest Chicken Soup {Chili’s Copycat}

A bowl of chicken tortilla soup is garnished with avocado slices, crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro leaves. The soup is filled with corn, black beans, and chunks of chicken in a rich, red broth. Lime wedges are in the background. — Southwest Chicken Soup {Chili’s Copycat}. Photo credit: The Sassy Foodie.

Tender chicken, black beans, and corn are cooked in a spicy broth to make a comforting soup. Southwest Chicken Soup is a filling meal, especially with avocado and cheese on top.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Chicken Soup {Chili’s Copycat}

Halloween Taco Dip

This fun layered dip uses black beans as its base and is decorated for a spooky look. Halloween Taco Dip is a creative and tasty snack that is perfect for a party.
Get Recipe: Halloween Taco Dip

Southwest Black Bean Dip

A white oval baking dish filled with a cheesy dip topped with sliced jalapenos, chopped tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. A small black bowl of crumbled cheese sits nearby. Tortilla chips are scattered around the dish on a wooden table. — Southwest Black Bean Dip. Photo credit: Cooking with Curls.

Creamy avocado and black beans are blended together to make a zesty and flavorful dip. Southwest Black Bean Dip is great for scooping up with chips or spreading on wraps.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Black Bean Dip

Crema de Frijol Negro (Black Bean Cream Soup)

Crema de Frjiol Negro served in a blue bowl and topped with queso fresco and bacon crumbles. — Crema de Frijol Negro. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

This is a smooth and creamy Mexican-style soup made from pureed black beans. Crema de Frijol Negro is a comforting meal, especially with a topping of cheese and cilantro.
Get Recipe: Crema de Frijol Negro

How To Cook Canned Black Beans

A white bowl with black beans and a spoon surrounded by sliced jalapenos. — How To Cook Canned Black Beans. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

You can turn a simple can of beans into a tasty side dish with garlic, cumin, and lime. These Canned Black Beans are a quick addition to tacos, bowls, or any meal.
Get Recipe: How To Cook Canned Black Beans

Black Bean Curry

A blue dish filled with a vibrant bean and vegetable stew garnished with fresh parsley sits atop a bed of white rice. The stew includes black beans, bell peppers, and onions in a rich, red tomato-based sauce. A dried chili and parsley sprig are visible on the side. — Black Bean Curry. Photo credit: Summer Yule.

Warm spices are simmered with black beans to make a hearty and flavorful curry. Black Bean Curry is a filling dinner that is great served over rice or with naan bread.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Curry

Tostaguac (guacamole tostada)

A colorful plate holds a crispy tostada topped with layers of guacamole, black beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, and dollops of sour cream. The vibrant ingredients create a visually appealing and appetizing dish. — Tostaguac. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

A crispy tortilla is topped with creamy guacamole and seasoned black beans. Tostaguac is a crunchy and flavorful light meal that you can make in just minutes.
Get Recipe: Tostaguac

Low Fat Chocolate Brownies

A close-up of a rich, dense chocolate brownie with a glossy chocolate glaze on top, sprinkled with a light dusting of powdered sugar. The brownie is cut into a square shape and rests on a piece of parchment paper. The background is out of focus. — Low Fat Chocolate Brownies. Photo credit: Super Golden Bakes.

Black beans are used to create a rich, fudgy texture in these brownies without needing much butter or oil. Low-Fat Chocolate Brownies are a tasty dessert that also has extra fiber.
Get the Recipe: Low Fat Chocolate Brownies

Easy Baked Beans

Two white bowls filled with baked beans, garnished with green bell peppers, bacon, and onions, are placed on a table. A bunch of fresh cilantro is beside the bowls, and two gold spoons rest on a blue and white striped cloth nearby. — Easy Baked Beans. Photo credit: The Art of Food and Wine.

Black beans are cooked with a sweet and smoky sauce on the stove for a fast side dish. Easy Baked Beans are a tasty addition to any meal with burgers or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Beans

Jackfruit and Black Bean Burgers

A close-up of a hearty veggie burger on a whole-grain bun, layered with fresh green lettuce, a thick tomato slice, and a dollop of grainy mustard. The burger patty looks textured and well-seasoned, with another burger slightly blurred in the background. — Jackfruit Burgers. Photo credit: My Quiet Kitchen.

These plant-based burgers are made with a mix of meaty jackfruit and mashed black beans. Jackfruit and Black Bean Burgers are a hearty and flavorful option for grilling or pan-frying.
Get the Recipe: Jackfruit Burgers

Black Bean Chile Rellenos

A black bean chile relleno drizzled with crema mexicana served on a white plate. — Black Bean Chile Rellenos. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Roasted poblano peppers are stuffed with a spicy mixture of black beans and cheese. Black Bean Chile Rellenos are a tasty meatless meal that is great with rice or a salad.
Get Recipe: Black Bean Chile Rellenos

Crockpot Chili

A close-up of a bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese. The chili appears thick with visible beans and meat, and it's garnished with a generous amount of cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. A cinnamon roll is partially visible next to the bowl. — Crockpot Chili. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

Black beans add extra protein to this simple chili made with ground beef and tomatoes. Crockpot Chili is a comforting meal that can simmer all day until you are ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili

Healthy Black Bean Brownies

A close-up of a chocolate brownie square with visible chocolate chips on the surface, placed on a white background. The brownie has a dense, moist texture and slightly crisp edges. A second brownie is partially visible in the upper part of the image. — Healthy Black Bean Brownies. Photo credit: In The Kids Kitchen.

These brownies are a delicious treat that secretly have a lot of fiber from black beans. Healthy Black Bean Brownies have a rich, dark chocolate taste and a very moist texture.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Black Bean Brownies

Creamy Black Bean & Pumpkin Soup

A ceramic bowl filled with a rich, creamy orange soup, garnished with chopped green onions. The bowl sits on a saucer atop a tiled surface. The soup appears to have chunks of ingredients, adding texture to its creamy base. — Creamy Black Bean & Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Mashup Mom.

Black beans and pumpkin are blended together to make a smooth and slightly sweet soup. Creamy Black Bean and Pumpkin Soup is a cozy meal that is great with a dollop of sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Black Bean & Pumpkin Soup

Mango Black Bean Salad

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad mixture of black beans, diced mango, red bell peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro. The bowl is surrounded by crispy yellow tortilla chips on a white plate with a blurred background. — Mango Black Bean Salad. Photo credit: Piper Cooks.

Sweet mango chunks and hearty black beans are tossed together with a lime dressing. Mango Black Bean Salad is a light and refreshing dish for lunch or as a side.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad

Black Beans & Rice

A close-up of a bowl filled with a colorful rice dish mixed with black beans, diced vegetables, and small pieces of meat. A wooden spoon is resting on the side of the bowl, ready to serve. The dish appears flavorful and vibrant. — Black Beans & Rice. Photo credit: Homemade on a Weeknight.

This classic dish combines black beans and rice with onions, peppers, and spices. Black Beans and Rice is a complete, budget-friendly meal that is both tasty and filling.
Get the Recipe: Black Beans & Rice

Air Fryer Southwestern Egg Rolls

A close-up of a stack of golden-brown, crispy egg rolls filled with a colorful mix of black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and other vegetables, garnished with a fresh sprig of cilantro. The egg rolls are served in a dark, rustic pan. — Air Fryer Southwestern Egg Rolls. Photo credit: The Air Frying Diva.

These egg rolls are stuffed with a mix of black beans, corn, and cheese and cooked until crispy. Air Fryer Southwestern Egg Rolls are a fun appetizer to dip in salsa or ranch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southwestern Egg Rolls

Black Bean Hummus

A hand dipping a cracker into a bowl of sun-dried tomato basil hummus garnished with fresh basil. The bowl is placed on a white cloth, accompanied by a wooden bowl of more crackers and a small platter of cucumber slices. — Black Bean Hummus. Photo credit: Vibrantly G-Free.

This creamy dip is a fun twist on hummus that uses black beans instead of chickpeas. Black Bean Hummus is a tasty spread for sandwiches or a dip for veggies and pita.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Hummus

Slow Cooker Brazilian Feijoada Stew

A vibrant meal served on a round plate featuring rice, sautéed greens, and a savory mixture with meat and vegetables. Slices of orange and a sprinkle of herbs garnish the dish. Nearby, there are bowls of more greens and a sauce, a glass of beverage, and cutlery. — Slow Cooker Brazilian Feijoada Stew. Photo credit: Super Golden Bakes.

Black beans are simmered with sausage and spices to create a rich and smoky stew. Slow Cooker Brazilian Feijoada Stew is a traditional dish that is often served over rice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Brazilian Feijoada Stew

Cowboy Caviar

A bowl filled with a colorful mix of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, red onions, and avocado, garnished with slices of jalapeño. The bowl is surrounded by tortilla chips, ready for dipping. — Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: The Soccer Mom Blog.

This is a fresh mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado with a zesty lime dressing. Cowboy Caviar is perfect for dipping chips into or using as a topping for grilled meat.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Black Bean Brownies

Close-up of a tray of rectangular chocolate brownies. The brownies are rich in texture and contain visible chunks of chocolate and nuts. Some pieces are drizzled with melted chocolate and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. The background is blurry. — Black Bean Brownies. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

These brownies are fudgy and chocolatey, and they get their protein from hidden black beans. Black Bean Brownies are a delicious dessert where no one will guess the secret ingredient.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Brownies

Slow Cooker Chili

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapeño slices sits on a table alongside a slow cooker full of chili. Surrounding the bowls are green peppers, Fritos chips, a salt and pepper shaker, and a glass of water. — Slow Cooker Chili. Photo credit: Homemade Hooplah.

This is an easy dinner where chili with black beans and beef cooks slowly all day. Slow Cooker Chili is a great meal to top with cheese, onions, and sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili

Yummy Vegan Black Bean Burger

Close-up view of a veggie burger featuring a hearty patty made from black beans, vegetables, and grains. The burger is topped with fresh lettuce leaves and thick slices of ripe tomato, all sandwiched between a lightly toasted whole-grain bun. — Yummy Vegan Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Food Wine & Love.

These burgers are packed with spices and veggies and hold together perfectly for grilling. A Yummy Vegan Black Bean Burger is a satisfying meal, especially with avocado and salsa on top.
Get the Recipe: Yummy Vegan Black Bean Burger

Easy Black Bean Dip

A white bowl filled with creamy black bean dip, garnished with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, sits on a wooden tray. The tray also holds a pile of yellow tortilla chips ready for dipping. The background is a light, marble-like surface. — Easy Black Bean Dip. Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

This smooth and flavorful dip is made by blending black beans with garlic and lime juice. Easy Black Bean Dip can be served warm with nachos or cold with crunchy vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Easy Black Bean Dip