Beans for Beginners: 10 Easy Meals

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Wondering how to cook homemade meals with beans? Look no further! Beans are not only nutritious and versatile, but they also add a hearty touch to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, these tasty recipes will help you get started with the goodness of legumes!

15-Bean Vegetable Soup

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2 bowls of 15-bean soup.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

What’s better than a bean? How about 15 beans? Look for a convenient 15 bean soup mix and then toss the seasoning packet for this plant-based recipe with less sodium.

GET THE RECIPE: 15-Bean Vegetable Soup

Split Pea Soup with Bacon

A brown bowl on a woven mat, filled with split pea soup with bacon and croutons.
Image credit: Jenny Deremer for Not Entirely Average

Split peas are so convenient because they don’t have to be soaked before cooking. Enjoy this easy recipe with lots of flavor!

GET THE RECIPE: Split Pea Soup with Bacon.

Easy Mexican Pizza with Refried Beans

Mexican pizza topped with cheddar cheese, olives, and cilantro.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

Look for fat-free or vegetarian canned refried beans for an easy start to a meal. This recipe uses corn tortillas and veggies for a tasty gluten-free and vegan quick meal.

GET THE RECIPE: Easy Mexican Pizza

Slow Cooker Vegan Chili

Bean chili in bowls with slice of lime,
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

Let the slow cooker do the work in this simple recipe: made with convenient canned beans and tomatoes, it’s a great recipe for new cooks.

GET THE RECIPE: Slow Cooker Vegan Chili

Easy Spicy Lentil Chili

2 bowls of lentil chili on wooden cutting board.
Image credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

Save time by making lentils the focus of your meal. Like split peas, lentils don’t have to be soaked first. Cook this fast an in Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker.

GET THE RECIPE: Easy Spicy Lentil Chili

Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut-Lime Ginger Dressing

Large glass bowl with Asian cabbage salad with edamame, carrots, red peppers, peanuts, and green onions.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

Did you know that soybeans provide a complete source of protein? this salad combines edamame with napa cabbage, red pepper, carrots, green onions, and crunchy peanuts, all topped with a fresh peanut-lime ginger dressing: perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

GET THE RECIPE: Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut-Lime Ginger Dressing

Vegan Mexican Breakfast Skillet

Vegan Mexican breakfast skillet with layers of corn tortillas and beans in a small nonstick skillet.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

This Mexican breakfast skillet, inspired by migas and chilaquiles, is a savory and flavorful recipe made with silken tofu and corn tortillas. It’s easy to make and gluten-free.

GET THE RECIPE: Vegan Mexican Breakfast Skillet

Salad with Beans, Quinoa, Rice, and Pecans and Lemon-Herb Dressing

Bowl of beans, yellow peppers, cucumber, pecans, and quinoa with a fork.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

This refreshing salad features kidney beans, quinoa, rice, and pecans, for a satisfying meal. Adding cucumber and pepper gives it a refreshing crunch – ideal for lunch or dinner.

GET THE RECIPE: Salad with Beans, Quinoa, Rice, and Pecans and Lemon-Herb Dressing

Quick Pinto Bean Tostadas with Mango and Cilantro

Pinto bean tostada with mango and cilantro.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub

These gluten-free pinto bean tostadas, topped with mango and cilantro, are a quick and nutritious option for a meal or snack. Enhanced with cumin, onions, and peppers, enjoy the crunch!

GET THE RECIPE: Quick Pinto Bean Tostadas with Mango and Cilantro

One-Pan Pasta with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

One-pan pasta with chickpeas and tomatoes on bowl with lemon, rosemary sprig, and cherry tomato garnish and a fork.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

Pull dinner together quickly with nutritious chickpeas. One-pan pasta with chickpeas and tomatoes is an easy and delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish.

GET THE RECIPE: One-Pan Pasta with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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