These vegetarian bean recipes include hearty chilis, bright salads, cozy stews and flavorful bakes packed with plant-based protein for lunch or dinner any day of the week.
Beans are a pantry powerhouse—affordable, filling and nutrient-dense. These vegetarian bean recipes highlight just how adaptable and satisfying legumes can be, whether they’re added to quick make-ahead lunches, the star of a wholesome main dish or a quick, flavorful snack or side.
In this collection, you’ll find savory stews, vegetarian appetizers, like garbanzo-stuffed mini peppers, fresh salads and salsas —making these recipes suitable for casual lunches, weeknight dinners or hosting friends.
All of the recipes are built around canned or dried beans, so it’s easy to stock your pantry in advance and pull together a dish without much planning. Add a bright side salad to contrast earthy flavors, or make some warm homemade pita bread to soak up the broth from a soup. Whether you need dinner on the table immediately or you have a slow day to let a pot of dry beans simmer, this collection offers dishes that showcase beans as the star, not just the sidekick.
1/40
Refried Bean Tostadas
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change of pace, you can substitute purchased tostada shells for tortillas or add more lettuce and use taco salad shells. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 588 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 1250mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 19g protein.
2/40
Hummus
From the Recipe Creator:
Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I've picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you'll ever have. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 250 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
3/40
Sweet Potato Bowl
From the Recipe Creator:
I have three hungry boys in my house, so dinners need to be quick and filling, and it helps to get in some veggies too. This one is a favorite because it's hearty and fun to tweak with different ingredients. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 435 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 8g fiber), 10g protein.
4/40
Vegan Jambalaya
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful entree won’t leave you hungry since it uses convenient canned beans in place of meat. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 281 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 796mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
5/40
Vegan Red Beans and Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
Paprika and Cajun seasoning flavor the rice and beans so well that this dish tastes just like gumbo! Oh, and did we mention it’s completely vegan? —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 151 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 921mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 26g fiber), 14g protein.
6/40
Rice and Bean Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food, but I'm always looking for ways to make it healthier. I reworked a dish that I have enjoyed in restaurants to suit my taste and lifestyle. —Christie Ladd, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 298 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
7/40
Salsa Black Bean Burgers
From the Recipe Creator:
Meatless meals are so tasty when these hearty bean burgers are on the menu. Guacamole and sour cream make them seem decadent. —Jill Reichardt, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 323 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.
8/40
Vegetarian Buffalo Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend made Buffalo chicken dip and that got me thinking about creating a vegetarian dip with the same flavors. This addictive dip is so amazing, no one will miss the meat. —Amanda Silvers, Old Fort, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 113 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
9/40
Chickpea and Potato Curry
From the Recipe Creator:
I make chana masala, the classic Indian chickpea curry, in my slow cooker. First browning the onion, ginger and garlic really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups chickpea mixture: 240 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein.
10/40
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
These filling and flavorful vegetarian stuffed peppers are an updated version of my mom's stuffed peppers, which were a favorite when I was growing up in upstate New York. Whenever I make them, I'm reminded of home. —Melissa McCabe, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 261 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
11/40
Sweet Potato Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
My whole family enjoys this sweet potato black bean chili, but my daughter especially loves it. I like to make it because it's so easy and very flavorful. —Joy Pendley, Ortonville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 283 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 11g fiber), 9g protein.
12/40
Penne with Veggies and Black Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
Chock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 300 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
13/40
Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
This chickpea salad is super flavorful and contains less fat and cholesterol than chicken salad. These make delightful picnic sandwiches. —Deanna Wolfe, Madison, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 295 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein.
14/40
Chard & White Bean Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to prepare dishes without gluten or dairy products, and this recipe meets the criteria when you use gluten-free pasta. It's proof you can use delicious, healthy products to create a crowd-pleasing meal. It's also soy-free, nut-free and vegetarian. —Amie Valpone, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups pasta mixture with 1/2 cup sauce: 369 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 801mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 13g fiber), 14g protein.
15/40
Chickpea Fritters with Sweet-Spicy Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Chickpeas are a common ingredient in many dishes in Pakistan, where I grew up. I have combined the light spice of Pakistani foods with the love of deep-fried finger foods that many Americans, including my daughters, enjoy. To eat, dip this chickpea recipe in chilled yogurt. —Shahrin Hasan, York, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritter with 2 teaspoons sauce: 46 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
16/40
Cool Beans Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless entree. When you make it, double the recipe—because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice adds flavor and texture, and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 440 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
17/40
Vegetarian Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food but was looking for a healthier option to share. My family devours these tasty tacos whenever I make them. —Amanda Petrucelli, Plymouth, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco (calculated without optional toppings): 413 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 774mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 16g fiber), 17g protein.
18/40
Slow-Cooker Baked Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful bean dish adds nice variety to any buffet because it’s a bit different from traditional baked beans. It’s a snap to prepare, too, since it uses convenient canned beans, barbecue sauce and salsa. —Joy Beck, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 134 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
19/40
Tuscan Portobello Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a healthy one-skillet meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for company. I often take this stew to my school’s potlucks, where it is devoured by teachers and students alike. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 309 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat.
20/40
Warm Rice & Pintos Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
During my undergrad years, my roommate taught me how to cook vegetarian dishes like brown rice with pintos. It's so versatile; you can turn it into a wrap or casserole. —Natalie Van Apeldoorn, Vancouver, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 331 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
21/40
White Beans and Spinach
From the Recipe Creator:
This skillet side is a variation of a recipe I received from my Italian mother. I've prepared spinach this way for years—because my children eat it happily! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 116 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
22/40
Coconut-Ginger Chickpeas & Tomatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to quick dish. When you add tomatoes, you can also toss in some chopped green peppers (jalapenos, if you like heat) to make it even more colorful. —Mala Udayamurthy, San Jose, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup chickpea mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 402 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 10g fiber), 11g protein.
23/40
African Peanut Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. —Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 349 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 624mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 11g fiber), 10g protein.
24/40
Slow-Cooker Chickpea Tagine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 127 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
25/40
Refried Bean Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 55 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
26/40
Quinoa and Black Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 375 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
27/40
Black Bean Tortilla Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this entree a while ago and decreased the cheese and increased the herbs called for in the recipe. It’s one of my toddler’s favorite meals. She always smiles when she sees it on the table. —Wendy Kelly, Petersburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 353 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 17g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 very lean meat, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
28/40
Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 114 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
29/40
Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein.
30/40
Quick Italian Veggie Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
When you don’t know what to serve, Italian flavors are a good starting point. We combine cannellini and garbanzo beans for this snappy rice dish. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 342 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 660mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 11g fiber), 16g protein.
31/40
Cornbread-Topped Frijoles
From the Recipe Creator:
My family often requests this economical slow-cooker favorite. It's loaded with fresh southwestern flavors. One batch makes eight servings—but they never last long at our house! —Suzanne Caldwell, Artesia, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 367 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 9g fiber), 14g protein.
32/40
Black Beans and Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
This black bean pasta was something I created as a teenager, back when I was a vegetarian. Now that my daughter doesn't eat meat, she asks for this dinner several times a week. —Ashlynn Azar, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 255 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
33/40
Tomato & Garlic Butter Bean Dinner
From the Recipe Creator:
On the days I get home late and just want a warm meal, I stir together tomatoes, garlic and butter beans. Ladle it over noodles if you're in the mood for pasta. —Jessica Meyers, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without pasta and cheese): 147 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
34/40
Spicy Lentil & Chickpea Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came to me from a friend who had worked at a health food store. I changed a few things until I found a version that my family loved. My son doesn't like things too spicy, so I make the stew milder for him and add a sprinkle of extra spice in mine. My husband, who farms, works outdoors for long hours at a time and finds this soup hearty enough to keep him satisfied. —Melanie MacFarlane, Bedeque, Prince Edward Island
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 266 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 712mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 10g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
35/40
Gnocchi with White Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s one of those no-fuss recipes you can toss together and cook in one skillet. Ideal for a busy weeknight, it’s also good with crumbled Italian chicken sausage if you need to please meat lovers. —Julianne Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 307 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
36/40
Mediterranean Chickpeas
From the Recipe Creator:
Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chickpea mixture with 2/3 cup couscous: 340 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
37/40
Black Bean-Sweet Potato Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
My fiancé loves sweet potatoes. By adding black beans, I came up with a nutritionally complete main dish. Its bright orange and black color makes it fun for Halloween. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup black bean mixture with 1/2 cup couscous : 294 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 10g fiber), 12g protein.
38/40
Party Time Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend brought this colorful bean dish to my house for a church circle potluck dinner. As soon as I tasted the slightly sweet slow-cooked beans, I had to have the recipe. I've served the beans and shared the recipe many times since. —Jean Cantner, Boston, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 166 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 6g protein.
39/40
Mango Black Bean Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful salsa takes just minutes to prepare—and that’s likely how long it will last at your next event, too! Chopped mango adds bursts of sweetness to this satisfying chip dip. —Judy Heiser, Uvalde, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 70 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
40/40
Veggie Bean Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
In the summer when fresh corn and just-picked tomatoes are in season, authentic Mexican dishes like this leave you always wanting that next bite. My personal preference is to serve them with a slice of lime to squeeze over the avocado. —Tonya Burkhard, Davis, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos (calculated without sour cream): 378 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
Vegetarian Bean Recipes FAQ
What bean-based vegetarian dishes can I make for dinner tonight?
Many bean-based vegetarian dishes can be prepped quickly for dinner, especially if you start with canned beans. With a few additional pantry staples like canned tomatoes and spices, plus some aromatics like garlic and onions, you can easily make a pot of meatless chili, a hearty stew or a tangle of pasta and beans in no time. If you’re craving something lighter, a black bean salad with corn, avocado and lime is fresh and filling by itself or over steamed rice.
What creative bean meals aren’t tacos or burritos?
Beans are incredibly versatile, so even if tacos and burritos are your go-to recipes, it’s easy to branch out into other flavors and cuisines, like Mediterranean-style white bean toasts with lemon and herbs, spiced chickpea curries served over rice and lentil-stuffed bell peppers. Beans also shine in blended form, so you can use hummus, whipped black bean dip or white bean puree as the base for a veggie-topped bowl with crackers or soft pita to scoop it all up. These dishes are great for appetizers, work lunches or casual entertaining. You can even use beans in baked goods like black bean brownies or chickpea blondies for something unexpected.
Can plant-protein recipes be frozen?
Yes, many plant-protein recipes freeze well, especially bean-based recipes like the ones in this collection. Hearty options like soups, stews and vegetarian chilis are especially freezer-friendly and will taste just as good a month later as the day you made them. Let them cool fully before transferring to airtight containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Avoid freezing meals with delicate greens, creamy sauces or crisp textures, which will not reheat well.
