25 Healthy Black Bean Recipes

Laurie Dixon

By Laurie Dixon

Updated on Dec. 04, 2023

Black beans are the perfect addition to any dish. Here's how to make your favorite black bean recipes healthy.

1/23

Black Bean Chicken with Rice

Total Time:25 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, so it’s quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup bean mixture and 1/2 cup cooked rice: 400 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 32g protein.
2/23

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

Contest Winner
Total Time:55 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
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.
3/23

Slow-Cooked Stuffed Peppers

Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pepper: 317 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
4/23

Cool Beans Salad

Total Time:20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless main entree. When you make it, double the recipe because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice add a unique flavor 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.
5/23

Chili Tortilla Bake

Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A homestyle Tex-Mex casserole is all it takes to gather the whole family around the dinner table. With its popular flavors and bubbly cheese topping, there is never a need to worry about leftovers. —Celine Weldy, Cave Creek, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 413 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 28g protein.
6/23

Quinoa Turkey Chili

Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:9 (2-1/4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This heart-healthy chili is not only tasty, it’s a vitamin and protein powerhouse! —Sharon Giljum, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 264 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
7/23

Grilled Bean Burgers

Total Time:35 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These juicy veggie patties have major flavor with cumin, garlic and a little chili powder. They hold their own against any veggie burger you‘d buy at the supermarket. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 305 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 10g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
8/23

Vegetarian Black Bean Pasta

Total Time:25 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This 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.
9/23

Confetti Kielbasa Skillet

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s one of my husband’s favorite dishes. When it’s in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 347 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
10/23

Chicken Chili with Black Beans

Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:10 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Because it looks different than traditional chili, my family was a little hesitant to try this dish at first. But thanks to full, hearty flavor, it’s become a real favorite around our house. I like to serve it with warm corn bread. —Jeanette Urbom, Louisburg, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 236 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
11/23

Black Bean & Corn Quinoa

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: 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.
12/23

Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 quesadilla with 3 tablespoons salsa: 306 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 531mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
13/23

Fiery Stuffed Poblanos

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed chile dish was born. —Amber Massey, Coppell, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pepper: 223 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
14/23

Southwest Egg Rolls

Total Time:55 min
Servings:2-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Moderately crispy with a rich and creamy filling, these semi-spicy appetizers taste like they’ve been fried. —Danielle Booth, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 egg roll: 50 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
15/23

Black Bean Chip & Dip Burgers

Total Time:40 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn’t dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 247 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein.
16/23

Veggie Tacos

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These vegetarian tacos are stuffed with a blend of sauteed cabbage, peppers and black beans so filling, you won’t miss the meat. Top with avocado, cheese or a dollop of sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 430 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 10g fiber), 12g protein.
17/23

Southwest Chicken Dinner

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves to order those gigantic takeout Tex-Mex burritos, but they can be expensive and we always have leftovers. I created a lighter, no-guilt alternative with the flavors they love, and that skips the tortilla. —Marquisha Turner, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without optional toppings): 398 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
18/23

Easy Southwestern Veggie Wraps

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I developed this recipe when corn was in the farmer’s market and big, red, juicy tomatoes were in my garden. To make this wrap light and healthy, I use fat-free sour cream, whole grain tortillas and brown rice. Although it’s vegetarian by nature, change it up with a large chicken breast, cut into small dice. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 2 halves: 295 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 525mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein.
19/23

Penne with Veggies and Black Beans

Total Time:25 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
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.
20/23

Southwest Shredded Pork Salad

Total Time:6 hours 20 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This knockout shredded pork makes a healthy, delicious and hearty salad with black beans, corn, cotija cheese and plenty of fresh greens. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 233 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
21/23

Garden Chickpea Salad

Total Time:25 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 492 calories, 38g fat (6g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.

22/23

Spicy Turkey Tenderloin

Total Time:45 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a full-flavored dish that will really wake up your taste buds.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 342 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
23/23

Zippy Turkey Zoodles

Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—and these spiced-up zoodles prove it. If you don’t have a spiralizer, simply slice the zucchini julienne-style. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1-3/4 cups: 332 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.