25 Healthy Black Bean Recipes

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.

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1/24

Black Bean Chicken with Rice

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
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.
2/24

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

Total Time 55 min
Servings 8 servings (2 quarts)
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.
3/24

Slow-Cooked Stuffed Peppers

Total Time 3 hours 15 min
Servings 4 servings
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.
4/24

Cool Beans Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
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.
5/24

Chili Tortilla Bake

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
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.
6/24

Quinoa Turkey Chili

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
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.
7/24

Grilled Bean Burgers

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
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.
8/24

Vegetarian Black Bean Pasta

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
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.
9/24

Confetti Kielbasa Skillet

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
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.
10/24

Chicken Chili with Black Beans

Total Time 35 min
Servings 10 servings (3 quarts)
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.
11/24

Black Bean & Corn Quinoa

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
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.
12/24

Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
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.
13/24

Fiery Stuffed Poblanos

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 8 servings
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.
14/24

Southwest Egg Rolls

Total Time 55 min
Servings 2-1/2 dozen
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.
15/24

Black Bean Chip & Dip Burgers

Total Time 40 min
Servings 8 servings
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.
16/24

Veggie Tacos

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
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 Recipes 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.
17/24

Southwest Chicken Dinner

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
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.
18/24

Easy Southwestern Veggie Wraps

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
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.
19/24

Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 498 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 9g fiber), 29g protein.
20/24

Penne with Veggies and Black Beans

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 servings
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.
21/24

Southwest Shredded Pork Salad

Total Time 6 hours 20 min
Servings 12 servings
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.

22/24

Garden Chickpea Salad

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 servings
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.

23/24

Spicy Turkey Tenderloin

Total Time 45 min
Servings 2 servings
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.
24/24

Zippy Turkey Zoodles

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
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.