20 Protein-Packed Black Bean Recipes (2024)

Beans, beans… they’re good for your heart! Be good to your body, your budget and the environment by incorporating these protein-packed legumes into your diet. If you want to feel energetic, curb hunger and stay healthy, let this pantry staple take center stage during breakfast, lunch, dinner or even dessert. We have 20 protein-packed ways to get black beans on your plate, in your lunch box — even in your cookies!

1. Bean Chilaquiles With Avocado and Queso Fresco: Groggy and half caffeinated, you can serve this brunch in under 10 minutes and then feel satisfied for hours. (via The Kitchn)

2. Cocoa Black Bean Triple Oat Breakfast Bake: No need to yawn when you awake to this chocolatey breakfast bake. Don’t be turned off by the beans. You get all the nutrients minus the taste (crazy, right?!). (via Skinny Weighs)

3. Cajun Spiced Oatmeal With Red Peppers and Black Beans: Start your day with a spicy kick and say good morning to your taste buds with this savory bowl of oats. (via The Oatmeal Artist)

4. Black Bean and Lentil Salad: Here’s a knockout salad, throwing out a one-two punch of protein and fiber, pairing lentils and black beans. (via The Garden Grazer)

6. Black Bean and Corn Fritters: They’re crispy, crunchy and hard to stop at just two. Don’t forget to pass the guacamole and salsa. (via Jilly Inspired)

7. Black Bean Hummus: Traditionally made with chickpeas, the flavor of black beans is a welcomed change to this classic. Whip up a big bowl and share with your friends. (via Flour Child)

8. Spicy Black Bean Endive Boats: A great starter that will please meat eaters and vegetarians alike, these eye-catching boats show off your mad culinary skillz. (via Colorful Palate)

9. Refried Beans: Frijoles negros a la Mexicana style! Trust us on this one, you’ll be serving these again and again. (via Frontera Fiesta)

10. Feijoada: Brazil’s national dish is meant to be shared with friends. Prepare this one-pot meal filled with hearty beans and salted meats. Be sure to stick to tradition and serve feijoada with steamed rice, shredded kale or collard greens and orange slices. (via Simply Recipes)

11. Kale and Black Bean Falafel: Wrap these protein-packed balls of flavor into a pita accompanied with dressed greens, smashed avocado, pickled red onion and tzatziki sauce. (via Vintage Mixer)

12. Chipotle Raspberry and Black Bean Pizza: You want this — creamy goat cheese, smokey-yet-sweet raspberry chipotle sauce, gooey Monterey jack, crisp bacon and black beans. (via Cooking for Keeps)

13. Quinoa Black Bean Tacos: Check out this equation: Quinoa + black beans = complete protein, so skip the carne asada and surprise the skeptics. The meat will not be missed. (via Damn Delicious)

14. Really Awesome Black Bean Burgers: For connoisseurs of bean burgers, you may relate to the dreaded mush dilemma. This recipe has resolved the issue, and what you get is a hearty-not-heavy burger begging you to sink your teeth into. (via Food Lab)

15. Black Bean “Meatballs”: Seasoned with Italian flavors, these bean balls served atop spaghetti and marinara will become a family favorite. (via The Plant Strong Vegan)

16. Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers: You’ve hit the motherlode with these stuffed peppers. Flavorful and chock full of veggies, it’s a meal good for the body and the taste buds. (via Ambitious Kitchen)

17. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: These come with a warning: Extremely addictive! (via Chocolate and Carrots)

18. Chocolate Black Bean Power Cookies: Whether you’re traveling, working out or just have a craving but want to be healthy, eat these! The fiber and protein from the black beans are what makes these cookies POWERFUL. (via Green Kitchen Stories)

19. Black Bean Avocado Bread With Lime Glaze: Yeah it sounds weird, but you have to try it. (via Our Studio Kitchen)

20. I Can’t Believe These Are Healthy Brownies: It’s true: Fudgy, chocolatey, melt in your mouth brownies can be good for you — thanks to black beans. (via Brit + Co.)

Let us know how you’re dishing out black beans by spilling the beans in the comments below.

Michelle Swift

Michelle Swift is a freelance writer and blogs on michelleswift.com. She has an affinity for running, culinary eats, travel and sparkly gold things. People and adventure light her up like a hot pink neon sign!

20 Protein-Packed Black Bean Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Are black beans good for high protein diet? ›

Black beans are an excellent source of protein.

With a whopping 15 grams per one cup cooked, you won't even miss the meat when enjoying a meal rich in these nutrient-dense beans. 2 That said, black beans are not a complete protein, meaning they don't contain all nine essential amino acids.

Are canned black beans a good source of protein? ›

Canned black beans are a versatile, ready-to-use ingredient that you can use to boost the nutrient content of many dishes. They're a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber. This makes them a weight-loss-friendly food that may also help you manage blood sugar levels and lower your risk of heart disease.

Is it okay to eat black beans every day? ›

Heart Health

Studies show that eating beans can lower the total amount of cholesterol and levels of “bad” cholesterol in your blood. This may reduce your risk of developing heart disease. One study showed that eating a single serving of dried beans per day can reduce the risk of heart attack by up to 38%.

What to add to black beans for complete protein? ›

The combination of beans and rice creates a complete protein. Beans alone and rice alone both lack certain essential amino acids. If eaten together, however, each contributes what the other is missing to form a complete protein.

Why do bodybuilders eat black beans? ›

Whether you like black, navy, pinto, or white beans or green, red, or Beluga lentils, rest assured—they're all worthy sources of plant-based protein for growing muscle. In addition to protein, these muscle-building legumes also contain carbohydrates, which are the body's main fuel source, Barth notes.

Which has more protein black beans or eggs? ›

One cup of cooked black beans contains approximately 15 grams of protein, 15 grams of fiber, and significant amounts of iron, magnesium, and potassium. One large egg contains approximately 6 grams of protein, vitamin D, choline, and selenium.

Why are black beans not a complete protein? ›

Beans are incomplete proteins because they are low in one key amino acid (amino acids are used by the body to build protein) called methionine. Cereal grains—including corn, rice and wheat—are high in methionine yet lack another amino acid found in beans.

Do black beans have more protein than steak? ›

Beans and legumes

One serving (1/2 cup cooked) of beans provides about 7 grams of protein, the same as 1 ounce of meat.” Beans and legumes also keep you fuller longer because they're so rich in fiber. Animal sources of protein, in contrast, have no fiber at all.

Are black beans anti-inflammatory? ›

Overview. Black beans are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food that are an essential addition to any arthritis diet. Packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, they have anti-inflammatory properties, and are also a great source of fiber, iron and protein.

Do black beans detox your body? ›

Selenium is a mineral that is not present in most fruits and vegetables but can be found in black beans. It plays a role in liver enzyme function and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body. Additionally, selenium may prevent inflammation and decreases tumor growth rates.

Do black beans lose protein when cooked? ›

In conclusion, cooking beans does not significantly diminish their protein content. On the contrary, it can enhance protein digestibility and reduce anti-nutritional factors, making beans an even more valuable component of a healthy diet.

Which beans have the most protein and least carbs? ›

Low Carb and High Protein Options

Some examples are green beans, black soybeans, and to some extent, edamame (green soybeans).

Do black beans have more protein than meat? ›

BLACK BEANS.

They contain 15g of protein in just a 1-cup serving, more than the amount in a chicken drumstick. Not only are black beans a great source of protein, but they're also an excellent source of fiber and vitamins and minerals—plus they're low in fat and have no cholesterol.

Are black beans good for losing weight? ›

Weight Loss

Fiber-rich black beans can help curb your appetite by helping you stay full for longer. Filling fiber foods like black beans can help with weight loss or maintaining weight by reducing how many calories you eat.

References

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