15 Frugal and Healthy Bean Recipes

Low-Calorie Bean Recipe Ideas.

My family loves beans! We have a bean dish for dinner at least twice a week. The great thing about that is that there are so many different kinds of beans and so many different ways to use them, that I think I’ll never run out of new recipes to try! And it doesn’t hurt that beans are an inexpensive and healthy ingredient! If you’d like to include more beans in your diet, you have to try some of these 15 Frugal and Healthy Bean Recipes!

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One of my favorite things to do with beans is to use them in traditional meat-based recipes. They create a hearty meal for way less money than meat. They’re pretty much a perfect ingredient!

15 Frugal and Healthy Bean Recipes

Here are some reasons to use beans in your recipes:

• Frugal alternative to beef: Black beans and kidney beans are my favorites to use in place of ground beef. At a dollar or less a can, they’re a super frugal ingredient!
• Healthy for you: I also like to use them since I know they have a lot of antioxidants, protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Stock up during store sales: The great thing about beans is that there are a lot of opportunities to stock up on them. I like to stock up on canned beans and dried beans when my local grocery store has a sale. This way I always have a few kinds of beans in the pantry for a few different recipe options.

1. Crisp Bean Burritos

These look so yummy! If you’ve ever eaten at Taco Time, Life in the Lofthouse created this crisp bean burritos recipe to be a delicious copycat of the restaurant version!

2. Black Bean Taco Salad

Doesn’t this look pretty? And I bet it tastes just as good as it looks! For a quick, healthy, and yummy meal, make Veggie Inspired’s black bean taco salad!

3. Spicy Veggie Bean Chili

You don’t need meat to make a delicious chili! Check out The Glowing Fridge’s yummy recipe for spicy veggie bean chili!

4. Black Bean Casserole

If you want a casserole, but also want it to be healthy, you have to try Simple Green Moms’ black bean casserole!

5. White Bean Garlic Dip

Beans aren’t just for entrées! Consider making a yummy bean-based snack/appetizer, like this white bean garlic dip from Chew Out Loud!

6. Spicy Black Bean Soup

This is the perfect meal for cold winter days! And it’s quick and inexpensive! You have to try Hurry the Food Up’s vegan spicy black bean soup!

7. Kale and White Bean Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Bake

Want a vegetarian noodle-free lasagna? Then you have to try this healthy bean recipe! Follow Edible Perspective’s recipe to make this kale and white bean spaghetti squash lasagna bake!

8. Roasted Veggie and Black Bean Tacos

Don’t these vegetarian tacos look yummy? Cooking Classy explains how to make these delicious roasted veggie and black bean tacos!

9. Vegan White Bean Cheesy Chili

Try this yummy cheesy white bean chili for a new twist on a traditional meal. The Glowing Fridge has this great recipe idea.

10. Mexican Rice and Beans

Simple Green Moms has this yummy Mexican rice and bean dish. She keeps it simple with minimal ingredients but it sure looks great!

11. Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice with Black Beans

Check out this recipe from Cooking Classy and make some cilantro lime chicken and rice with black beans. This looks so yummy and my family will love it!

12. Three Bean Salad

Here is a simple side dish that will be gone in no time! Try Cooking Classy’s three bean salad.

13. Coconut Kidney Bean Curry

Enjoy lots of flavor with this coconut kidney bean curry from Live Eat Learn. This has so many great ingredients for you and your family.

14. Mashed Potato Black Bean Burgers

Live Eat Learn makes these cute mashed potato black bean burgers as an alternative to a beef burger. I like to load mine up just like I am at a cookout and enjoy a great sandwich year-round.

15. Black Bean Fudge Brownies

This list wouldn’t be complete without a tasty bean dessert recipe! These bean-based brownies use black beans instead of flour, so not only are they gluten-free, but they have less calories than traditional brownies and more good nutrients. If you’ve never had bean brownies before, give these black bean and fudge brownies from Live Eat Learn a try!

What’s your favorite bean dish?

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