19 inexpensive bean dishes that go a long way

Simple beans can go far. They work in many meals. Add vegetables or a little protein. Meals feel full and easy to make!

Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

A white dish filled with cooked green beans, diced ham, and red potatoes. — Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Warm flavors fill the kitchen while cooking. The Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes bring simple ingredients together for a hearty meal. It works well for leftovers during the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

Zesty Butter Beans

Bold flavor keeps meals interesting. The Zesty Butter Beans combine mild beans with a punch of taste. Perfect for a side or a main dish that lasts.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Butter Beans

Garlic Green Beans

A white plate filled with cooked green beans, garnished with sliced garlic. A pepper grinder and cloth napkin are nearby. — Garlic Green Beans. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Crisp textures make every bite enjoyable. Roasted and seasoned, the Garlic Green Beans add a fresh touch to any dinner. They are quick to prepare and stretch servings easily.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Green Beans

Korean BBQ Baked Beans

A bowl of baked beans in a rich tomato sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, with a spoon. — Korean BBQ Baked Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Bold flavors meet classic beans. The Korean BBQ Baked Beans add an international twist. Great for gatherings or simple weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Korean BBQ Baked Beans

Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Bowl of chili with beans, ground meat, jalapeño slices, and a lime wedge, garnished with cilantro. — Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Hearty beans make for a full plate. The Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans provide easy cooking while staying budget-friendly. A great option for feeding many people.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Easy Hawaiian Baked Beans

A bowl of baked beans topped with a ring of pineapple and garnished with chopped herbs. — Easy Hawaiian Baked Beans. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Sweet notes complement the beans perfectly. The Easy Hawaiian Baked Beans are simple to make ahead. They warm up well for lunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Hawaiian Baked Beans

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

A bowl of salad with white beans, sliced red onions, diced meat, and leafy greens on a wooden surface. — Italian Tuna White Bean Salad. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Light and filling at the same time. The Italian Tuna White Bean Salad works for a quick meal. It pairs beans with pantry staples to stretch servings.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Beans add texture and nutrition. The Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos combine sweet and earthy flavors. Easy to serve for multiple meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Several bundles of green beans wrapped in crispy bacon are arranged on a white plate. — Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Crispy bacon wraps add interest. The Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles make beans feel festive. They are simple to prepare and share.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

BBQ Green Beans

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham. — BBQ Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Smoky flavors make them memorable. The BBQ Green Beans pair easily with many dishes. Beans stretch further when cooked this way.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

A skillet with baked eggs in a tomato sauce, topped with chopped herbs, sits next to a plate, two forks, a bowl of sauce, and a pepper grinder. — Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Greens and beans come together beautifully. The Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka is hearty enough for dinner. It reheats well for later meals.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

Secret-Ingredient Slow Cooker Black Beans

A bowl of cooked black beans garnished with cilantro, with a spoon in the dish. — Secret-Ingredient Slow Cooker Black Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Slow cooking brings out deep flavor. The Secret-Ingredient Slow Cooker Black Beans are filling and affordable. Perfect for multiple meals during the week.
Get the Recipe: Secret-Ingredient Slow Cooker Black Beans

String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

A colorful stir-fry dish of chicken and string beans stir-fried together on a white plate. — String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Beans complement the protein perfectly. The String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout! stretches servings easily. It’s simple for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

Tasty Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup

Soup warms the body and fills the stomach. The Tasty Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup keeps leftovers useful. It pairs well with bread or rice.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup

Instant Pot Chipotle Peruano Beans

Bold beans cook fast in the pot. The Instant Pot Chipotle Peruano Beans save time and stretch ingredients. They work for lunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chipotle Peruano Beans

Mexican 5 Layer Bean Dip with Ground Beef

Layers create variety in one dish. The Mexican 5 Layer Bean Dip with Ground Beef combines beans and meat. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Mexican 5 Layer Bean Dip with Ground Beef

Red Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe

Close-up of warm red bean soup in a blue and white color bowl. — Red Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Beans and broth provide warmth. The Red Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe is filling and easy to make. Leftovers reheat well for extra meals.
Get the Recipe: Red Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe

Italian White Bean Salad

Light flavors work well together. The Italian White Bean Salad is simple and portable. Beans make it a complete meal on their own.
Get the Recipe: Italian White Bean Salad

Grilled Green Beans

Grilled Asian green beans on a plate with a lemon wedge. — Grilled Green Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilling adds natural flavor. The Grilled Green Beans make a quick side dish. Beans stretch easily across servings.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Green Beans