48 Bean-Based Vegetarian Recipes
48 Bean-Based Vegetarian Recipes
Read Time: 23 mins
48 Bean-Based Vegetarian Recipes
Meatless meals are so tasty when these hearty bean burgers are on the menu
Home Total Time 40 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This flavorful entree won’t leave you hungry since it uses convenient canned beans in place of meat. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 281 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 796mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. 3/48 Salsa Black Bean Burgers 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Meatless meals are so tasty when these hearty bean burgers are on the menu. Guacamole and
sour cream make them seem decadent
sour cream make them seem decadent. —Jill Reichardt, St. Louis, Missouri Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 323 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein. 4/48 Penne with Veggies and Black Beans 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Penne with Veggies and Black Beans Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe 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
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. 5/48 Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers 8 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 32 pieces Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 15 calories, 0 fat (0
I have always thought the crunchy almonds were a super addition
saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. 6/48 Green Beans Amandine 12 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Green Beans Amandine Recipe photo by Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: It’s hard to improve on the taste Mother Nature gives to fresh green beans, but Mom has done just that for years using this green beans amandine recipe. I have always thought the crunchy almonds were a super addition. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 125 calories, 9g fat
Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable
(4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable. 7/48 Chickpea Fritters with Sweet-Spicy Sauce 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 20 min Servings 2 dozen (1 cup sauce) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Chickpeas are a common ingredient in many dishes in Pakistan, where I grew up. I have combined the light spice of Pakistani foods with the love of deep-fried finger foods that many Americans, including my daughters, enjoy. To eat, dip this chickpea recipe in chilled yogurt. —Shahrin Hasan, York, Pennsylvania Nutrition
When you make it, double the recipe—because it will be gone in a flash!
Facts: 1 fritter with 2 teaspoons sauce: 46 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. 8/48 Cool Beans Salad 74 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Cool Beans Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless entree. When you make it, double the recipe—because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice adds flavor and texture, and the dressing gives it a
bit of a tang
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. 9/48 Vegetarian Tacos 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Vegetarian Tacos Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love Mexican food but was looking for a healthier option to share. My family devours these tasty tacos whenever I make them. —Amanda Petrucelli, Plymouth, Indiana Nutrition Facts: 1 taco (calculated without optional toppings): 413 calories, 9g fat
—Joy Beck, Cincinnati, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 134 calories, 1g fat
(1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 774mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 16g fiber), 17g protein. 10/48 Slow-Cooker Baked Beans 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved 3-Bean Slow-Cooker Baked Beans Recipe photo by Eric Kleinberg for Taste of Home Total Time 2 hours 10 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This flavorful bean dish adds nice variety to any buffet because it’s a bit different from traditional baked beans. It’s a snap to prepare, too, since it uses convenient canned beans, barbecue sauce and salsa. —Joy Beck, Cincinnati, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 134 calories, 1g fat
Green beans are a reliable standby, but they can seem ordinary on their own
(0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. 11/48 Honey Garlic Green Beans 12 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Honey Garlic Green Beans Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Green beans are a reliable standby, but they can seem ordinary on their own. Just a couple of extra ingredients give them a sweet and salty attitude. This is definitely my family’s favorite way to enjoy them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 72 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch
fat), 0 cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch. 12/48 Tuscan Portobello Stew 15 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Tuscan Portobello Stew Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a healthy one-skillet meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for company. I often take this stew to my school’s potlucks, where it is devoured by teachers and students alike. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 309 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat),
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat
0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat. 13/48 Sauteed Green Beans 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Sauteed Green Beans Recipe photo by Kristina Vanni for Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These sauteed green beans with garlic and a variety of herbs and spices come together in no time at all for a well-seasoned side dish you’ll make on repeat. —Heidi Wilcox, Lapeer, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 77 calories, 6g fat (4g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat
saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat. 14/48 Warm Rice & Pintos Salad 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Warm Rice & Pintos Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: During my undergrad years, my roommate taught me how to cook vegetarian dishes like brown rice with pintos. It’s so versatile; you can turn it into a wrap or casserole. —Natalie Van Apeldoorn, Vancouver, British Columbia Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 331 calories, 8g fat
Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat
(2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat. 15/48 Two-Bean Tomato Bake 4 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Two-Bean Tomato Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 10 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Parmesan cheese, basil and garlic spice up this mouthwatering medley of beans, mushrooms, onion and tomatoes. It’s even more flavorful when you use your garden harvest. We love the cheesy crumb topping because it adds a fantastic crunch.—Dorothy
I’ve prepared spinach this way for years—because my children eat it happily!
Rieke, Julian, Nebraska Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 124 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. 16/48 White Beans and Spinach 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved White Beans and Spinach Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 10 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This skillet side is a variation of a recipe I received from my Italian mother. I’ve prepared spinach this way for years—because my children eat it happily! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 116 calories, 1g fat
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
When I arrive, they ask, “You brought your bean dip, didn’t you?
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⭐ Expert Tips
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Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.
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Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.
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Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.
✅ Key Takeaways
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These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.
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Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.
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Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.
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