We make stovetop beans at least once a week, sometimes more. These beans are a true lifesaver — especially for school lunch and quick, wholesome dinners. The black bean recipe that opens this chapter was handed down from my mother-in-law and became the gateway to my bean obsession. It’s quick, freezer-friendly, and so flavorful that I can’t imagine life without it.
The recipe that my kids have lived off of for years...
Canned Black Bean
We make black beans multiple times a month. My kids absolutely love it. We pack it for school lunch all the time and we frequently use it as part of dinner. This is also a very easy recipe to make in bulk and freeze portions of it for the weeks to come. It's delicious, we all love it and I am not sure how I would have gotten through the last few years making daycare lunches every day without it.
These recipes are incredibly versatile- they work as stand-alone meals, pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, or complement mains like grilled chicken or fish. Whether you rinse the beans or use their liquid to create a naturally thickened sauce, these methods are designed to deliver bold flavors with minimal effort. The best part… Most of these recipes rely entirely on pantry staples, making them perfect for weeknight cooking.
