Vegetarian Recipe With Black Beans for Easy Healthy Meals

Black beans are a versatile and nutrient-packed staple in vegetarian cooking, perfect for creating hearty, flavorful meals that satisfy both the palate and the body. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based recipes into your diet, black beans offer a wonderful combination of protein, fiber, and rich taste.

This recipe brings together fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and creamy black beans to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. You’ll enjoy the robust flavors and the satisfying textures that make this recipe a go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Plus, it’s easy to customize and packed with wholesome ingredients that support a healthy lifestyle.

If you love cooking with beans, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites, offering both simplicity and depth of flavor. Don’t forget to check out other vegetarian inspirations like our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for even more creative plant-based options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This black bean vegetarian recipe is a perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and taste. It’s easy enough for beginners yet satisfying for those who appreciate complex flavors.

Black beans provide a great source of plant protein and fiber, which keeps you full and energized. Cooking with fresh vegetables and spices adds vibrant color, antioxidants, and mouthwatering aroma.

It’s also a very flexible recipe — you can serve it as a main dish, a side, or even use the filling for tacos, burritos, or salads. The hearty texture and savory flavor profile make it a crowd-pleaser for family meals or casual get-togethers.

Additionally, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and perfect for meal prep, making it a go-to for busy weeks.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream or vegan yogurt, shredded cheese or vegan cheese

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can opener (if using canned beans)
• Bowl for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients. If using canned black beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly. Chop the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Measure out the spices and other ingredients.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Place your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to warm up for a minute.
3. Sauté the onion and garlic. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the red bell pepper and corn. Stir in the diced bell pepper and corn kernels. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Spice it up. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
6. Incorporate tomato paste. Add the tablespoon of tomato paste and mix it into the vegetables, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
7. Add black beans and broth. Pour in the black beans and vegetable broth. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
8. Finish with lime juice and cilantro. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.
9. Serve and enjoy. Dish out the black bean mixture into bowls or use it as a filling for your favorite wraps or tacos. Top with diced avocado, vegan sour cream, or cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky twist, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with the spices.

If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some of the cooked beans before mashing the rest slightly with a fork or potato masher. This adds a nice contrast in the dish.

For extra protein, toss in some cooked quinoa or brown rice. You can also swap the corn for diced zucchini or add chopped spinach for more greens.

This recipe works wonderfully as a base for vegetarian Tex-Mex meals — explore variations like stuffed peppers or vegan burrito bowls.

To make it quicker, use canned beans and frozen corn. If you want to try other bean-based vegetarian recipes, check out our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or our hearty Moosewood Vegetarian Chili Recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This black bean dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many other foods. Serve it over fluffy rice or quinoa for a filling meal.

It also makes a fantastic taco filling, especially when topped with fresh avocado, salsa, and a sprinkle of vegan cheese or sour cream.

For a lighter option, spoon the black bean mixture on top of a bed of mixed greens or use it as a hearty component in burrito bowls alongside roasted vegetables and guacamole. It also pairs beautifully with warm, soft tortillas or as a side to grilled vegetables.

Looking for more vegetarian ideas? Try our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or indulge your sweet tooth after dinner with a slice from our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Conclusion

This black bean vegetarian recipe is a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire, combining simplicity and rich flavors in a wholesome, nutritious dish. It’s ideal for those who want quick, satisfying meals without compromising on health or taste.

The recipe’s flexibility allows you to adjust ingredients according to what you have on hand or your personal preferences, making it a reliable staple for busy days.

By incorporating black beans and fresh vegetables, you’re not only enjoying a delicious meal but also fueling your body with essential nutrients. This recipe can stand alone or complement a variety of other plant-based dishes, helping you maintain a balanced and exciting vegetarian diet.

Don’t forget to explore more of our recipes like the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for more inspiration in your kitchen adventures.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Black Bean Stir-Fry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring black beans and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 small onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 zucchini, sliced”, “1 cup corn kernels”, “1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “Fresh cilantro for garnish”, “Juice of 1 lime”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until fragrant and translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell pepper and zucchini; cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in corn, black beans, cumin, and smoked paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}