When you want to add a little more protein to your dinner, reaching for a can of beans is always a good idea. Beans make chili a bit more hearty, that nacho platter tastier and really fills out a skillet dinner. But when you crack open that can of black beans, the last thing you want is to discover that the beans are too salty, too bland or too mushy for your liking. You want the best black beans!
Well, you know our Test Kitchen had to find out which beans were really the best for all these recipes so your dinners, apps and snacks turn out their best yet.
How Our Test Kitchen Found the Best Black Beans
Our Test Kitchen staff gathered ten different cans of black beans to sample (we have to be thorough!) and judged them blindly with these categories in mind:
- Flavor: We know it’s just a plain can of beans but we still asked a few questions. Did the beans taste pleasant? Did they have the right level of salt? Were there any additional flavors? “Off” flavors?
- Texture: Were the beans firm? Too mushy?
- Appearance: How did the beans look? Perfectly shiny? Beautifully black? Were any of the beans broken or irregular?
Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Black Beans
A few cans stood out among the pack. These are the best black beans according to our Test Kitchen, and what we recommend you buy on your next shopping trip.
Best Flavor: Bush’s
The biggest name in baked beans is also a winner when it comes to black beans. Bush’s black beans were satisfying heated right from the can. These beans looked a bit smaller than other options we tested, but they were shiny and delicious. Our Test Kitchen thought Bush’s were perfectly seasoned. These beans are definitely ready to add to your recipes without any fuss.
No Seasoning Required: S&W
Because beans are such a basic food, they do require some seasoning, even if it’s just salt. But when you crack open a can of S&W black beans, you don’t need to worry about adding any extra. These beans were perfectly salted according to our Test Kitchen pros. Without any additions, they’re ready to add to a recipe, like these chorizo breakfast bowls.
Best Store Brand: Target
Nope, you don’t always need to reach for big brands to get something good. Target’s Market Pantry and Good & Gather black beans proved that (Target also makes one of our Test Kitchen’s favorite cheeses). These black beans were perfectly shiny and had the right salt level. Spoon them over your favorite chips with some extras for delicious, hearty nachos.
Best for Simmering and Soups: Goya
Like pasta, when cooked too long, beans can start to fall apart in recipes that simmer for a long time (think soup or chili). But if you need a bean to stand up to a little extra cooking time, try Goya. These black beans had a slightly firmer texture than other competitors. Add these to your next batch of black bean chili and don’t worry about them going too soft.
What to Make with Black Beans
Black beans are a staple. It’s always a good idea to keep a can or two in the pantry since they can be used in so many different recipes. Craving a healthy vegetarian chili? Grab black beans. Want burgers? You can make ’em with black beans! Brownies—yes, even brownies can be made with canned black beans. These recipes are just the tip of the iceberg. See what else you can do with the best black beans:
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Slow-Cooked Southwest Chicken
With just 15 minutes of prep, you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. This deliciously low-fat dish gets even better served with reduced-fat sour cream and chopped cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
Grilled Bean Burgers
These juicy veggie patties have major flavor with cumin, garlic and a little chili powder. They hold their own against any veggie burger you‘d buy at the supermarket. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey
Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup
This zesty soup is loaded with chicken, corn and black beans in a mildly spicy red broth. As a busy mom of three young children, I'm always looking for dinner recipes that can be prepared in the morning. The kids love the taco taste of this easy soup. —Marlene Kane, Lainesburg, Michigan
Corn and Black Bean Salad
This colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad is chock-full of easy-to-swallow nutrition that all ages will love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees, or as a wholesome salsa! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Black Bean and Corn Guacamole
Head to any Mexican restaurant and we guarantee you’ll see this combo on the menu. The bright colors and contrasting textures make black beans and corn fun additions to guacamole. For extra flavor, grill the corn first.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet
One of the first things my husband made for me was a variation of this chicken sweet potato skillet. Over the years, it has become a family favorite. Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, lettuce or anything else your family likes. —MacKenzie Wright, San Antonio, Texas
Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
My hearty, delicious, nutrient-packed vegetarian dish is amazingly healthy. Everyone I've made it for has loved it—even carnivores! I always make two batches and freeze one. You'll want to eat this every week! —Elizabeth Lindemann, Salem, Massachusetts
Tex-Mex Grain Bowl
This Tex-Mex grain bowl is special because it is not only healthy but also delicious. Oatmeal is one of those dishes often eaten sweetened. People rarely think about using it in a savory dish—and they really should! —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Black Bean & Chicken Enchilada Lasagna
Twice a month I make chicken enchiladas, lasagna-style. It’s a regular with us because assembly is easy and my whole family gives it a thumbs-up. —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland
Black Bean-Pumpkin Soup
This healthy recipe is packed with protein from the beans and with vitamins from the pumpkin. The dollop of light sour cream adds a satisfying touch that feels indulgent. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Black Bean Tart
This colorful dish was a hit at a get-together I had for friends. I served the tart with sour cream on the side, a green salad and crusty bread. —Ellen Papa, Miami, Florida.
Texas Black Bean Soup
This hearty meatless stew made with convenient canned items is perfect for spicing up a family gathering on a cool day. It tastes like it's made with love and yet it requires so little time and attention. —Pamela Scott, Garland, Texas.
Taco Bowls
When it’s done slow-cooking, this beef shreds like a dream. We make it often, because it’s super easy to customize with fun, fresh and healthy toppings. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
Shortcut Oven-Baked Chicken Chimichangas
Mimic the crunch of a chimichanga by brushing these with oil and baking them. Our children love to have them when they get home late after school activities. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Jicama and Black Bean Salad
There are so many colorful items in this black bean salad, there is no need for a garnish. The jicama adds a surprising crunch. —Jeanette Marks, Ashland, Kentucky
Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian skillet chili screams comfort food to me. This recipe makes me feel warm and fuzzy, and it's loved by both my vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends. —Casey Hill, London, United Kingdom
Taco Twist Soup
Spiral pasta adds a fun twist to this dish. I lightened up this soup recipe by substituting black beans for ground beef, and by topping it off with reduced-fat sour cream and cheese. —Colleen Zertler, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Black Bean Tortilla Pie
I found this southwestern entree a while ago but decreased the cheese and increased the herbs originally called for. It's one of my toddler's favorite meals. She always smiles when she sees it on the table. —Wendy Kelly, Petersburg, New York
Black Bean & Corn Quinoa
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
Black Bean Brownies
You’d never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. Who would have thought black bean brownies would be so amazing? —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
Black Bean Chip & Dip Burgers
I finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn't dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Enchilada Casser-Ole!
My husband loves this casserole, but it never lasts too long. Packed with black beans, cheese, tomatoes and plenty of Southwest flavor, it's an impressive entree that's as simple as it is simply delicious. —Marsha Wills, Homosassa, Florida
Slow-Cooked Stuffed Peppers
My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Slow-Cooked Bean Medley
I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total the five cans called for. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with just about everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan
Brazilian Pork & Black Bean Stew
During high school, I spent a year in Brazil and fell in love with the culture and food. One of my favorite dishes was feijoada, a chili/stew served over white rice. I introduced this easy recipe to my family, and it has become one of our favorite comfort foods. —Andrea Romanczyk, Magna, Utah
Breakfast Tacos
This is a really simple, tasty breakfast. It has been a mainstay for our mornings together as a family.—Jo Ferguson, Arnold, Missouri
Black & White Bean Chili
This is a healthy and filling meal that even the kids love! The satisfying chili is great for football games or potluck dinners. —Katti Scott, Manteo, North Carolina
Buenos Dias Breakfast
I love the way the tortilla strips puff up when this is baked. It's a protein-rich, no-fuss recipe that everyone in my family enjoys, even the meat-lovers. —Barbara Burge, Los Gatos, California
Hacienda Hash Browns
I use a clear glass dish to show off my hash brown bake. The bold pepper, cilantro, cumin and garlic make this potato-egg casserole extraordinary. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Layered Taco Salad
I invented this taco salad to make my kids happy. Make it with ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken and it's equally good. —Betty Nickels, Tampa, Florida
Turkey Chili with Penne
This turkey chili easily turns into a vegetarian dish by leaving out the meat or replacing it with soy crumbles. A topping of goat cheese makes this full-flavored chili stand out from others. —Patricia Burk, North Canton, Ohio
Layered Garden Bean Salad
For easy entertaining, cover and refrigerate the salad a few hours before guests arrive so you don't have to bother with last-minute assembly. Turn it into a light lunch by adding sliced rotisserie chicken, salmon or tuna. —Melissa Wharton, Cincinnati, Ohio
Southwestern Pulled Pork Crostini
As a different take on crostini, these apps are great for tailgating and casual parties. —Randy Cartwright, Linden, Wisconsin
Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls
Growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo for extra pop. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Black Bean Turkey Chili
This busy-day chili is packed with flavor. We make it ahead and freeze some to eat later. —Marisela Segovia, Miami, Florida
Hearty Pork & Black Bean Nachos
My husband and I are both graduate students right now, so we don't have a lot of time to cook dinner. Our family loves coming home to this incredible nacho platter, and I love how easy it is to prepare. —Faith Stokes, Chickamauga, Georgia
Sausage Bean Soup
You’re moments away from a flavor-packed soup that keeps you warm on even the chilliest nights. It's just the kind of recipe we Minnesotans love. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, Minnesota
Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas
Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota
Chili-Rubbed Steak with Black Bean Salad
Busy weeknights don't stop my husband from firing up the grill. This meal-in-one comes together fast. Try it with chimichurri and cotija cheese. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Black Bean & Sweet Potato Rice Bowls
With three hungry boys in my house, dinners need to be quick and filling, and it helps to get in some veggies, too. This one is a favorite because it's hearty and fun to tweak with different ingredients. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Black Bean 'n' Corn Quesadillas
Black beans partner up with spinach and corn in these easy and satisfying quesadillas from Susan Franklin of Littleton, Colorado. —Susan Franklin, Littleton, Colorado
Black Bean-Sweet Potato Skillet
My fiancé loves sweet potatoes. By adding black beans, I came up with a nutritionally complete main dish. Its bright orange and black color makes it fun for Halloween. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
Pico de Gallo Black Bean Soup
Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It is quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Salsa
Black bean salsa with mango gives this dish a Mexican taste without too much heat. I like to slice the chicken and serve it over a long grain and wild rice mix. —Terri Clouse, Connoquenessing, Pennsylvania
No-Fry Black Bean Chimichangas
Chimichangas usually are deep-fried burritos. My version gets lovin’ from the oven. Black beans provide protein, and it's a good way to use up leftover rice. —Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, Texas
Black Bean & White Cheddar Frittata
This is one of my favorite comfort foods for breakfast or even a quick dinner. I like to make it with lime salsa. But if you're looking for something with more kick, use hot salsa or add some chipotle pepper. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Black Bean Potato au Gratin
The addition of black beans and vegetables adds hearty protein and fiber to this tasty side dish. For a southwestern twist, add a handful or two of chopped cooked ham or chorizo sausage and replace the peas with 1 cup of frozen, thawed corn. —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Black Beans
As a vegan, I'm always looking for impressive dishes to share. Sweet potatoes loaded with beans and a touch of peanut butter are one of my mom’s favorites. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
Tex-Mex Chicken with Black Beans & Rice
I came up with this recipe for my sister who just got her first slow cooker and cooks mostly by throwing canned goods into a pot. It’s a delicious go-to recipe for busy days. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
Marinated Three Bean Salad
Fresh herbs and cayenne pepper provide the fantastic flavor in this marinated salad featuring fresh veggies and canned beans. —Carol Tucker, Wooster, Ohio
Beef 'n' Bean Torta
This zesty dish is a favorite of mine because it has a wonderful Southwestern taste and is easy to prepare. I serve it on nights when we have only a few minutes to eat before running off to meetings or sports events. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Spicy Bean and Beef Pie
My daughter helped me come up with this recipe when we wanted a one-dish meal that was different than a casserole. This pie slices nicely and is a fun and filing dish. —Debra Dohy, Massillon, Ohio
Black Bean Bulgur Salad
The only cooking in this easy bulgur salad is heating the broth and bulgur. You can adapt the recipe to your preference; if you want to add chopped cooked chicken, use chicken broth in place of vegetable broth. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Slow Cooker Chicken & Black Bean Tacos
My husband and I love Mexican food and these tacos have become one of our favorite meals. Try setting out the toppings in different bowls on the table so dinner guests and kids can make their own tacos. —Laura Rodriguez, Willoughby, Ohio
Vegetarian Bean Tacos
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
Pot Roast with Asian Black Bean Sauce
I love stir-fry with black bean sauce. This recipe takes the delicious flavor of black bean sauce and joins it with fork-tender pot roast. —Judy Lawson, Chelsea, MichiganThe post The Best Black Beans to Add to Your Cart, According to Our Test Kitchen appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski