Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris Legume, Plant-based Protein

Beans Legume, Plant-based Protein

At a Glance

  • Category Legume, Plant-based Protein

The Forktionary Angle

"The unassuming powerhouse of the pantry, offering incredible nutritional density and adaptability to nearly any flavor profile."

Definition

A broad category of edible seeds from leguminous plants, highly valued for their protein, fiber, and versatility in various global cuisines.

Global Varieties Tens of thousands
Nutritional Value High in Fiber & Protein
Primary Storage Dried or Canned

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Beans are:

Varies widely (Earthy Mild Starchy Nutty)

Chef’s Secret

Always salt your beans towards the end of cooking; adding it too early can toughen the skins and prolong cooking time.

Best Substitutes

Lentils

Ratio 1:1

Chickpeas

Ratio 1:1

Split Peas

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose dry beans free from damage. Canned beans should be firm, not mushy, and ideally low-sodium.

Recipes Using Beans

Time To Make Main Ingredient Casseroles Time To Make

Bbq Casserole

This crowd-pleasing BBQ casserole is quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious! Tender ground beef, savory pork and beans, and tangy BBQ sauce come together in a cheesy, biscuit-topped masterpiece ready in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together!

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Low Fat Meat Weeknight Time To Make

Atomic Canuck Chili

Unleash your inner fire with Atomic Canuck Chili! This Canadian chili recipe delivers a mouthwatering explosion of spicy heat and savory flavor. Perfect for chili lovers who crave bold tastes and a warming kick. Get ready for a taste bud adventure!

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Preparation Low Cholesterol Dietary Cuisine

Best Baked Beans

These irresistible baked beans are the perfect side dish for your next picnic or barbecue! Simple to make, yet bursting with flavor, this family recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Tender beans simmered in a sweet and savory sauce – you'll be licking your fingers! (Optional: Add ham or extra ketchup for a customized twist.)

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American American Beans Main Ingredient

Baked Beans 4 Ingredients

Incredibly easy and delicious baked beans recipe! Made with just four simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck contribution. Get ready for tender beans in a rich, flavorful sauce – ready in under 75 minutes!

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Main Ingredient Crock Pot Slow Cooker Main Ingredient Main Dish

A Can Of This And A Can Of That Crock Pot Chili

This incredibly easy and flavorful crock-pot chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings, this recipe uses pantry staples and requires minimal prep time. Inspired by a wedding shower gift, this nostalgic chili is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for tender beef, zesty tomatoes, and hearty beans – all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker!

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Equipment Crock Pot Slow Cooker Equipment Preparation

16 Bean Soup Crockpot

This hearty 16 bean soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot, is the ultimate comfort food! Imagine a rich and flavorful broth brimming with sixteen different kinds of beans, savory Italian sausage (spicy or mild!), and tender potatoes. This easy recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying soup that's sure to become a family favorite!

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Dietary Healthy 2 Time To Make Low Cholesterol

Bean And Cornbread Bake

This hearty Bean and Cornbread Bake is a delicious, comforting classic! Enjoy a wonderful combination of savory baked beans topped with a golden-brown, buttery cornbread crust. Bake the beans alone (without the topping) for a quicker 45-60 minute meal, or add the cornbread for a truly unforgettable 85-minute culinary experience.

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3 Steps Or Less Toddler Friendly Number Of Servings 3 Steps Or Less

Baked Bean Pizza

Transform humble baked beans into an unexpectedly tasty and economical pizza! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying snack or lunch. The sweet and savory combination of baked beans, ham, and melted cheese on a crispy base is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both budget-friendly and unbelievably delicious!

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3 Steps Or Less Preparation Main Ingredient Comfort Food

Baked Potato

Relive those Wednesday night school memories with this customizable baked potato recipe! Perfectly baked potatoes, fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings. Easy to make and endlessly delicious, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun family get-together. Get creative with your toppings and make it your own!

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Ground Beef Meat Beans Main Dish

One Pot Dinner

Impress your family with this hearty and flavorful one-pot beef and bacon dinner! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy winter evenings, this recipe is surprisingly easy and requires minimal cleanup. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender beef, crispy bacon, and a rich, satisfying sauce. Men especially love this unique twist on classic crockpot meals. Get ready for a delicious and effortless dinner that's sure to become a family favorite!

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Beef Stove Top One Dish Meal Potluck

Awesomest Chili Ever

Brave the blustery night with this intensely flavorful venison chili! A rich, deep flavor profile emerges from the combination of venison (or beef!), hearty spices, and a touch of wine. This isn't your grandma's chili – it's a culinary adventure! While the spice amounts are approximate, allowing for your own creative flair, the result is a chili so good, you'll be inventing new words to describe it. Perfect for a cozy night in!

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Easy Vegetables Main Dish Dietary

Baked Bean Medley

This easy recipe, inspired by a preschool mom, delivers the comforting taste of homemade baked beans without the all-day cook time! Rich, hearty, and unbelievably flavorful, this molasses-sweetened medley is a family favorite. Serve alongside cornbread for a truly satisfying meal that kids and adults will adore. Get ready for a taste of 'baked all day' deliciousness in just 75 minutes!

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Side Dishes Time To Make Side Dishes Canadian

Backwoods Idaho Thick And Hearty Smoky Baked Beans

A hearty, smoky baked bean recipe inspired by the lumberjack traditions of North Idaho! This thick and filling dish is perfect for a crowd, featuring tender beans, savory bacon, and juicy hamburger, all simmered to perfection. Serve alongside grilled steak or chicken and Idaho potato salad for a truly unforgettable meal. Get ready for a taste of the rugged North Idaho wilderness!

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Preparation Beef Kid Friendly Equipment

Barbecue Beans From The Crock Pot

Slow-cooked to perfection, these hearty BBQ beans are a crowd-pleaser! This easy crock-pot recipe delivers tender, flavorful beans in just 4 hours. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight meal.

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Preparation Diabetic Time To Make Vegetarian

Basic Bean Enchiladas

This adaptable recipe for Basic Bean Enchiladas is your gateway to a quick and delicious Mexican meal! Customize the spice level to your liking and easily freeze leftover ingredients or even assembled enchiladas for future feasts. Made with gluten-free corn tortillas (check sausage for gluten-free options), this recipe is a family favorite waiting to happen. Get ready for a burst of flavor in just 20 minutes!

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Served Hot Kid Friendly Beginner Cook Independence Day

Barbecued Beefy Beans

Fall-off-the-bone tender ground beef and sweet onions simmered in a smoky BBQ sauce, then baked to perfection! This easy recipe for baked BBQ beans is the ultimate side dish for your next cookout, potluck, picnic, or family dinner. Perfect alongside ribs, coleslaw, and cornbread for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Get ready for flavor explosions!

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Course Main Ingredient Dinner Party Holiday Event

Barbecue Beans With Ground Beef And Bacon

Fall-off-the-bone tender ground beef and smoky bacon mingle with hearty beans in this irresistible barbecue bean recipe! A perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing side dish for your next barbecue. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Preparation Preparation Easy Time To Make

Bacony Beans

This irresistible baked beans recipe is a crowd-pleaser you'll make again and again! Inspired by a beloved family recipe, these bacony beans are bursting with flavor and perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any occasion. Get ready for tender beans swimming in a rich, smoky bacon sauce – a true taste of comfort food perfection!

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