While incorporating beans into your meals and snacks can be a great way to boost protein intake, many may find the taste and texture too plain on their own. This is where pairing them with complementary side dishes or main courses comes in. With an overwhelming array of options available, it can be challenging to know where to start.
To help you elevate your bean-based meals, we’ve curated a list of 16 recipes that offer diverse flavor profiles and textures, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Brisket
For a more wholesome and comforting pairing with your beans, consider serving a juicy and tender brisket. The harmonious blend of flavors from both dishes creates a delightful culinary experience. However, due to the strong savory notes present in both recipes, it’s recommended to offer beans as an optional side dish to cater to individual tastes.
Barbeque Ribs
While the barbecue sauce that flows effortlessly from these ribs with accompanying beans may not always be the first thing to grab attention, it’s an undeniable aspect of this dish. For those looking to elevate their experience, incorporating seasonings like paprika, cumin, and a pinch of heat from cayenne pepper alongside some cracked black pepper can lead to a truly unique flavor profile. Try it out for yourself!
Shepherds Pie
As the mid-week slump sets in, a warm and comforting meal is just what you need to revive your spirits. Enter this satisfying casserole-like dish, packed with tender potato and savory meat. The addition of beans brings an extra layer of moisture and flavor to the table. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Lemon Lime Salad
While it may seem unconventional to combine Jello with vegetables, olives, and beans, this unique combination surprisingly works harmoniously together. By incorporating various leftover vegetables from your kitchen, you effectively balance the potency of lemon, creating a refreshing and flavorful dish.
Pulled Pork
Pulled Pork is a versatile dish that shines when served as a sandwich, but its potential doesn’t stop there. By incorporating beans into the mix, you can create a hearty combination that’s perfect for busy days. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to be easily customized using a pork shoulder. Simply remove the portion needed and use the remaining meat to craft your desired dish. This approach not only saves time but also ensures maximum flavor and satisfaction.
Cheeseburgers
When it comes to pairing with your beans at a barbecue or seeking something savory to complement their rich flavor, classic combinations are hard to beat. A traditional cheeseburger is an excellent choice, offering both filling and flavorful elements. The patty can be paired with the beans or coleslaw for a satisfying side dish. Additionally, you can add some creative twists by incorporating different ingredients into your burger rather than relying on lettuce and pickles.
Alternatively, consider adding some of those same beans directly onto the patty for an even more robust flavor experience.
Pasta Salad
Pasta and beans may seem like an unusual combination, but when paired correctly, they create a harmonious blend of flavors. The pasta’s inherent sauce-like quality makes it an ideal canvas for the rich, tomatoey flavor of the beans. Additionally, the slight acidity of the cherry tomatoes helps to balance out any bitterness from the beans, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying taste experience.
Furthermore, the textures of the pasta, beans, and tomatoes work together seamlessly, providing a delightful sensory experience. The versatility of this combination allows you to experiment with different types of pasta and vegetables, ultimately creating a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Baked Potatoes With Cheese
This versatile bean recipe is often served with a flavorful twist – think soft potatoes, melted cheese, and a delightful contrast of textures. But don’t stop there! The base of this dish can be transformed into a satisfying meal by swapping out the cheese for tuna, chili, smoked salmon, or even crispy bacon. The rich bean sauce and tender potato provide a harmonious backdrop for these flavorful additions, ensuring that every bite is a fulfilling one.
Deviled Eggs
For a light and satisfying snack option, consider filling hard-boiled egg halves with a flavorful blend of mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper. This combination creates a creamy taste experience that’s both unexpected and enjoyable when paired with beans. The zesty flavors not only add excitement to the dish but also help balance out any dryness, making it an excellent choice for casual gatherings like barbecues or small get-togethers.
You can serve the bean-filled eggs as a main attraction or offer them as a side option, providing something for everyone.
Bacon Bits
For an effortless upgrade, consider using sliced bacon, which you can easily break into smaller pieces. The smoky flavor of the bacon beautifully complements the beans’ profile, creating a match made in heaven. This approach beats relying on prepackaged bacon bits, which may lack depth in terms of taste. By making batches and freezing them for later use, you’ll have a versatile side dish that can be easily reheated when needed.
French Fries
Elevate your bean-based dish by incorporating crispy fries that can be easily seasoned with smoked paprika, chili powder, or oregano for a burst of flavor. Soaking the fries in cold water overnight is also a great trick to achieve a crisper texture, making them perfect for dipping into a rich and flavorful sauce that will add an extra layer of color and taste to your meal.
Hot Dogs
While the combination of hot dogs and sautéed beans works well on its own, there’s an added layer of complexity when it comes to condiments. The thick sauce from the beans provides a perfect balance to offset the meaty flavor of the hot dogs, offering a harmonious pairing. If you’re not a fan of mustard or ketchup, this bean-based sauce is a great alternative. For an even more convenient and crispy result, consider cooking the combination in an air fryer – it only takes 4 minutes!
During this time, you can season the beans to your liking, adding additional flavor that complements the hot dogs. This added dimension of preparation allows for greater flexibility in terms of seasoning and presentation.
Potato Salad
Combining the quintessential pairing of beans, potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and bacon in a single salad makes for a harmonious union. The addition of chopped celery and parsley serves as a refreshing garnish. For those who find this combination unappealing, feel free to experiment with different ingredient combinations.
This salad can be modified to cater to your taste preferences, offering an earthy flavor profile reminiscent of coleslaw or a creamier, richer taste that may just become your new favorite.
Cornbread
This iconic combination offers a versatile solution as it allows for efficient meal planning. The baking dish can be filled with a significant amount of beans, providing multiple meals, and some reserved for future use. Additionally, the flaky golden crust, which cleverly absorbs the flavors of the beans, provides a sturdy foundation for creative experimentation.
Mac And Cheese
The benefits of the bean treatment extend beyond just the classic hummus recipe. Another culinary delight that’s elevated by this process is a dish that combines cheesy goodness with the convenience of tomato sauce. The sweetness and savory notes from the beans perfectly balance out the richness of the cheese, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile.
In Summary
While beans are incredibly versatile and can elevate almost any dish, it’s worth noting that they may not be the best match for certain flavors. Sweet or tangy dishes, for instance, could overpower the natural taste of the beans.
Similarly, steamed vegetables might lack the depth of flavor to complement the beans effectively. This is where spices and herbs come in – a judicious blend can rescue even the most mismatched combinations from mediocrity.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.