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A collection of Sweet Potato Soul’s best recipes with beans. With everything from dips and soups to main dishes and burgers, there’s something for everyone on this list of vegan bean-based meals!

vegan black eyed peas in a bowl

This post was originally published on June 10, 2021. It was updated with new recipes on October 25, 2024.

Have a lot of beans on your hands but no idea of what to do with them? I have you covered. Just call me your fairy bean godmother! Over my decade-plus of blogging, I have published over 42 easy bean recipes, ranging from curries and salads to soul food and enchiladas. You could say that I love making meals with beans, so you’ve come to the right spot!

You may hear “bean recipes” or “bean dishes” and think of boring, bland, and lifeless meals. My goal while creating every one of these vegan and vegetarian bean recipes was to create flavorful, delicious, and craveworthy meals that would make you crazy about legumes. So, let’s get started and dive into this list of the 42 best vegan bean recipes!

A close-up shot of the instant pot white beans in a bowl.

Cooking with Beans Q&A

Why eat beans?

Because they are delicious and good for you! Seriously — beans are a great source of many nutrients, including micronutrients and phytonutrients (source), fiber, and plant protein, making them a healthy part of any diet, especially a plant-based one.

Beans add texture, heartiness, color, and flavor to dishes. They are easy to cook with, affordable, and available in most grocery stores. Beans keep well for long periods, making them a pantry staple for easy last-minute meals.

How do I make beans taste good?

All beans taste different, but overall, they have a delicious, mildly nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. Because of their mild flavor, beans work well in various recipes, as you’ll see below. But before we get to those recipes, keep these tips in mind for when you’re making beans without a recipe:

  • Cook dried beans with aromatics like onions, garlic, leeks, or shallots.
  • Salt your beans to taste, even after you’ve made a recipe. Salt enhances and accentuates the flavors of many recipes using beans, bringing them to life.
  • Add a squeeze of citrus or vinegar, such as citrus juice or vinegar, to balance the flavors in cooked beans, bean stews, and curries.
  • Season them with your favorite seasoning. From teriyaki sauce to jerk spice, beans party well with everyone.
  • Make sure your beans are well-cooked before eating. They should be fork-tender and creamy through the center.
  • Add a piece of seaweed, such as kombu (Amazon, iHerb, Vitacost), to your beans as they cook to reduce gassiness.
  • Soak and rinse. Soaking beans will help them cook evenly, and it will also eliminate some of the gas producing compounds. Rinse them after soaking; don’t cook them in their soaking liquid. Try soaking them with a teaspoon of baking soda if beans tend to make you gassy.
  • Cooking your beans in an acidic base like tomato sauce will slow the cooking time, so plan to add acids after cooking the beans unless a recipe states otherwise.

How to cook dried beans in the Instant Pot?

I love cooking with dried beans because they are ultra-affordable and so easy to make. For the best deal, stock up on dried beans when they are on sale, or buy them in bulk. When stored in an airtight container in a cool and dark location, they keep for 2 to 3 years!

Though you can cook the dried beans on the stovetop using the traditional soak and simmer method, I prefer the ease and speed of making them in the Instant Pot (Amazon)! Here’s how to do it:

  1. Soak 1 pound of beans in cool water for 8 hours or overnight.*
  2. Drain the beans and rinse them. Add them to the Instant Pot with 3 1/2 cups of fresh water (or broth) and stir a few times.
  3. Lock on the Instant Pot lid. Pressure cook on high for the directed amount of time (see the table below).
  4. Naturally-release the pressure (this can take up to 20 minutes).
  5. Remove the Instant Pot lid. Season to taste and serve the beans in any of the delicious vegan bean dishes below!

Common Dried Bean Pressure Cooking Times

Cook times after Soaked Overnight*

Type of Dried Bean Pressure Cooking Time
Navy Beans 10 min
Black Beans12 min
Cannellini Beans or
Kidney Beans
15 min
Pinto Beans15 min
Garbanzo Beans
(Chickpeas)
16-18 min
Corona Beans 25 min

* If you do not have time to soak overnight, you can make the beans without soaking them first. Just add 20-25 minutes of pressure cooking time. The cook times above produce beans that are well cooked, but still hold their shape.

Optional: Season the Beans. If desired, you can sauté onions and garlic before adding the beans and water or broth. Swap flavored vegetable bouillon and water for more layers of flavor, or stir in a teaspoon of dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, Italian seasoning, or oregano.

Bean Dips and Snacks

Beet Black Bean Dip

Brilliant Beet Black Bean Dip

Delight even beet haters with this Beet Black Bean Dip! It’s creamy, savory, spicy, and so full of flavor. Serve it with veggies and pita chips.

Sweet Potato Hummus

The Best Sweet Potato Hummus

What is better than traditional hummus? Sweet potato hummus, of course! Made with roasted sweet potato, chickpeas, miso, garlic, tahini, and spices, this dip is one-of-a-kind and delicious!

Corn and Peach Crostini Basil White Bean Puree

Corn + Peach Crostini with White Bean Basil Puree

Celebrate the flavors of summer with this crostini recipe! Top toasted bread with herbed white bean puree and sprinkle it with fresh corn and peach salad for a refreshing and satisfying snack or appetizer.

A close up shot of a white bowl of roasted chickpeas.

Roasted Chickpeas

These delicious quick-fix Roasted Chickpeas are made with pantry staples to create a perfect anytime snack or soup and salad topper. Make them in the oven or air fryer in just 15 minutes!

Bean Salads

Marinated White Bean Salad

Marinated White Bean Salad

Tossed with a zesty balsamic and maple dressing and fresh chopped red onion, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this bean salad is refreshing and filling but light.

An overhead shot of a white bowl of tuna chickpea salad on a dish towel.

Chickpea Tuna Salad

This vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad recipe is loaded with zesty, creamy flavors and made entirely from plant-based ingredients. It is the perfect summertime dish as a sandwich, served with crackers, or added to salads and bowls!

An overhead shot of a bowl of edamame salad garnished with chopped almonds.

Amazing Edamame Salad

Edamame Salad is flavorful, nutritious, and easy to make, featuring a bold, naturally sweet garlic-ginger almond dressing, shredded carrots, and crunchy cabbage. Enjoy large bowls as a satisfying and nutritious main dish, or serve it as a side salad with your favorite meals!

Black Eyed Pea Salad

Also known as “Texas caviar,” this black eyed pea salad is full of flavor and texture, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep. Enjoy it as a side dish or main; it’s also great at potlucks and cookouts!

vegan caesar salad in white bowl

Vegan Caesar Salad

This creamy Vegan Caesar Salad is a tasty way to get your greens with a homemade plant-based dressing. Topped with crispy chickpeas, this salad makes a picturesque main entree or side dish!

mango avocado salad in white bowl

Mango Avocado Salad

Add vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and loads of nutrition to any meal with this Mango Avocado Salad! It features homemade mango guacamole, fresh veggies, and black beans for a vegetarian bean dish everyone will love!

roasted beet and potato salad | @sweetpotatosoul

Roasted Beet & Potato Salad

Featuring roasted beets, Yukon gold potatoes, pumpkin seeds, white beans, and homemade lemon vinaigrette, this vegan bean salad recipe is one of my favorite ways to get my daily vegetable servings!

vegan nicoise salad in large bowl

 Vegan Nicoise Salad

Enjoy this vibrant, hearty Vegan Nicoise Salad inspired by the classic French dish. Loaded with flavorful plant-based ingredients and a homemade tangy dressing, it makes the perfect main dish for lunch or dinner or a colorful side dish.

An overhead shot of a serving bowl of autumn kale salad with dressing and tongs.

Autumn Kale Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

This hearty vegan salad has a bit of everything: greens, avocado, beans, roasted sweet potato, and pumpkin seeds! Serve it as a fall main dish or a hearty side.

Bean Soups, Chili, Curries, and Stews

Sweet Potato Bisque with Crispy White Beans

This Sweet Potato Bisque is creamy, satisfying, rich, and 100% vegan! It’s made with pureed sweet potatoes and beans instead of heavy cream, but it tastes like traditional. It’s one of my best bean recipes for dinner.

closeup of black bean soup

Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

This Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with protein and veggies. It is perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and full of smoky, spicy goodness.  

Vegan Tofu Chili

Hearty Tofu Chili

Brimming with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, this is one of my most popular bean recipes. Vegan and meat-eaters alike love it for its hearty and satisfying texture and loads of plant protein.

An overhead shot of a bowl of Instant Pot white beans with lemon and rosemary with a towel and spoon.

Instant Pot White Beans with Lemon and Rosemary

These creamy, rich Instant Pot White Beans with rosemary and lemon make the perfect nutritious, flavor-packed side dish or main course. They are quick and easy to prepare, whether you need a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty addition to a dinner party spread!

overhead of sweet potato curry in bowl

Sweet Potato Black-Eyed Pea Curry

One of my favorite vegan recipes with beans is this Sweet Potato Black-Eyed Pea Curry. This Indian-inspired curry is spicy, creamy, and hearty; serve it with steamed rice, roti, or naan!

Bean Bowls

vegan burrito bowl

Vegan Burrito Bowl

Made with my popular walnut taco meat, these Vegan Burrito Bowls are better than Chipotle’s! They’re a great meal prep dinner for busy weeks. The whole family will go wild about them.

Winter Burrito Bowl

Winter Burrito Bowl

Nourish your body and delight your taste buds with this Winter Burrito Bowl! With fresh kale, black beans, carrots, jalapeños, and avocado cream, it’s easy to make and nutritious meal.

Camellia Green Lima Bean Buddha Bowl | www.sweetpotatosoul.com

Southern Buddha Bowl with Green Limas

Enjoy Southern flavors with a healthy twist with this Southern Buddha Bowl with Green Limas. Chewy farro is topped with lima beans, pickled onions, corn, and a peach vinaigrette for a fresh, reimagined comfort food dish.

International Bean Recipes

Sweet Potato Falafel Sandwich with cucumber avocado salad and lemon tahini sauce

Sweet Potato Falafel Sandwich

If you like falafel, you’ll love this Sweet Potato Falafel sandwich! Crispy, savory, and naturally sweet, these baked falafel are naturally vegan and a great way to enjoy chickpeas.

Chickpea & Butternut Squash Tagine

This Moroccan-inspired chickpea & butternut squash tagine is everything we love about vegetarian recipes with beans. It’s delicious, easy to make, nutritious, and comforting, perfect for chilly winter days!

Green Chili “Chicken” Enchiladas

Love enchiladas? Just because you eat plant-based doesn’t mean you must miss out on your favorite dish! Green Chili “Chicken” Enchiladas are filled with beans, vegan cheese, and plant-based chicken before being drenched with green chili sauce, making the ultimate comfort food!

Vegan Panda Express Teriyaki Chickpeas | sweetpotatosoul.com

Teriyaki Chickpeas

Teriyaki gets a healthy upgrade in this Teriyaki Chickpeas recipe. Sweetened with dates and seasoned with garlic and ginger, teriyaki sauce is rich, saucy, and processed sugar-free! Swap in edamame, tofu, or jackfruit if desired.

nut-free vegan west african stew | @sweetpotatosoul

Nut-Free West African Peanut Stew

Warm up with a bowl of this Nut-Free West African “Peanut” Stew. Made with sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, this West African Peanut Stew is healthy, easy to make, comforting, and downright DELICIOUS!

A close-up shot of vegan nachos.

Vegan Nachos

Indulge in these better-for-you Vegan Nachos piled high with savory toppings, ready in just 20 minutes! This is a seriously delicious meal with beans instead of meat — it’s perfect for game days, movie nights, or a twist on family taco night.

Soul Food Recipes Made with Beans

Red beans and rice in a white bowl

Vegan Red Beans and Rice

This New Orleans-style Vegan Red Beans and Rice is the ultimate comfort food! Loaded with Cajun flavors and hearty ingredients, this flavor-packed meatless dish is a filling, nutritious, and delicious meal.

Vegan Hoppin John Black-eyed peas | www.sweetpotatosoul.com

Vegan Hoppin’ John

A traditional take on the rice and beans dish, Vegan Hoppin’ John is made with spices and seasonings to replace the bacon, making this Southern comfort food dish plant-based!

A close-up shot of a bowl of black eyed peas and rice.

Vegan Black Eyed Peas

This Vegan Eyed Peas is made without sausage and bacon but is as flavorful, zesty, and comforting as the original version. Make it on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot for ultimate convenience.

Vegan Mac and Cheese Vegan Soul Food | sweetpotatosoul.com

Nut-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese

Enjoy Vegan Mac and Cheese without the nut-based cheese sauce! Pureed beans make the plant-based sauce smooth, rich, and flavorful.

Bean Burgers, Pizza, & Other Main Dishes

Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Spicy Black Bean Burger with Tajín

Tajín isn’t just for your favorite fruit! It adds layers of zest and spice to these plant-based Black Bean Burgers. Seasoned with onions, pepper, pumpkin seeds, Tajín, and more, these bean burgers celebrate flavor!

Vegan Black Bean Beet Burgers | www.sweetpotatosoul.com

World’s Best Veggie Burger | Black Bean Beet Burgers

Swap these Black Bean Beet Burgers for a meatless meal the whole family will love! Made with carrots, rice, walnuts, and smoked paprika, these burgers are as good for you as they are tasty.

Vegan Black Bean Burgers

Black Bean Hemp Burgers

Colorful, hearty, and made with superfoods, these Black Bean Hemp Burgers are a nutritious way to enjoy your favorite foods. Top them with avocado or guacamole and veggies and serve with air fryer sweet potato wedges for a complete meal.

An overhead shot of two vegan sausages-- one whole and one sliced -- on a parchment paper-lined cutting board.

Vegan Sausages

Enjoy savory, homemade vegan sausages made with beans and flavorful spices. A satisfying and versatile plant-based option, perfect for swapping for meat sausages in any recipe! 

Easy stuffed sweet potatoes

Easy Chickpea-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Thai-seasoned chickpeas are tucked in tender sweet potatoes for an aromatic and wholesome meal, great for meal prep! Top the Chickpea-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with fried shallots for a crunchy, flavorful finish.

Black Bean Crust Pizza

Vegan Black Bean Crust Pizza

Naturally gluten-free and vegan, this Black Bean Crust Pizza bursts with savory flavor, texture, and healthy goodness. Add my suggested toppings or experiment with your favorites!

Sweet Potato Burgers with Green Tahini Sauce

Sweet Potato Burgers with Green Tahini

These Sweet Potato Burgers have me smitten! They’re made with two of my favorite things — chickpeas and sweet potatoes — and are flavored with almonds, spices, and cilantro. Simple perfection!

side view of quinoa zucchini burger with a pickle

Hearty Zucchini Burgers

These hearty Zucchini Burgers are delicious, nutritious, and a great way to use up extra zucchini! Prepare them for meal prep or serve them for a family-friendly meal.

Breakfast Bean Recipes

overhead of sweet potato breakfast hash on plate

Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash

Make breakfast memorable with this easy one-skillet Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash, ready in under 30 minutes! It is as picturesque as it is delicious, made with crispy sweet potatoes, sautéed veggies, black beans, and creamy avocado.  

Sweet Potato Breakfast Burrito

These Sweet Potato Breakfast Burritos are a favorite way to start the day, packed with vegan sausage, black beans, sweet potato, and spices. Make a large batch and freeze them for easy breakfasts throughout the week!

Vegan Bean Desserts

Dark Chocolate Black Bean Cookies | sweetpotatosoul.com

Double Chocolate Black Bean Cookies

This tasty vegan cookie recipe is one I borrowed from my friend, Sarah Britton. They’re rich, chocolaty, and so fudgy thanks to their star ingredient, black beans!

I hope you enjoyed this list of my best vegan bean recipes and found inspiration for your next delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Please comment below with your favorite pick and save this post for later on Pinterest!

About Jenne

I’m a Georgia Peach living in Atlanta, with an insatiable love of sweet potatoes, my family, animals, and cooking. On Sweet Potato Soul you’ll discover hundreds of delicious and easy vegan recipes.

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