Here’s a smart dinner trick: Swap half the ground beef in your recipe for beans. They’re affordable, loaded with fiber and nutrients, and pack plenty of protein—making them a great way to cut back on meat without sacrificing substance. Canned beans are especially convenient, and they blend right in, even for die-hard meat-and-potatoes fans. Bottom line? The Great Bean Scheme is easy, budget-friendly, and seriously satisfying.
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Fabulous Wet Burritos
Or consider the beef-and-bean burrito—a tasty combo that’s been getting it done since the chuckwagon days: “The sauce was great,” says Barbara. “The bean filling had a wonderful flavor. I put it all together and baked it in the oven until hot.”
It’s Chili by George!!
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Of course, you probably already know some recipes that are down with this idea. Chili mixes beef and beans with delicious results.
Beef and Bean Chimichangas
And let’s not forget the beef-and-bean burrito’s first cousin, the beef-and-bean chimichanga. “I’m a vegetarian,” says Stacy.” So I do not make these with beef, I just add extra beans. These have been a huge hit with my family.”
Taco Salad III
You may also have seen beans mingling with beef in taco salads. “Loved this taco salad,” says Kari Anne. “I used black beans along with the pinto beans.”
Mexican Quesadilla Casserole
When the quesadilla and beefy casserole collide, the result is Tex-Mex comfort food at its best. This recipe combines ground beef with pantry favorites like black beans, whole kernel sweet corn, tomato sauce, chopped green chiles, flour tortillas, and Rotel tomatoes.
One-Skillet Hearty Chili and Cornbread
Kidney beans and black beans extend a pound of seasoned ground beef in this comforting one-skillet meal. While the chili warms up in the skillet, whisk up the simple cornmeal topping, drop dollops of cornbread batter over the top of the chili, and slide the skillet in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Taco Bake II
“My family loved it! The only change I made was to add onion. My husband said, ‘Save this one,'”says reviewer Virginia Burtle.
Pasta and beans to La Chez Ivano
This is our favorite Italian way to do beef-and-bean business. “Absolutely delicious,” says GINABEAR1. “I used fresh minced garlic and used more ditalini and the beans I used were cannelini. We loved it!”
Taco Mix with Black Beans
Beans help stretch taco filling for days! Rock_lobster waxes poetic: “Taco Mix w/ Black Beans Haiku: ‘Gave us leftovers, by stretching one pound of meat. Thought it was quite good.'”
Black Bean Chili
With this recipe, two cans of black beans extend a pound of ground beef, along with tomato sauce, salsa, and chili seasoning mix. It’s ready in about 30 minutes. “A great quick recipe for a rainy night,” says Lynne.
Super Nachos
“Delicious,” says Sheila. “I added the beans to the meat mixture before spreading.” The recipe submitter Melanie says, “This makes a huge meal-sized tray of nachos with lots of good stuff! You can adjust ingredient quantities to suit your preference.”
Calico Bean Casserole
Three beans get it done here: Kidney beans, baked beans, and butter beans mix it up with ground beef, bacon, and onions. “It’s thick, hearty, and tasty too!” says Dee Dee. “This can also be done in a slow cooker.”
Beefed-Up Baked Beans and Bacon
Sweet and smoky baked beans achieve main dish status with crumbled bacon, ground beef, butter beans, pork and beans, and red kidney beans. “Beefed-up baked beans,” says Angela. “Sprinkle with shredded cheese and complete the meal with a side salad and cornbread.”
More Ways to Stretch Ground Beef
Try cutting half (or more!) of the ground beef from these top contenders and add some beans.
