16 Hearty Bean Recipes, From Soup to Dip

If you have canned or dried beans in your pantry, you have the means to make a meal any night of the week.

A large bowl of vegetarian bean chili topped with sliced avocado, scallions, cilantro, and white onion. The periphery of the image contains a wide variety of plates and bowls holding tortillas, sliced limes, and additional chili.

Serious Eats / Julia Estrada

Beans are humble and inexpensive, but that doesn't mean you can't make an impressive meal out of them. These 16 bean recipes take advantage of those pantry staples—both canned and dried—to make a simple soup or chili, or a more involved French cassoulet. Whether you need an impressive party dip or a quick snack, these bean recipes have your back.