30 Simple Kidney Bean Recipes

Trying to figure out what to do with that lonely can of kidney beans? How about whipping up one of these sensational kidney bean recipes? 

They’re a staple in Central American dishes and a popular legume throughout the world. 

And after one bite of these dishes, you’ll see why!

You can use kidney beans in a variety of amazing meals.

That includes sloppy joes, chili mac and cheese, and Mexican soup, to name a few. 

Plus, kidney beans are high in fiber, minerals, and protein. So they’re good for you too!

Move over cannellini and pinto beans, these kidney beans recipes are here to stay.

1. Chili

Kidney beans are your new secret weapon to making the ultimate chili. And this recipe is full of them. 

Other ingredients you’ll need are browned beef, garlic, yellow onion, canned tomatoes, jalapenos, and a ton of spice. 

I also like to add a splash of dark beer to give this chili more depth.

Choose any dark beer you like, but I think the sweet, malty flavor of a porter pairs best. 

2. Jamaican Rice and Peas (Coconut Rice and Beans)

Tonight, whip up your kidney beans Jamaican style with this Caribbean dish. 

The rice soaks up coconut milk to impart a wonderful tropical flavor that goes smashingly with kidney beans. 

You can serve this as a side dish or make it into a light entree. 

3. Sloppy Joes

These aren’t like the sloppy joes at your middle school cafeteria. 

A savory filling of ground beef, veggies, and kidney beans gets smothered in barbecue sauce. 

Slap this satiating mix on a perfectly toasted bun and you have a winner. 

4. Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans. It’s super yummy and satiating.

Start by cooking your pasta and Italian sausage. Then throw all your soup ingredients into a pot and simmer. 

To make it taste just like Olive Garden, you’ll want kidney beans, great northern beans, veggies, onions, tomato sauce, and dried Italian herbs.

5. Three-Bean Salad

If you want taste, texture, and color, this three-bean salad is just the ticket.

Between the tender kidney beans, crisp green beans, and hearty chickpeas, it’s sure to keep you full.

Serve this at your next BBQ or potluck – it goes with everything!

6. Refried Kidney Beans

This will be your new favorite way to do refried beans. 

These beans have a wonderful consistency and perfectly seasoned flavor. 

One bite and you’ll want to pair these refried beans with all your favorite Mexican recipes.

7. Chipotle Chili

Liven up a cold winter day with a nourishing, protein-rich chipotle chili. 

Chipotle adds a hint of smokiness that compliments the mild sweetness of the kidney beans.

Top this chili with an array of fixings. Some of my favorites are cheddar cheese, avocado, and fresh cilantro.  

8. 10-Bean Soup

This veggie-packed soup is an easy pantry staple. 

It features a variety bag of beans, veggies, aromatics, and smoky ham for maximum flavor.

There’s kidney beans, lentils, lima beans, and more. So you know you’ll be stuffed after just one bowl.

9. Louisiana-Style Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is my go-to Southern comfort dish.

I like it with plenty of Cajun spice and hot Conecuh sausage for even more fire. Though, Andouille is the next best option.

Either way, be sure to have plenty of bread to mop up the sauce!

10. Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is my version of Chicken Soup for the Soul. It’s full of comforting flavors and warming Mexican spices. 

Cream of chicken soup, shredded chicken, black beans, and kidney beans make up the base. Meanwhile, fajita seasoning and salsa add a flavorful punch. 

For the ultimate toppings, go with cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

11. Vegetarian Chili Mac and Cheese  

Who doesn’t love mac and cheese! What’s even better is this one-pot meal can be ready in 30 minutes. 

This vegetarian recipe is a healthier version that still lets you give in to your cheesy cravings. 

The best part is it also incorporates your favorite chili fixings. 

12. Taco Soup

Still think kidney beans are boring? Well then wait until you try this taco soup. 

It’s brimming with complex flavors that are impossible to resist.

This includes ground beef, green chilis, kidney beans, pinto beans, veggies, and taco seasoning. 

13. Bean Stew 

Warm up on a dreary day with a wholesome bowl of bean stew. 

This recipe is a cinch to make and full of protein. It has three types of beans including garbanzo, black beans, and kidney beans.

You can mix and match ingredients with whatever you have on hand, but I highly recommend not skimping on the kidney beans for this one.

14. Minestrone Soup

This rendition of minestrone is a favorite in my household. 

It’s full of veggies like carrots, spinach, celery, and zucchini. Kidney beans impart a mildly sweet taste, while the tangy tomatoes and herbs build deep flavors. 

All that goodness drenches al dente shell pasta for a super heartwarming bowl. 

15. Coconut Kidney Bean Curry

Need a quick pick-me-up for dinner? Kidney bean curry is sure to lift your spirits. 

This Thai-inspired dish is bursting with spicy, tropical, earthy flavors. 

Kidney beans swim in a garam masala spiced coconut milk. Pour that over a bed of rice for a full meal.

16. Mexican Bean Salad

This salad is as colorful as it is delicious. And the texture? Oh, em, gee – you’ll go nuts for the crunchiness!

The beans are essential here, but most of the flavor comes from the other ingredients.

There’s peppery red onion, sweet bell peppers, crisp corn, and plenty of tang from the dressing. Yum!

17. Spaghetti with Kidney Bean Meatballs 

Meatless Mondays, say hello to your new friend.

These meatless meatballs feature white kidney beans, breadcrumbs, dried herbs, and nutritional yeast. 

Toss these giant meatballs on top of some spaghetti and dinner is ready!

18. Caribbean Bean and Collard Green Soup 

Get ready to cozy up because this Caribbean soup is on the dinner menu tonight. 

Meld kidney beans, black beans, scotch bonnet pepper, canned tomatoes, and a heaping of spice in light coconut milk. 

You’ll also need some collard greens, lime, and a pinch of brown sugar.

19. Oven Baked Calico Beans

When I have a hankering for baked beans, I turn to this recipe. 

Sure, there are plenty of BBQ baked bean recipes out there. But there’s something extra special about Calico beans.

That’s because this recipe uses more than one type of bean, so the texture is extra special.

20. Ground Turkey Chili 

If you want a hearty meal that’s also healthy, try this turkey chili.

Using ground turkey instead of beef or pork keeps the calories and fat content low.

And after you add the beans, tomatoes, spices, and broth, you’ll never even notice the difference!

21. Red Kidney Bean Dip

Quick and easy, red kidney bean dip is a lifesaver for game days and parties. 

It only requires six ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time. 

Grab a bag of tortilla chips because your guest will want to dig right in. 

22. Red Bean and Roasted Pepper Hummus

Chickpeas, step aside because kidney beans are in town. 

Kidney beans have a mildly sweet and earthy flavor that makes for incredible hummus. 

What makes this recipe even more unique is it uses lime and roasted red pepper. It’s so good, I could eat it with a spoon! 

23. Three Bean Tacos

Taco Tuesday just got an upgrade with three bean tacos. They’re fresh, filling, and oh-so-scrumptious.

Crunchy shells each get a healthy dose of bell peppers, red onions, taco seasoning, and three types of beans. 

I like to top mine with salsa, cheese, and avocado. 

24. Cowboy Beans

What are cowboy beans, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you!

It’s a hearty meal of ground beef, bacon, and beans. This recipe does it right with kidney beans, pork’ n beans, white beans, and brown sugar.

These beans go to show you can never have enough slow cooker recipes on your hands. 

25. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Kids and adults will both agree that kidney beans are great in stuffed bell peppers.

This recipe includes mushrooms, tomatoes, parsley, and jalapenos. Rice adds more substance to the filling while melty cheese seals in all the flavors. 

26. Quick Kidney Bean Burgers 

You’ve probably had – or at least heard of – black bean burgers. But what about kidney bean burgers?

They’re just as hearty and delicious, and they work so well with any toppings you can think of.

Plus, you can make extra and freeze them for later.

27. Spicy Bean and Beef Pie

Next time you’re craving a savory beef pie, give this recipe a whirl. 

Flaky pie crust gets a filling of beef, kidney beans, Picante salsa, and a bean with bacon soup. 

The fillings are so substantial, you may want to turn this into a deep-dish double-crust pie. 

28. Mexican Corn and Bean Soup

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can swap out ingredients for what you have on hand. 

However, some ingredients are a must. These are corn, peppers, and of course, kidney beans.

For a vegan version, you could use veggie broth and a non-dairy milk substitute. 

29. Vegan Jambalaya

Speaking of vegan, this amazing vegan jambalaya is one to add to the list. 

This Louisiana dish typically calls for andouille sausage which consists of pork. But this one uses vegan andouille instead. 

Add in some creole cajun seasoning, fresh veggies, kidney beans, and rice for some tasty southern fare. 

30. Kidney Bean Brownies

I know what you’re thinking, “kidney bean brownies, really?” Yes, really!

You have to sink your teeth into these fudgy, chewy squares. Kidney beans give these brownies a healthy twist and thick texture. 

They’re so delicious your kids will never know you snuck in red beans.