On this page
Ground Beef + Beans

Best Ground Beef + Beans Recipes — Reviewed & Ranked

Ground beef and beans is a pairing built on practicality and flavour. Beans stretch the meat, add protein and fibre, and absorb the spices and cooking liquid around them. From a hearty bowl of chili to bean-loaded tacos and stuffed peppers, this combination delivers satisfying, budget-friendly meals that feed a crowd. We've reviewed the best ground beef and bean recipes to find the ones that get the balance right.

Best Ground Beef + Beans Recipes

Chili Recipe

Top pick: Sugar Spun Run's The Best Chili

30 min Easy

Beans are the heart of chili — kidney, pinto, or black beans add protein and texture.

Top versions compared from published recipes and reader feedback

Ground Beef Taco Recipe

Top pick: The Wholesome Dish's The Best Homemade Tacos

15 min Easy

Refried or black beans alongside seasoned beef make tacos more substantial.

Top versions compared from published recipes and reader feedback

Sloppy Joes Recipe

Top pick: Natasha's Kitchen's Sloppy Joe Recipe

30 min Easy

Adding beans stretches the meat and adds body to the saucy filling.

Top versions compared from published recipes and reader feedback

Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Top pick: Once Upon a Chef's Stuffed Peppers

1 hr 15 min Easy

Black beans mixed into the beef and rice filling add protein and texture.

Top versions compared from published recipes and reader feedback

Turn this pairing into dinner

Save these combo recipes and build a shopping list in one tap.

Explore Ingredients

Learn more about these ingredients and find additional recipes.

Ground Beef

See all ground beef reviews and cooking guides.

Beans

Explore bean recipes and pairing ideas.

Other Combos

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best beans for ground beef chili?
Kidney beans are the classic choice — they hold their shape during long simmering and have a meaty texture that complements the beef. Pinto beans are creamier and work well in Tex-Mex style chili. Black beans add a slightly earthy flavour and firm texture. Many of the best chilis use a mix of two or three varieties for complexity. Drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to reduce sodium and prevent the liquid from thinning the chili.
Can beans replace some of the ground beef in a recipe?
Yes — mashed or whole beans can replace up to half the ground beef in most recipes without sacrificing texture. This works especially well in chili, tacos, and sloppy joes where the beans absorb the seasoning and blend into the dish. It's a great way to cut costs, add fibre, and reduce the overall fat content. For the best results, mash some of the beans so they disappear into the sauce while leaving others whole for texture.
Should I use canned or dried beans with ground beef?
Canned beans are the practical choice for weeknight meals — they're already cooked and just need to be drained, rinsed, and warmed through. Dried beans have a firmer texture and slightly better flavour, but they require soaking overnight and 1–2 hours of cooking. For slow-cooked dishes like chili where everything simmers for hours, dried beans can be added unsoaked and will cook in the liquid — just make sure there's enough broth.
See all ground beef recipes

Share this page

Turn this pairing into dinner

Save these combo recipes and build a shopping list in one tap.