I’m going on another year as a brand ambassador with the team from Bush’s Beans. We have always really loved Bush’s Beans around here, but I always felt a bit limited in how I used them. I had in my mind that certain beans go with certain foods, and I never thought to switch things up some.
Once I started working with Bush’s Beans I was introduced to how versatile their beans can be. Black beans don’t only have to be for your favorite Mexican dish. White Northern Beans aren’t just for White Chicken Chili. There are so many ways to use beans in dishes you might not have thought to use them in otherwise.
One great example is this Steak and Bean Fajita recipe I adapted from the Bush’s Beans recipe database. I never in a million years would have thought to add Pinto Beans to fajitas! You can bet, after trying this recipe, we will never have fajitas without beans again.
What are some of your favorite ways to use beans in recipes? I’m looking to be inspired!
Steak and Bean Fajitas
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 flank steak grilled medium and sliced
- 3 teaspoons Fajita seasoning
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 cup green and red pepper mixed, sliced
- 1 16 ounce can BUSH’S® Pinto Beans with bacon, drained
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 8-inch tortillas
- 4 large leaves of iceberg or leaf lettuce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Heat half of the oil in a 10-inch, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooked flank steak; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Fajita seasoning and stir to coat. Remove to plate, keeping partially covered.
- Wipe skillet; heat remaining oil. Add onion and peppers; cook until slightly crisp. Return steak to pan and stir in beans.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Fajita seasoning and toss with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place a tortilla down flat on a plate. Top each tortilla with skillet mixture and sprinkle with remaining Fajita seasoning.
- Serve topped with sour cream and cheese, if desired.
As a lifelong fan of Bush’s Beans, I am proud to be a brand ambassador for them. All opinions expressed are my own.
Courtney says
yum, sounds great! I need to add more beans to my food!
Kristen says
Check out the Bush’s Beans website – I was surprised to find so many different uses for beans there, including dessert!
Ali @ Gimme Some Oven says
I love the idea of adding some extra protein to fajitas! These look delicious, and love the photos!!
Kristen says
Thanks, Ali! I was so disappointed in the photos so I appreciate your comment. You – I am beyond excited about that espinaca dip recipe!!
Denise @ Creative Kitchen says
Oh love this idea! I frequently make tostadas and other mexican faves with black beans, but haven’t done much with whole pinto beans. Usually mash them up or use refried. This looks like a great way to them.
Kristen says
We really loved this recipe and it was a nice change from black beans!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
I could use some creativity in the bean department – this is perfect!
Kristen says
I’m always looking for bean inspiration too!
Minnie(@thelady8home) says
This looks a nice recipe. Healthy and sumptuous too.
Kristen says
It certainly is and I was telling my husband that it wasn’t too bad for us! Totally a plus – delicious and healthy!
patsy says
I am always trying to find ways to use beans in more dishes… right now, I’m adding them to make my warm weather salads have more staying power!
Kristen says
That’s a great idea! What is your favorite bean to use in salads?
Aggie says
this. looks. so. awesome!
Kristen says
It is so awesome 🙂 Miss you!!
Myka Aniston says
I love eating beans. Whatever recipes that there is a bean on it, I will definitely like that recipes. The food looks so awesome and it seems very nutritious.
Robert S. Lewis says
Healthy recipe ,great idea.It looks so delicious and nutritious .
Amy says
Haven’t had an appetite for much of anything lately but I’m totally drooling now.
Kristen says
Why haven’t you had an appetite? Is everything ok?
Amy says
Oh, yes. Everything is fine. I think the schedule, combined with the warmer weather has something to do with it. Just haven’t had a craving for much of anything—other than cake!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
I like using beans in lots of different ways. I have a great black and white bean soup recipe that has been popular on the blog. Also enjoy adding them to a salad to make a really substantial main dish. Then of course there’s three-bean salad, beans and rice, cowboy beans, all kinds of chili…etc…etc…
Kristen says
You are the bean queen 😉 I’m intrigued by those of you saying you add beans to salads. Would love to see some of those recipes!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
You know…you could probably make an entree salad with your Steak and Bean Fajitas recipe. A bed of sturdy, crisp lettuce like romaine, topped with your fajita mixture then add chopped fresh tomatoes, maybe some sour cream and fresh lime juice over that. A little cheese of some kind. Serve with tortilla chips on the side. Hmmm…sounds like dinner tonight 🙂
Liz says
I tend to make chicken fajitas and beef tacos. I’ll definitely shake things up a bit a try your yummy recipe 🙂
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says
What a great hearty meal.
Shenamea Frosse says
I have tried this Pinto beans with bacon in can for my recipe. This pinto beans is really helping a lot for having a good recipe. This can add taste and deliciousness on a recipe.
Les in NE says
Wow. I had no idea Bush’s had Pinto Beans with Bacon. All these years, I’ve been simmering their beans with a slice of uncooked bacon and now I can skip that step. 😉
This looks like a delicious meal. I might even try their Black Beans for variety.
Angie says
I’ve become a big fan of adding beans to dishes over the past several month. We found out last December that our little one has a peanut allergy and were instructed to keep her away from all tree nuts. So peanut butter and anything nut related went out the door (mama’s not taking any chances…) which meant I needed to find some new ways of adding protein back into her diet. Beans to the rescue! She loves rice and beans (usually black) with a little cheese. Or sometimes she even likes to eat baked beans with cheese and lettuce on a wrap – which I know sounds really odd, but she loves it 🙂
TidyMom says
I’ve already had dinner and these look so good I could eat one right now!!