Putting together dinner night after night can be a challenge, even for the most organized among us. Leaning on the protein you want to use can make the meal a little more approachable and help you put the fuller picture together. For Natalie Rizzo, registered dietitian and TODAY nutrition editor, dinner planning starts with a plant-based protein — and her favorite dinnertime protein doesn’t require any cooking. Dietitian tip of the day: Use beans as a no-cook, plant-based protein for dinner Rizzo’s favorite no-cook protein to use in dinner is canned black beans. The beans are packed with 8 grams of plant-based protein, 8 grams of fiber per half-cup serving, as well as iron, folate and antioxidants. And they’re versatile, Rizzo says. Sometimes she’ll make a black bean quesadilla or tacos with roasted veggies and black beans. Diet Exercise May 31 The top 5 healthy grains with the most protein, according to a dietitian Diet Exercise May 7 The No. 1 plant-based protein for simple, no-cook lunches, according to a dietitian Why it matters Generally, experts tell TODAY.com it’s healthy to eat more plant-based protein and less meat. It’s something the American Heart Association now recommends and is a component of some of the healthiest eating plans out there, including the Mediterranean diet. And you don’t have to give up meat or animal products entirely to get the health benefits, Rizzo says. Just adding in more plant foods to your day can support your overall health. When you’re ready to give it a try, beans are a great way to dip your toes into eating more plant-based protein. “They’re the easiest plant-based protein because they’re already in foods we know and love,” Rizzo explained previously, “like chili, tacos, hummus, soups and stews. And most people already like the taste and texture.” Beans and legumes are healthy sources of plant protein that naturally come with other nutrient benefits too, including fiber and essential minerals. And canned beans are “affordable, shelf-stable and used in cultural dishes all over the world, which makes them a natural first step into plant-based eating,” Rizzo said. How to get started There are so many culinary uses for black beans it’s hard to know where to start. Rizzo is partial to weeknight tacos, which include whatever roasted veggies she has in the fridge, a can of black beans and toppings that family members can customize. Think about using them in: Soups Quesadillas Chili Tacos Salads You can also try making hearty black bean burgers with them for a satisfying summer meal. Or you could even mix them into brownies to add some nutrients and create a denser texture. This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY: She serves her Korean parents new cuisines. Their reactions are priceless Is it healthy to eat meat every day? Here’s what a dietitian says The dough burger, a Southern hard-times staple, is having a resurgence ...read more read less