Mexican black beans are a simple, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or even rice bowls. With the perfect balance of spices and a rich, creamy texture, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their Mexican-inspired meals.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients:ย Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up without a trip to the store.
- Versatile:ย These beans can be served as a side dish, used as a filling, or even enjoyed as a dip.
- Healthy and Nutritious:ย Black beans are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
- Quick to Make:ย With minimal prep time, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Black beans (canned or cooked)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Water or vegetable broth
- Lime juice
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sautรฉ until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add black beans, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Pour in water or vegetable broth, then simmer for 10โ15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste and mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon for a creamier texture if desired.
- Stir in fresh lime juice and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4
- Preparation Time:ย 5 minutes
- Cooking Time:ย 20 minutes
- Total Time:ย 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Black Beans:ย Add a diced jalapeรฑo or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Tomato-Based Beans:ย Stir in a few tablespoons of tomato paste or diced tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- Smoky Beans:ย Replace chili powder with smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- Creamy Black Beans:ย Mix in a dollop of sour cream or coconut cream before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Let the beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing:ย These beans freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating:ย Warm the beans in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?
Yes! Cook the dried beans beforehand and follow the recipe as written. You’ll need about 1.5 cups of cooked beans to replace a 15-ounce can.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth instead of water.
Can I skip the lime juice?
The lime juice adds a bright, fresh flavor, but you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or omit it if necessary.
Are black beans healthy?
Absolutely! Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, pinto or kidney beans can work in place of black beans, but the flavor profile may change slightly.
What can I serve with these beans?
Serve them with rice, tortillas, roasted vegetables, or as a topping for tacos and nachos.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these beans taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
How do I make the beans thicker?
Mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon or use a potato masher to achieve a creamier consistency.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Simply double the ingredients and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Can I use fresh black beans?
If you have fresh black beans, youโll need to cook them thoroughly first, as they take longer to prepare than canned or pre-cooked beans.
Conclusion
Mexican black beans are a quick, easy, and delicious addition to any meal. Their bold flavors and creamy texture make them a crowd-pleaser, whether served as a side dish or the star of the show. Try this recipe and enjoy the taste of authentic Mexican cuisine in your own home!
PrintMexican Black Beans
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mexican Black Beans are full of flavor and perfect as a side dish, taco filling, or topping for rice bowls. Seasoned with spices and aromatics, they’re an easy and versatile recipe that can be prepared in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or water)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using), and cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Stir in the black beans and vegetable broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Squeeze in lime juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeรฑos when cooking the onions.
- These beans can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For extra flavor, substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if not following a vegetarian diet.
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