Best Black Beans

4.5
(826)
571 Reviews
38 Photos

This black beans recipe is ready in just 15 minutes! With a can of black beans, onion, and garlic from your pantry, plus some chopped fresh cilantro, this quick and easy side dish is a no-brainer when you're short on time. Pairs well with any Mexican or Cuban meal.

Submitted by Cameron
Updated on February 13, 2023
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself.
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overhead view of a bowl of black beans garnished with herbs in a blue bowl, on a purple kitchen towel
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Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
4
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ready to make the best black beans of your life? You've come to the right place. This easy recipe, which starts with canned black beans, will become a staple side dish in your recipe repertoire.

Black Beans Ingredients

Believe it or not, you only need five ingredients to make these top-rated black beans:

· Black beans: This easy recipe starts with a 16-ounce can of black beans.
· Onion and garlic: The canned black beans are cooked with a chopped onion and minced garlic for extra flavor.
· Seasonings: You'll need salt and cayenne pepper.
· Cilantro: Finish the black beans with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Make Black Beans

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these top-rated black beans:

Combine the beans, onion, and garlic in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer for about 5 minutes before serving.

How to Season Black Beans

These black beans are simply seasoned with garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. Of course, it's incredibly easy to customize this basic recipe by incorporating your favorite flavorful ingredients. Try adding:

· Jalapeño
· Cumin
· Paprika
· Lime juice
· Chili powder
· Bay leaves

What to Serve With Black Beans

When it comes to serving these black beans, the sky's the limit! Looking for some delicious inspiration? Check out these mouthwatering recipe collections:

· Our 21 Best Authentic Mexican Recipes
· 10 Traditional Cuban Recipes with Big Flavor
· 18 Easy Mexican Dishes with 5 Ingredients or Less
· 22 Taco Recipes You'll Love
· 21 Best Tex-Mex Recipes

How to Store Black Beans

Store your leftover cooked black beans in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"These ARE the best," raves Jennifer Bishop Hamm. "I make these all the time now. FYI: Leftovers actually freeze pretty well too, so I keep some on hand to sneak into my son's quesadillas."

"Delicious," according to JLW. "I made this recipe as a side with the Jerky Chicken recipe found on this site. It was great. I sautéed the onions and garlic in a tiny bit of olive oil before adding the black beans. I also added the cayenne and a bit of lime juice at the same time as the beans."

"Easy and so, so flavorful," says lisamarie78. "I really liked the flavor of this dish … will be the only way I make black beans as a side dish from now on!"

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) can black beans, undrained

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 1 clove garlic, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • salt to taste

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    The five ingredients needed for top-rated black beans

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Combine beans, onion, and garlic in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil.

    Simmering saucepan with bean mixture.

  3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in cilantro, cayenne, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes.

    The beans, onion, and garlic combined in a saucepan.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Remove from pot, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve.

    overhead view of a bowl of black beans garnished with herbs in a blue bowl, on a purple kitchen towel

    DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

112 Calories
0g Fat
21g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 112
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Sodium 510mg 22%
Total Carbohydrate 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 8g 29%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 7g 14%
Vitamin C 5mg 5%
Calcium 46mg 4%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 385mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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