These Seasoned Black Beans are quick, flavorful, and the perfect side dish for dishes like tacos and rice bowls. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe turns canned black beans into a delicious side dish.
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Canned Seasoned Black Beans
This is one of my favorite side dishes and it is barely really a recipe because all we are doing is taking a can of beans are adding a ton of flavor to make delicious black beans. This easy side dish is quick to make, I usually have all the ingredients I need, it is a great way to add extra plants to the plate, and my family always eats it without complaining.
I didn’t even mention how a side of black beans goes so well with so many meals! This is a side dish you can add to your family’s weekly taco night or burrito bowls no problem and it is just as perfect for roasted meats and veggies. If you are looking for a light meal just makes these and my Mexican Rice Recipe (or white rice) and you are good to go!
Ingredients
- Canned Black Beans – Make sure you include the liquid from the beans in the dish! I tend to use low sodium canned black beans because that is what I prefer but you can use regular canned black beans with no problems.
- Olive Oil – Some olive oil for sautéing the onions and peppers.
- Bell Pepper – You can chose whatever bell pepper works for you. I most often like a red bell pepper but yellow, orange, or even a green bell pepper also works. If you are looking for a little more heat you can use a jalapeño pepper or poblano pepper instead.
- Yellow Onion – A yellow onion works best because of the mild flavor but you can really use any onion that you have like a white onion or red onion.
- Garlic – Of course a little minced garlic for flavoring.
- Bay Leaf – For flavor, make sure you remember to take this out before serving it isn’t meant to be eaten.
- Chili Powder & Ground Cumin Powder – For flavoring the beans. I find this to be the classic duo which usually does the job but also feel free to play around with other spices like Mexican oregano or even a blend like taco seasoning.
- Kosher Salt – And of course some salt, I prefer using kosher salt when I cook but sea salt also works well.
Instructions
Heat a small pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the chili powder, cumin powder, kosher salt, and bay leaf. Stir well to coat the veggies in the seasonings.
Pour the entire can of black beans (including the liquid) into the pot. If you want a looser, more brothy texture, stir in about ¼ cup of water — you can always add more if needed.
Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your seasoned black beans as a side dish, taco filler, or over rice!
pro tip
For a more creamy black beans use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash some of the beans up for a more creamy consistency.
tips, tricks and questions
Do I need to drain and rinse the canned black beans?
No, for this recipe, the liquid from the can helps create the saucy base.
What can I serve seasoned black beans with?
They’re super versatile! Serve them over rice, as a filling for tacos or burritos, on nachos, or as a side for grilled meats or roasted veggies.
How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. These seasoned black beans also freeze well — just portion them out and freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations
If you have a packet of Sazón Goya con culantro y achiote on hand, you can substitute it for the chili powder, cumin, and salt. It adds a delicious Latin-inspired flavor without the need to measure out multiple spices.
Make it spicier by add a pinch of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. If you have it available top off the beans with some finely chopped fresh cilantro.
If you like this Canned Seasoned Black Beans Recipe you might also like:
Seasoned Canned Black Beans
Making seasoned black beans from a can is a quick and easy side dish perfect for taco night!
Ingredients
- 1 15.5oz can black beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ colorful bell pepper, diced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Heat a small pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil let the oil get hot.
- Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies have started to soften.
- Add the chili powder, cumin powder, kosher salt, and bay leaf. Stir in. Add the black beans with the liquid from the can. Depending on the brand of black beans and how watery you want your dish you can add water if you want to. Start with ¼ cup of water and add more if you wish.
- Bring the beans to a light boil and cook for 10 minutes stirring every few minutes. Remove from the heat and remove the bay leaf. Enjoy!
Notes
If you happen to have packets of Sazón Goya con culantro y achiote on hand you can use one packet and leave out the chili powder, cumin powder, and salt.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1/4 dishAmount Per Serving: Calories: 145Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 590mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 8gSugar: 1gProtein: 7g
Nutritional data is automated and might not be 100% accurate, final nutritional information will depend on ingredients used and any changes made.
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