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Easy Mexican Black Beans

By Samira Kazan

updated December 16, 2024

Easy Mexican Black Beans - 1 Easy Mexican Black Beans - 2 Easy Mexican Black Beans - 3

Made in just fifteen minutes – including prep time – these Mexican black beans are the perfect side dish for your next Mexican-inspired meal.

A serving of Mexican black beans topped with avocado pieces - 4

Black beans are amazing on their own, but when you add a few simple ingredients, they really shine. I love making this easy Mexican black beans recipe – it’s my go-to side for Taco Night! It’s full of flavor, and the best part?

It’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly so that everyone can enjoy it. And if you’re into black bean dishes, you’ve got to try my favorite black bean soup recipe – it’s spicy, hearty, and perfect for a simple yet satisfying meal.

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  • Watch how I make it
  • Ingredients
  • How to make Mexican black beans
  • How to store
  • Serving suggestions
  • More black bean recipes
  • Easy Mexican Black Beans Recipe

Watch how I make it

Ingredients

Ingredients for Mexican black beans - 5
  • Black Beans: Canned black beans are best for this recipe as the extra sauce they come in will be used! The liquid enhances the thickness and creaminess of the recipe.
  • Onion : White onions or shallots are best for sweetness.
  • Cilantro
  • Garlic
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Lime
  • Seasonings: Cumin, salt, and black pepper.

How to make Mexican black beans

Cook The Onions: Add the olive oil to a large pan and allow to warm, then add the chopped onions. Sauté until they start to turn translucent, then add the minced garlic. Don’t cook them at the same time as the garlic can burn and needs a shorter cooking time. Cook until you smell the aroma of the garlic.

Cook The Beans: Add the undrained black beans, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pan. Simmer for ten minutes, stirring to combine all the ingredients.

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Serve: Squeeze over the lime juice and stir one last time before transferring to a dish and serving. Garnish with more fresh cilantro leaves or slices of avocado to taste.

How to store

  • In The Fridge: Allow the Mexican black beans to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for 4-5 days.
  • In The Freezer: Transfer the cooled beans into a freezer-safe container or Ziplock bag. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • To Reheat: If frozen, leave in the fridge to thaw overnight before using. Then, place the black beans into a saucepan, adding a little more water to thin the sauce. Cover with a lid and reheat on low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
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Serving suggestions

  • Classics: Mexican black beans are best enjoyed alongside classic Mexican dishes like ground beef tacos , burritos, chicken quesadillas , and crockpot chicken enchiladas . It’s an easy way to add flavor and texture to dishes.
  • Sides: For a larger Mexican meal, serve alongside other staple side dishes like Mexican Rice, Pico de Gallo , Guacamole, or Homemade Salsa. Or, just enjoy them with tortilla chips!
  • Tex-Mex Staples: Black beans are also popular in Tex-Mex cooking, so this dish is delicious paired with staple meals like Texas caviar , nachos or a taco casserole.
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More black bean recipes

Mixed Texas caviar in a bowl - 9 Mixed Texas caviar in a bowl - 10 Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger - 11 Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger - 12 Homemade nachos topped with avocado and tomato slices - 13 Homemade nachos topped with avocado and tomato slices - 14

IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric1x2x3x

  • ▢ 28 oz black beans ( 2 cans, don’t drain)
  • ▢ 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • ▢ 1 onion (medium, 1 cup chopped)
  • ▢ 3 cloves garlic ( 1 tsp minced)
  • ▢ 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
  • ▢ 1 lime
  • ▢ 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
  • ▢ 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • ▢ 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil to a large pan and allow to warm, then add the chopped onions. Sauté until they start to turn translucent, then add the minced garlic. Cook until you smell the aroma of the garlic.
  • Add the undrained black beans, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
  • Squeeze over the lime and mix one last time before transferring to a dish and serving. Garnish with more fresh cilantro leaves or slices of avocado.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

A serving of Mexican black beans topped with avocado pieces - 15

Easy Mexican Black Beans

Ingredients

  • 28 oz black beans ( 2 cans, don’t drain)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion (medium, 1 cup chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic ( 1 tsp minced)
  • 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime
  • 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil to a large pan and allow to warm, then add the chopped onions. Sauté until they start to turn translucent, then add the minced garlic. Cook until you smell the aroma of the garlic.
  • Add the undrained black beans, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
  • Squeeze over the lime and mix one last time before transferring to a dish and serving. Garnish with more fresh cilantro leaves or slices of avocado.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Recipe on Alphafoodie: https://www.alphafoodie.com/mexican-black-beans/