These Mexican Black Beans are set to become your new favorite side dish! Whether you’re serving up tacos, enchiladas, or any Southwestern-inspired feast, this recipe is incredibly easy, quick, and bursting with authentic Mexican flavors. Forget bland sides – these black beans are guaranteed to elevate your meal with minimal effort.
A bowl filled with black beans and cotija
Are you tired of side dishes being an afterthought? We’ve all been there. You spend ages perfecting the main course, and then the sides end up being a simple salad or some quickly steamed vegetables. While those are fine, they sometimes lack the excitement and flavor to truly complement a delicious main dish, especially when you’re aiming for a vibrant Mexican meal.
Think about those times you’re at a Mexican restaurant. The chips and salsa are so tempting, it’s easy to fill up before your main course even arrives! And while chips and salsa are undeniably delicious, they aren’t always the most nutritious choice, especially when you can easily overindulge.
That’s where this recipe for Mexican black beans comes in. It’s the ideal solution: a side dish that’s not only incredibly easy and quick to prepare but also healthy, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free. It’s the perfect accompaniment to all your favorite Mexican and Southwestern dishes, offering a delicious and wholesome alternative to heavier sides.
What makes these Mexican black beans truly stand out is their simplicity. You can start them cooking while you focus on the main dish. While the recipe calls for a simmer time of 15-20 minutes, don’t hesitate to let them cook longer. This extended simmering time allows the beans to fully absorb the wonderful flavors from the onions, garlic, spices, and fresh cilantro, resulting in an even more delicious and aromatic side.
These beans are fantastic paired with Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos or Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, but honestly, they are versatile enough to enhance almost any meal. You absolutely have to give them a try! They’re a game-changer for your Mexican-inspired cooking.
A bowl filled with black beans and cotija
Recipe: Easy Mexican Black Beans
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
These Mexican Black Beans are your new secret weapon for Taco Tuesday, enchilada nights, or whenever you crave a touch of authentic Mexican flavor. They are unbelievably easy to make and deliver incredible taste!
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16 oz) can black beans, undrained
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onions begin to soften and become translucent.
- Pour in the undrained black beans, then add the chopped cilantro, cumin, and salt. Stir everything together well to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and let the beans simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, cumin, or cilantro to your liking.
- Serve these delicious Mexican black beans hot, garnished with extra chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of cotija cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions: These Mexican black beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side dish with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, or alongside grilled chicken or fish. They are also a fantastic addition to burrito bowls or as a topping for nachos.
Variations: Want to customize your black beans?
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the saucepan while sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Smoky: Include a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a deeper flavor profile.
- Cheesy: Stir in some shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese at the end of cooking for extra richness.
Nutritional Information: (Approximately per serving)
Calories: 193kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 4g, Sodium: 293mg, Potassium: 449mg, Fiber: 10g, Vitamin C: 2.1mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 2.7mg
Enjoy this simple and flavorful Mexican black beans recipe as a staple side dish in your kitchen! It’s a healthy, delicious, and easy way to bring authentic Mexican taste to your table.
