These Mexican Black Beans are set to become your new favorite side dish! Perfect for taco nights, enchilada feasts, or whenever you crave a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, this recipe is incredibly simple to make and bursting with flavor. Forget bland side dishes; these black beans are so delicious, they might just steal the show!
A vibrant bowl of Mexican black beans garnished with fresh cotija cheese and cilantro, showcasing their rich color and inviting texture.
When it comes to dinner, side dishes can often feel like an afterthought. We pour our energy into the main course, and sides sometimes become a last-minute, uninspired addition. Sound familiar? In many households, including mine, this often translates to simple salads, steamed vegetables, or fruit – quick and easy, but not always exciting.
And if you’re making tacos or enchiladas? The default side often becomes chips and guacamole or salsa. Delicious, yes, but have you ever found yourself filling up on chips and salsa before the main course even arrives? It’s a common predicament, especially at Mexican restaurants where those bottomless baskets of chips are so tempting!
While I adore chips and salsa, let’s be honest, it’s not the most nutritious option, especially when enjoyed in copious amounts. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this incredibly easy, flavorful, and healthy side dish that will perfectly complement all your favorite Mexican and Southwestern-inspired meals: Mexican Black Beans! Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free.
What I truly love about these Mexican Black Beans is their simplicity. They are so quick to prepare, often taking less time than the main dish itself. I usually get them simmering on the stove first while I focus on the rest of dinner. While the recipe calls for a cook time of around 15-20 minutes, don’t hesitate to let them simmer for longer. The extended cooking time allows the beans to absorb even more of the wonderful flavors from the onions, garlic, aromatic spices, and fresh cilantro.
These beans are incredibly versatile. They are a fantastic accompaniment to Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos or Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, but honestly, they are delicious with practically anything. Trust me, you have to give them a try!
A close-up, square image of Mexican black beans in a white bowl, highlighting the texture and vibrant colors of the dish.
Recipe: Authentic Mexican Black Beans
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
These Mexican Black Beans are my go-to side dish for Taco Tuesday and enchilada nights. They are unbelievably tasty and incredibly easy to whip up!
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Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16 ounce) can black beans, undrained
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions soften and become fragrant, releasing their aromatic oils.
- Simmer Beans: Pour in the undrained black beans, chopped cilantro, cumin, and salt. Stir everything together well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook and Flavor: Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the beans to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time is crucial for the flavors to meld and deepen. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Some like a bit more cumin, others prefer a touch more salt.
- Serve: Serve these delicious Mexican black beans hot, garnished with extra fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of cotija cheese if desired. They are the perfect side to enhance any Mexican meal! Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
These Mexican Black Beans are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a wide range of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
- Taco Tuesday Staple: Naturally, they are fantastic with tacos! Serve them alongside your favorite taco fillings, whether it’s classic ground beef, shredded chicken, or vegetarian options.
- Enchilada Sidekick: Elevate your enchilada night by serving these flavorful beans as a side. They complement both cheese and meat enchiladas beautifully.
- Burrito Bowl Base: Create a healthy and satisfying burrito bowl by using these black beans as a base. Add rice, your choice of protein, salsa, guacamole, and your favorite toppings for a complete meal.
- Southwestern Salads: Add a scoop of these beans to your Southwestern-style salads for extra protein and flavor.
- Breakfast Burritos: Looking to add more substance to your breakfast burrito? Include these black beans for a heartier and more flavorful morning meal.
Variations:
Want to customize your Mexican Black Beans? Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Black Beans: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño pepper (seeds removed for less heat) to the beans while simmering for a spicy kick.
- Smoky Black Beans: Include a dash of smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (finely chopped) to infuse a smoky flavor.
- Lime Black Beans: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh lime juice at the end of cooking for a zesty and bright flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Sauté diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or zucchini along with the onions and garlic for added vegetables and texture.
Tips for the Best Mexican Black Beans:
- Don’t Drain the Beans: Using the liquid from the canned black beans adds body and flavor to the dish.
- Fresh Cilantro is Key: Fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbaceous note that is essential to the authentic flavor of Mexican black beans. Don’t substitute with dried cilantro.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the beans before serving and adjust the salt and cumin to your liking. Every palate is different!
- Simmer for Flavor: Allowing the beans to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes is crucial for the flavors to meld and deepen. Don’t rush this step.
Health Benefits of Black Beans:
Black beans are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Excellent Source of Fiber: Black beans are high in fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes feelings of fullness.
- Rich in Protein: They are a good source of plant-based protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Packed with Nutrients: Black beans are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, magnesium, and potassium.
- Heart-Healthy: The fiber and potassium in black beans contribute to heart health by helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Black beans are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body against cell damage.
Storing Leftover Mexican Black Beans:
Store leftover Mexican black beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They reheat beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Side Dish
Author: Ashlyn Edwards | Belle of the Kitchen
Calories: 193kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 4g, Sodium: 293mg, Potassium: 449mg, Fiber: 10g, Vitamin C: 2.1mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 2.7mg
Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen on Instagram or tag #BelleoftheKitchen.
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Originally published on Jun 14, 2018 (Last updated Oct 6, 2019)
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