Easy Black Beans

Here’s the best trick: how to cook canned black beans in 5 minutes! This recipe transforms a bland can of beans into a flavor-packed dinner.

How do you make dinner in 5 minutes? This is one of those down-and-dirty kitchen tricks that barely qualifies as a formal recipe. Except a recipe is really just an idea, and this idea saves us weekly. Try these Easy Black Beans, the way to take a can of bland beans and make it into a meal. It’s vegan and gluten free, full of plant based protein, and works as a main or a side. It’s just what you need on those nights where you open the pantry and give it a blank look. Got canned beans? Then let’s go.

The five ingredients for these easy black beans

This black beans recipe uses just a handful of ingredients to bring huge flavor. Typically we’ll cook these up without thinking about it. But we’ve realized: not everyone knows this trick! Once you’ve made it once, you won’t even need to measure. Here’s what to have on-hand to cook canned black beans in a flash (or jump to the recipe to get started):

• Canned black beans: Black beans vary widely, so use trial and error to find a brand whose texture and flavor you love. Steer away from reduced sodium (those are typically very bland).
• Fresh garlic: You must make this with fresh garlic! In a pinch you can use some garlic powder, but fresh garlic is the best way to instant flavor. Not a pro at peeling and mincing it? Go to How to Mince Garlic.
• Cumin: A hint of cumin pairs with the garlic to add a savory complexity.
• Olive oil
• Salt

How to cook canned black beans

There’s not much to it, folks! To give you a little context, here’s the main concept behind this fast and easy canned black beans recipe:

• Drain the beans, but no need to rinse. Why no rinse? First, so you don’t have to dirty a strainer! (We’re lazy.) Even better: the residual can liquid gives a little bit of instant saucy texture to the beans.
• Saute minced garlic for 1 minute. Cook until you start to smell it and it’s sizzling beautifully, but before it browns. This should take 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Cook the canned beans, cumin, and salt for 2 minutes. Cook just until they’re just warmed through. Give it a taste and be amazed!

Double this recipe for 4 hearty servings

This recipe is for 1 can of black beans. How filling the recipe is depends on how you serve it. But if you’re serving it as a main protein source, it’s only 2 servings. It’s very easy to double, so mix up a double recipe if you’re trying to feed 4 hungry eaters!

Ways to serve this black beans recipe

Sure, you say: you can make these black beans in 5 minutes. But that’s not a meal! Good point. But! There are lots of easy ways you can make it into an easy, healthy meal. Here are some ideas for how to serve these black beans:

• Taco filling. Add them to tortillas and top with crunchy fresh veggies, salsa and sour cream.
• Rice bowl. Make rice or use leftovers. Add sliced cherry tomatoes and avocado.
• With a scramble. Try alongside our Scrambled Eggs or Tofu Scramble.
• Quesadilla filling. Pan fry it (or bake it!) between two tortillas and cheese. Add salsa or a spicy mayo drizzle.
• Over a sweet potato. Make these quick baked sweet potatoes, then stuff with black beans and salsa.
• On a salad. Throw them on greens. Top with cilantro dressing.
• Burrito. Add it to a large tortilla with cheese, bell peppers, salsa, and greens.

Of course, there are lots more ideas. Let us know how you serve yours in the comments below!

Black beans nutrition

Why eat your beans? There are so many reasons to eat more black beans! Here are a few of the highlights of this magical fruit (source):

• Excellent source of protein. 1 cup has 15 grams of protein, about 30% of your daily protein needs.
• Excellent source of fiber. 1 cup also has 15 grams of fiber, about 50% of your daily intake.
• Black beans have a lower glycemic index compared to many other high-carbohydrate foods, meaning they cause a smaller rise in blood sugar after a meal.

More easy bean recipes

Here are the top bean recipes we reach for when we need a fast meal:

• Easy Cannellini Beans or Easy White Beans Make white beans into a tasty side dish with this easy recipe! It’s packed with Mediterranean flavor and plant-based protein.
• Simple Butter Beans Brothy, smoky and savory: the ideal way to eat these nutritious beans!
• Simple Chickpea Salad A 5-minute fast lunch idea! This simple chickpea salad is easy to throw together: the perfect healthy plant based desk lunch or quick fix dinner.
• Borlotti Beans These unique beans are full of creamy, savory flavor: a total treat!
• Lupini Beans This variety is protein-packed!

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Easy White Beans

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Easy Butter Beans

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Borlotti Beans

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Lupini Beans

This recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

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