Mexican Black Beans

Delicious and easy restaurant style black beans. These beans are loaded with flavor and are perfect alongside ANY Mexican entree!

Black beans are a healthy, yummy side dish that is easy to make and oh so tasty. Try this protein-packed dish alongside our Quick & Easy Mexican Pizzas, Easy Red Enchiladas, or Favorite Beef Tacos.

Easy Restaurant Style Black Beans | lifemadesimplebakes.com

Best Mexican Black Beans

We LOVE Mexican food in our house. This is not simply a Cinco de Mayo adventure. We eat Mexican food one or two times a week!

So, I thought it would be appropriate to share one of my favorite Mexican inspired side dishes. This is one recipe I make time and time again. It is just that good! It’s been years since I first developed this dish, and we still love it! It took quite a while for me to get the seasonings right, but once it did, we never looked back.

Black beans are also a healthy option to throw into your diet, they are high in potassium, fiber, and B6 and even help lower cholesterol. Tasty and healthy, a win win.

How to Make Mexican Black Beans 

To start, you’ll need two cans of low-sodium black beans. Yes, we’re using canned beans, just trust me. You’ll also need low-sodium chicken broth, a can of diced hatch chilies (medium, mild or hot), red onion, fresh chopped cilantro, garlic and a handful of pantry staple spices.

  1. Heat olive oil on medium-low in a heavy bottom saucepan
  2. When oil is hot add onions and cook until soft (2-3 minutes)
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
  4. Add green chilies, chicken broth, UN-drained black beans, chopped fresh cilantro and all spices
  5. Bring to a rapid simmer at medium-high heat
  6. Reduce to medium-low, cover and cook for 30 minutes
    1. Stir at 15 minute mark
    2. May cook for up to an hour
  7. Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowl
  8. Garnish with additional cilantro and queso fresco (optional)

More Cooking Methods

Slow cooker: You can cook in a slow cooker for 3-4 hours on high, or on low for 6-8 hours

Instant Pot: Follow our black bean instant pot recipe here

Easy Restaurant Style Black Beans | lifemadesimplebakes.com

Storing, Pairing Options + Uses

Reheating / Storing: Store black beans in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat this dish in the microwave, you might want to add a bit of water to give a little moisture back to it. 

What to pair with black beans? Here are a few ideas other than with tortillas or in burritos, enchiladas or tacos…

Easy Restaurant Style Black Beans | lifemadesimplebakes.com

These beans are always the first thing to disappear at the dinner table, seriously! Kids and adults alike absolutely love them- I think you will too! Enjoy 🙂

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Easy Restaurant Style Black Beans | lifemadesimplebakes.com

Mexican Black Beans Recipe

Delicious and easy restaurant style black beans. These beans are loaded with flavor and are perfect alongside ANY Mexican entree!
4.77 from 39 votes
Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 36kcal
Author: Andrea
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red onion - finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic - minced
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles - mild, medium or hot
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 (15.5 oz) cans low-sodium black beans - un-drained and unrinsed
  • 1/2 tsp kosher sea salt - or ¼ tsp. if the black beans are not low-sodium
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • pinch cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro - chopped
  • 2 tbsp crumbled queso fresco - optional

Instructions

  • In a medium heavy bottom saucepan set over medium-low heat, add the olive oil.
  • When the oil is hot, add the onion and cook until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the green chilies, chicken broth, black beans (undrained and unrinsed), salt, chili powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, and cilantro. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring to a rapid simmer.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 30 minutes (or up to an hour), stirring at the 15 minute mark.
  • Remove from the heat, transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cilantro and queso fresco, if desired.

NOTES

  • Don't want to use black beans? Pinto beans work well too!

Nutrition

Serving: 8serving | Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 122IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

 

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About the Author

Andrea

Hi I'm Andrea!

Hotelier turned Food Blogger to help make your life simple, one recipe at a time.

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Comments:

    1. Hi Michelle, you can make it in the oven, but will still have to do a little on the stovetop. Here is how:
      Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

      Prepare the bean mixture as instructed in the original recipe:

      Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat.
      Add the onion and cook until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
      Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
      Stir in the green chilies, chicken broth, black beans (with their liquid), salt, chili powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a rapid simmer.
      Before transferring to the oven:

      Once the mixture has reached a rapid simmer, remove it from the stove.
      If your Dutch oven or pot is not oven-safe, transfer the bean mixture to a large baking dish.
      Mix in the chopped cilantro, then cover the pot or dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. This will help to trap moisture inside, keeping the beans from drying out.
      Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes. The gradual and even heat of the oven will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you want the beans to have a slightly drier, more concentrated flavor, you can remove the cover for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

      Garnish and serve:

      Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Be cautious of the steam when you uncover the dish.
      Stir the beans well, and if the consistency is too thick for your liking, you can add a little more chicken broth to adjust.
      Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and crumbled queso fresco before serving.

  1. 5 stars
    Simple recipe w/ingredients that many already have on hand. Easy to make; idiot proof honestly. Little effort for a SPECTACULAR result.

  2. 5 stars
    These beans were delish! I ended up cooking for around 45 minutes. The flavor was perfect – just like a restaurant. Thank you so much for sharing!