Cook up bold and zesty Mexican black beans in under 20 minutes! This easy recipe starts with canned beans simmered with cumin, onion, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and tomatoes with green chilies for rich authentic flavor.
"Made exactly how the recipe say to, AMAZING!! I seriously crave them. Made them with cilantro lime rice and grilled chicken."★★★★★ -Courtney
These black beans are cooked in under 20 minutes, but taste as if they have been simmering for hours. You will fall in love with the end result.
Make them for a tasty side dish perfect for Taco Tuesdays! Or use for a topping in your burrito bowl! They also make a healthy meal prep dish.
We love them. I hope you will too. Enjoy! Xoxo -Katie.
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Ingredient notes and substitution
You will need to following simple ingredients to make Mexican black beans.
- Cans of black beans- They are also called "frijoles negros" in the Latin section of the grocery store.
- Cumin
- Cilantro
- Red Onion-Red onion is best, but can substitute with white or yellow onion.
- Garlic- I prefer fresh, but you can substitute with garlic powder.
- Rotel or Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
- Lime-Fresh lime juice is best. However, you can substitute with the bottled lime juice.
- Chipotle Peppers in Abobo Sauce-You can find this in the Latin section in your grocery store.
- Salt and Pepper
*Full recipe with measurements is located in the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Lime juice tip
Microwave your lime for 20 seconds before squeezing and more juice will come out.
Steps
Follow these easy steps to make Mexican black beans.
- Add canned black beans with their liquid in a medium sized pot. Add chopped red onion, cumin, crushed garlic, can of Rotel (or tomatoes with green chilies), and diced chipotle peppers. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on the stove top medium heat and bring to a low boil.
- Cover with lid. Continue to cook on low heat for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat. Add lime juice. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and red onions and serve.
Flavor tips
This recipe is vegetarian and delicious as is! However, for a little additional flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of bacon grease when cooking.
You can also garnish with fresh jalapenos to add additional spice and flavor.
Crumbled queso fresco also is a delicious topping.
Recipe video
How long do black beans last in the refrigerator?
Black beans will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container.
Can you freeze beans?
You can freeze your leftover Mexican black beans. Pour beans into a freezer container or a freezer bag. Keep only enough of the beans' liquid to barely cover the beans. Remove any additional liquid.
Can you use pinto beans for this recipe?
You can substitute pinto beans for the black beans in this recipe. It will still taste just as amazing. Follow all of the directions the same.
Try these Mexican dishes with your black beans!
Please leave me a comment below if you make these Mexican black beans and tell me what you thought about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.
Also post your picture of your beans on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!
📖 Recipe
Easy Flavorful Mexican Black Beans Using Canned Beans
Ingredients
- 30.5 ounces canned black beans (15.25 oz) each
- ½ cup red onion diced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 3 garlic cloves crushed
- 10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chilies or Rotel
- 1 lime juiced
- 2 chipotle peppers in Abobo sauce diced
Instructions
- Add 2 (15oz) cans of black beans with their liquid in a medium sized pot. Add chopped red onion, cumin, crushed garlic, can of Rotel (or tomatoes with green chilies), and diced chipotle peppers in Abobo sauce. Salt and pepper to taste.½ cup red onion, 1 tablespoon cumin, 3 garlic cloves, 10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, 2 chipotle peppers in Abobo sauce, 30.5 ounces canned black beans
- Cook on medium heat and bring to a low boil.
- Cover with lid. Continue to cook on low heat for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat. Add juice from 1 lime. Garnish with fresh cilantro and red onions and serve.1 lime
Loreto and Nicoletta says
I love blackbeans done like this,especially with tomatoes. Chipotle for a little smoke. Just delicious! Thanks for sharing! ❤️ 😍
Molly Kumar says
This was so easy to make and was perfect for a busy weekend brunch. We loved the flavors and kept some for next day too.
Moop Brown says
This recipe is protein-packed, full of flavor, and very versatile. It is perfect for taco night too.
Tammy says
This is such a delicious dip! Perfect for summer spreads and full of flavor..loved this!
Krysten Clark Wilkes says
All the bold flavors you usually expect from a Mexican dish are all here! So flavorful I could not stop eating it! Already ready to make it again for Cinco de Mayo!
Lauren says
We made these Mexican beans as a side to enchiladas this weekend. They were fantastic - thanks for a great recipe!
Carrie Robinson says
This would make the perfect side dish to add to our taco nights at home! I just love how quickly these come together. Look delicious! 🙂
Amy Liu Dong says
Black beans are not my favorites but when i saw this online, you bet that i would change my mind. The flavors are going well with the texture of the black beans!
Debbie says
These Mexican black beans are so good !! The can of rotel adds such a nice flavor with a little spice . This is the only way I will be making black beans for now on.
Sarah James says
Your Mexican black beans sound delicious with the chipotle chillies and cumin and so easy to make too. Going to try this with our chicken tacos, thanks.
Vicky says
I love how much flavor is in this dish from canned beans!! My family loved it, thank you!
Helen @ family-friends-food.com says
These sound so flavourful and delicious. Great vegetarian recipe - thanks!
Jillian says
I love that you take canned black beans and step them up a notch in a few easy steps!
Nathan says
This looks like such a perfect dish for fall! All of those spices would warm you right up. Will definitely add this to my list of recipes to try!
Beth says
Yummy! This looks so delicious and tasty! I love how quick these are to make. My family is going to love this!
Jessica Formicola says
We have taco nights every Tuesday, so I can't wait to make these for our next one! Thanks for sharing!
Noelle says
Love this, so healthy and great flavors! Perfect side for a chicken recipe or taco Tuesdays!
Courtney says
Made exactly how the recipe say to, AMAZING!! I seriously crave them. Made them with cilantro lime rice and grilled chicken.