Easy recipes with black beans
Got black beans and not sure what to make? Here are 8 easy dinners you can cook tonight. Each one keeps to everyday ingredients and a single skillet or sheet pan where possible, with rough prep and cook times so you can pick by how much time you have. Prefer to cook with exactly what's on your shelf? Tell Cache & Cook what you have and it drafts a recipe free.
Black Bean and Chorizo Skillet with Crispy Onions
20 min Serves 4weeknightcomfort foodvegetarian
Black Beans with Lime and Fresh Cilantro
0 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianmexican-inspired
Charred Lime Black Beans with Crispy Garlic
12 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianbold-flavors
Charred Lime Black Beans with Crispy Garlic & Cilantro
15 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianone-pan
Black Bean & Chorizo Skillet with Crispy Corn
25 min Serves 4weeknightmexicanhearty
Black Beans with Lime, Cilantro & Charred Jalapeño
15 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianbright
Black Bean & Chorizo Skillet with Crispy Onions
20 min Serves 4weeknightmexican-inspiredgluten-free
Black Beans with Lime, Cilantro & Crispy Shallots
15 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianfresh
Common questions
- Can I use canned black beans instead of dried beans?
- Yes, canned black beans are a convenient substitute and require no cooking time—just drain and rinse them before use. One 15-ounce can roughly equals ¾ cup of dried beans after cooking, so adjust your recipe accordingly.
- How long do cooked black beans last in the refrigerator?
- Cooked black beans will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer. This makes them perfect for meal prep—cook a big batch and portion them out for quick weeknight meals.
- What can I serve black bean dishes with to make a complete meal?
- Pair black beans with rice, quinoa, or corn to create a complete protein, or serve them on a bed of greens, in tacos, or alongside roasted vegetables. Adding a source of vitamin C like lime juice, tomatoes, or peppers also helps your body absorb the iron in beans.
- How can I make black bean recipes cheaper and more filling?
- Buy dried beans in bulk instead of canned—they cost about one-third the price and yield more servings. Stretch a batch further by mixing in grains like rice or adding budget-friendly vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.
- Do I need to soak dried black beans before cooking?
- Soaking overnight helps reduce cooking time and can decrease gas-causing compounds, but it's not required—you can skip it and just add 10-15 minutes to your cooking time. If you're short on time, a quick soak of 1-2 hours will work too.