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    Home » All Recipes » Side Dishes

    How To Cook Canned Black Beans

    Published: Oct 4, 2024 · Updated: Nov 7, 2024 by Maggie Unzueta

    Learn how to cook canned black beans and transform them into a delicious side dish or light lunch. Serve with your favorite Mexican recipes - tacos, burritos, tostadas and more!
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    A spoon with black beans over a white bowl filled with more black beans.
    A spoon with black beans over a white bowl filled with more beans.

    I’m going to show you how to cook canned black beans. 

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Just a couple of ingredients and you’ve got an easy side dish for all your Mexican favorites.  

    It’s ready in minutes and delivers big flavors. 

    Table of Contents

    • 1 🫘 Ingredients
    • 2 How To Cook Canned Black Beans
    • 3 👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips
    • 4 🫙 Storing Instructions
    • 5 🔥 Reheating Instructions
    • 6 More Bean Recipes
    • 7 😋 Hungry for More 
    • 8 How To Cook Canned Black Beans
      • 8.1 Ingredients
      • 8.2 Instructions
      • 8.3 Video
      • 8.4 Notes
      • 8.5 Nutrition

    🫘 Ingredients

    The ingredients needed to make the recipe labeled and sitting on a wooden surface.
    • Black Beans Cans 
    • Oil
    • Onion diced
    • Jalapeno, finely diced
    • Garlic clove finely diced
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Ground cumin
    • Cilantro, chopped 

    I recommend No-Salt, BPA-free canned beans. The beans taste better when they come like this, and it’s better for your health. 

    Canned Beans are already cooked. That’s the beauty of it. By adding a few ingredients, you can transform them into something special. 

    Yes, you can make this exact same recipe with Frijoles de la Olla. They turn out delicious! 

    How To Cook Canned Black Beans

    A collage showing closeups of how to cook canned black beans in a stock pot.
    • Heat the oil in a stock pot. 
    • Add the onion and jalapeno. 
    • Cook for 2-3 minutes. 
    • Then add the garlic. Cook for 1 more minute. 
    • Add the black beans. Do no drain. 
    • Add the salt, pepper, cumin and stir to combine. 
    • Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. 
    • Turn off heat. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve. 

    👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips

    • Use this recipe to make refried black beans. Simply drain the canned beans, cook as instructed, mash until smooth. 
    • For a more soup-y consistency, add 1 cup of vegetable broth or water. If using water, check the seasoning for salt. 
    • Do you like it spicy? Chop up another jalapeno and add it to the pot. 
    • Feel free to top it off with crumbled queso fresco or cotija. 
    A white bowl with black beans and a spoon surrounded by fresh cilantro and tortilla chips.

    🫙 Storing Instructions

    Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or, place in a sealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and store for up to 6 months in the freezer. 

    🔥 Reheating Instructions

    Place the beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook on high for 2 to 2 ½ minutes in the microwave. Thaw first, if frozen. 

    A white bowl with beans and a spoon surrounded by sliced jalapenos.

    More Bean Recipes

    • Enfrijoladas
    • Black Bean Chile Rellenos
    • Crema de Frijol Negro
    • Tostaguac

    You’re going to love this recipe. Seasoning canned black beans is very easy and ready in no time. As a side dish or as a yummy lunch with chips and cheese, it’s simple and tasty. iBuen provecho!

    😋 Hungry for More 

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest for my latest recipes and videos.

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below.

    A spoon with black beans over a white bowl filled with more black beans.

    How To Cook Canned Black Beans

    Learn how to cook canned black beans and transform them into a delicious side dish or light lunch. Serve with your favorite Mexican recipes – tacos, burritos, tostadas and more!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 74kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 15-oz Black Beans cans, do not drain
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ onion diced
    • 1 jalapeno finely diced
    • 1 garlic clove finely diced
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • Cilantro chopped

    Instructions

    • Heat the oil in a stock pot.
    • Add the onion and jalapeno.
    • Cook for 2-3 minutes.
    • Then add the garlic. Cook for 1 more minute.
    • Add the black beans. Do no drain.
    • Add the salt, pepper, cumin and stir to combine.
    • Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
    • Turn off heat.
    • Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    Pro Tips
    • Use this recipe to make refried black beans. Simply drain the canned beans, cook as instructed, mash until smooth. 
    • For a more soup-y consistency, add 1 cup of vegetable broth or water. If using water, check the seasoning for salt. 
    • Do you like it spicy? Chop up another jalapeno and add it to the pot. 
    • For the cheese lovers, feel free to top it off with crumbled queso fresco or cotija. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 54mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

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    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

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      5 from 1 vote

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Michelle

      September 22, 2025 at 7:17 pm

      5 stars
      Makes canned beans so so much better. I will always do them like this now.!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        September 23, 2025 at 11:29 pm

        Yes, they turn out so super flavorful. You’re going to love them!

        Reply

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