Simply Seasoned Black Beans

This simple black bean side dish is loaded with garlic and jalapeno flavors and works well with ANY Mexican or Cuban meal.

The optional toppings of bell peppers, whole kernel corn, cilantro, and queso fresco cheese adds a special addition to this satisfying dish. It’s also a great topping to use on Mexican-style salads. After making this once, you’ll continually keep a can of black beans in your cupboard for a quick and easy side to any dish.

Top tips for prepping ahead: (on your food prep day or the night before)

Pre-chopping ingredients really helps to reduce stress and simplify dinner on busy weeknights. We know, we know, we’re always talking about meal prep, but it truly is key to healthy eating! 

• Chop your onion, peppers, and garlic (if you’re using fresh) 
• Wash and pick cilantro leaves from the stem 

What is queso fresco cheese?

Queso fresco is a Mexican cheese that’s easily crumbled and often used to top dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and beans. Its fresh, milky, yet slightly tangy flavor makes it an amazing accompaniment to a variety of dishes. It can provide a light contrast to a heavier dish, like a Chicken Enchilada Casserole or Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Casserole, or complement something equally as light, like grilled veggies.

It’s extremely freezer-friendly, so don’t worry about leftovers going to waste.

Serve these Simply Seasoned Black Beans with:

• Hidden Veggie Breakfast Quesadillas
• Cheese Omelet (+ 6 Filling Ideas)
• Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
• Barbacoa Beef (Tacos, Quesadillas, Bowls)
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole (or simply as a bean and cheese burrito wrapped in a flour tortilla with melted jack cheese)
• Cheesy Quesadillas

Some great ways to reinvent your leftovers:

• In a breakfast burrito
• On a Mexican pizza (pre-made pizza dough topped with a mixture of refried beans, taco sauce, diced tomatoes, grilled veggies (leftovers perhaps), cooked ground chicken or pork, and then sprinkled with Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses)
• Layered in a Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Casserole
• Layered in a taco dip (beans, Greek yogurt, salsa, shredded lettuce, and cheese) and served with homemade tortilla chips
• On top of Rice Cake Nachos

Print Recipe

Simply Seasoned Black Beans

This simple black bean side dish is loaded with garlic and jalapeno flavors and works well with ANY Mexican or Cuban meal. The optional toppings of bell peppers, whole kernel corn, cilantro, and queso fresco cheese add a special addition to this satisfying dish. It's also a great topping to use on Mexican-style salads. After making this once, you’ll continually keep a can of black beans in your cupboard for a quick and easy side to any dish.

Course

Gluten-Free, Side Dishes

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

8 minutes

Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto or black beans , drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon garlic , minced
• 1/3 cup onions , chopped
• 1/4 jalapeño , finely chopped (optional)
• pinch Himalayan pink salt

Optional Additions:

• 1/3 cup bell peppers , chopped
• 1/4 cup whole kernel corn
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons cilantro , chopped
• 2 tablespoons queso fresco

Course Gluten-Free, Side Dishes Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 8 minutes Servings Ingredients Main Ingredients: 1 (15 oz.) can pinto or black beans , drained and rinsed 1 tablespoon garlic , minced 1/3 cup onions , chopped 1/4 jalapeño , finely chopped (optional) pinch Himalayan pink salt Optional Additions: 1/3 cup bell peppers , chopped 1/4 cup whole kernel corn 1 & 1/2 tablespoons cilantro , chopped 2 tablespoons queso fresco

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine beans, garlic, onion, jalapeño (add bell peppers and corn if using them). Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Season with cilantro (if using) and salt. Simmer for 2 minutes and serve. Garnish with queso fresco.

Recipe Notes

Substitute jalapeño with chili powder or cayenne pepper.

We recommend organic ingredients when feasible. 

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