We make this black bean recipe multiple times a month. My kids absolutely love it. We pack it for school lunch all the time and we frequently use it as part of dinner.

This is also a very easy recipe to make at volume and freeze portions of it for the weeks to come.

What you need to make the Best Canned Black Beans Recipe:

Time: 
  • 30-40 minutes 
Produce: 
  • 1 C finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 C chopped bell pepper
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
Pantry: 
  • 4 T  olive oil
  • 2 15.5 oz cans black beans, undrained
  • 1 T white vinegar
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
pepper, cans of beans, garlic, onions, oregano, cumin,  cayenne pepper
in a larg frying pan, garlic, onions, oregano, cumin,

In a medium saucepan warm oil over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. You’re not trying to caramelize the onions, just soften them. 

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes or until the garlic is softened. Next, add the canned black beans including the liquid from the can. Finally, add the spices and vinegar mix to fully combine. Bring the black beans to a boil and then reduce to a low simmer. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes depending on your desired consistency.

black bean in a pan
black bean in a pan

Serve over rice. I love my black beans with a dollop of guacamole or sour cream, with hot sauce and chopped Cilantro.

black bean and rice in a bowl
black bean and rice in a bowl with sour cream and  hot sauce
Can you freeze black beans? 

Yes! I always have black beans frozen in my freezer. Because it’s a staple for school lunches, I like to have a bunch of them ready to go. Once the beans are cold (no longer frozen), pack them in an airtight container. We pull them out of the freezer Sunday morning so they’re thawed in time to make Monday’s lunches.

What to do with leftover black beans?

Leftover black beans are great in a variety of dishes. My favorites include: black bean quesadillas, black beans and pizza with jalapeños, hot cheesy black bean dip.

black bean and rice in a bowl with sour cream and  hot sauce

More recipes with black beans:

Best Canned Black Beans Recipe

We make this black bean recipe multiple times a month. My kids absolutely love it. We pack it for school lunch all the time and we frequently use it as part of dinner. This is also a very easy recipe to make at volume and freeze portions of it for the weeks to come.
5 from 2 votes
Cook Time 30 mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 C finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 C chopped bell pepper
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 4 T olive oil
  • 2 15.5 oz cans black beans undrained
  • 1 T white vinegar
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil over medium heat.
  • Add onion, green pepper and salt, cook until tender.
  • As the onion and pepper cook, add garlic and cook until tender, but not brown.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 20 minutes to desired thickness.