Best Ever Canned Black Beans

Learning how to make canned black beans is a thrifty cook’s dream.

For less than two dollars a family of four can eat like kings, and most importantly, in under thirty minutes.

A can of black beans (or any canned beans for that matter) can be served as a soup, or with steamed rice.

Black beans are the perfect protein-packed breakfast with a hard boiled egg and maybe even a couple slices of avocado or some chopped cilantro or sour cream and lime juice.

how to make canned black beans taste better

This method can be used to cook any type of bean although the flavorings are best suited to pinto beans or black beans.

The biggest secret when doctoring up a can of beans is to use the bean broth in the can.

Draining and rinsing a can of beans has its place, like if you are making a salad, for example, which by the way: you can eat beans straight out of the can if you want to.

But when cooking the beans, do not drain. The broth is your best friend.

That juice the beans are packed in makes a rich, thick stew for creamy beans.

Plus, when you add aromatics like sautéed onions and toasted spices it is this liquid that picks up all those flavors.

what can I add to beans for flavor?

My favorite way to season a can of beans is the same way I make a pot of dried beans—the sofrito.

A sofrito is a mixture of onions, jalapeños, and garlic that gets fried in cooking oil until they are sweet and tender and caramelized.

When making a quick can of black beans, I start with this mixture first in a saucepan over medium high heat.

To this I add generous amounts of ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, and dried oregano.

You can add a bay leaf too if you’d like. Most importantly, don’t forget the salt.

Season the sofrito with salt and black pepper as it is cooking.

When the sofrito is soft and fragrant I add the can of beans, reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 5-10 minutes or until thick and creamy.

As always, taste as you go and keep adding a little salt when it seems to be lacking that special something.

can you freeze black beans

You can always cook a batch of black beans and store them in the freezer for a quick meal later. 

This is more common when making a big pot of homemade beans using dried beans, not canned.

But if you find yourself with lots of canned bean leftovers, you can certainly put them in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Never put an actual can of beans in the freezer though. The metal cans are not freezer safe. 

foods to stock up on

Stocking up on canned and frozen foods is always a good idea.

They are ready to go for fast meals and are easy on the budget. Plus—if you know how to cook with them— are just as satisfying.

After you learn how to make this black bean recipe, check out my favorite method for turning any frozen vegetable into a luxurious soup!

make it a meal

Bake a loaf of this super simple Jalapeno Beer Bread for a complete meal.

looking for more bean recipes?

• These Borracho Beans have bacon and beer and are made for the slow cooker.

• Or use the black beans in a cheesy, vegetarian, Enchilada Casserole!

did you love this seasoned black bean recipe? 

If you cook canned black beans and love them, let me know, OK? Share a photo and tag me on Instagram using @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see! 

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Clean up Tips

Need help with the clean up? Check out these 6 Kitchen Cleaning Hacks that really work, and take less than 5 minutes.

 

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