Vegan Black Beans

Turn any night of the week into an instant fiesta with these quick-cooking Vegan Black Beans bursting with aromatic and savory flavors. Perfect for topping tacos, building burritos, or assembling your favorite bowl, this recipe turns a pantry staple into a star.

If you’re looking for a delicious way to add additional fiber and protein into your diet, these budget-friendly gluten-free black beans are it. Naturally gluten and dairy free they’re also completely vegan. So pile up those tortillas or top off your favorite rice because this is a recipe you can feel good about serving your family that they’ll all love. Don’t forget the Restaurant Style Guacamole!

Why you will love this recipe

Easy Process - Using canned black beans makes this black bean recipe both easy and quick to cook. There’s no need to soak dry beans overnight!

Budget Friendly - Not only does using canned black beans make this quick cooking, but it also makes this an affordable dish to prepare. You can serve it as a side dish or use it as part of your main course. The choice is completely up to you. 

Meal Prep - Go ahead and make extra! Not only can you use this in various ways throughout the week, but beans also freeze well. 

Customizable - These vegan black beans are perfect on their own but also a canvas to add additional flavors. Like heat? Throw in a minced jalapeno or serrano pepper. What these a little smoky? Add smoked paprika or minced chipotle pepper. Have fun making these your own.

Ingredients

Black Beans - These firm and meaty beans are a great meat replacement. Not only are they packed with protein and fiber but they’re also rich in potassium, magnesium, and iron. Unlike other foods high in carbs that cause spikes and blood sugar, studies have proven the opposite with black beans. 

Cilantro - Fresh is best for this recipe! Adds a citrusy herbaceous note. 

Sweet Peppers - These add both a sweet and savory back note to the beans without bringing any heat. 

Onion - Adds a mild sweet and savor note. 

Green Olives - Adds a briny, salty, savory note. Even if your family thinks they don’t like olives, there are only a few finely minced olives to add that salt content. 

Salt - Enhances all of the natural flavors of the other ingredients. 

Garlic Powder - Adds that sharp bite of garlic without overpowering the overall flavor profile.  

Paprika - Gives these beans an earthy note. 

Oregano - Bright and herbaceous, this herb is often paired with black beans. Dried works best. 

Garlic Olive Oil - Costabile 100% certified organic garlic infused olive oil is 100% Italian. It’s non-GMO, chemical-free, and doesn’t contain any additives. The olive oil is extracted the same day that the olives are harvested giving you the most incredible flavor. (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)  

Vegetable Broth - This allows the beans to simmer and not become dry while also adding a layer of flavor.

Instructions

• Rinse and drain your black beans. Set them aside.
• Finely chop your onions, sweet peppers, cilantro, and olives.
• Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add your olive oil and allow it to heat through.
• Add your sweet peppers and onion. Let them cook for one minute until fragrant.
• Add the rest of your ingredients and stir to combine. Let the beans come to a boil. Allow them to boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring the entire time.
• Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Allow the beans to simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and reduced.

Equipment

Medium Saucepan

Colander

Cutting Board

Sharp Knife

Spoon

Storage

Storage

To store these gluten-free black beans in the refrigerator, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They will last for up to five days in the refrigerator. To reheat them simply add them back to a saucepan on low, stirring occasionally. They can also be reheated in the microwave.

You can also freeze these easy black beans. Let them cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe bags. Seal the bags, pressing out all of the air. They will keep for up to three months in the freezer. 

Top tips

• To control the sodium content of this recipe, you can use low-sodium beans in this recipe.
• Make sure to fully rinse the beans and allow them to drain well. 
• If you don’t have sweet mini peppers you can dice up a red, yellow, or orange bell pepper. You will only need about ⅓ cup. 
• Skip the fresh oregano for this easy black beans recipe, but don’t skip the fresh cilantro!

FAQ

How can I use these easy black beans?

These black beans can be used as a side dish or as a topping to a main course. Use them in tacos, burritos, bowls, and even nachos. You can also use them to top off your favorite taco salad.

Are easy black beans spicy?

No, these black beans are not spicy at all. If you want additional spice you can add a jalapeno or serrano pepper.

Can I make these black beans ahead of time?

Yes! Just reheat them on low in a saucepan.

Can I use homemade black beans to make this recipe?

Absolutely. You’ll need about four cups of cooked beans for this recipe. Make sure they’re drained and rinsed. The texture may be a little more firm.

Are black beans gluten free?

Yes, black beans are absolutely gluten-free

Variations

Spicy - Finely dice a jalapeno or serrano pepper and add your sweet peppers and onions to saute. You can always control the heat by removing the seeds. 

Smoky - Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder. You can also add a diced chipotle or two. 

Meaty - These beans are completely vegan. However, you can add meat if desired. Start by sauteing a couple of chopped pieces of bacon. Remove the crispy bacon from the saucepan along with most of the bacon grease. Saute the onions and peppers in the remaining bacon fat and oil and then continue on with the recipe. Stir in the crispy bacon at the end. You can also use chicken broth if desired. 

Pinto Beans - Not a fan of pinto beans? You can make this same recipe with canned drained and rinsed pinto beans. 

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