3 Foolproof Ways to Cook Black Beans and How to Use Them

If you’re looking to add more plant-based protein to your diet, black beans are a fantastic option. These little legumes are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients like iron and folate.

Plus, they’re super versatile and can be used in all kinds of tasty dishes – from burritos and chili to salads and dips. 

The only downside? Cooking black beans from scratch can seem a bit intimidating if you’ve never done it before. But it’s easier than you think! Here’s the process step-by-step. 

How to Cook Black Beans from Scratch

There are a few different methods you can use. Let’s start with stovetop, since all you need for it is a pot and some kind of stove.

Stovetop Black Beans

This is the classic way to cook black beans. It takes a bit more time than some other methods, but it’s totally worth it for the flavor and texture.

You can leave out or swap the other ingredient in this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black beans
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water or broth

Equipment

• Large pot

And here’s how to do it:

1. Soak the Beans: Start by giving your black beans a good rinse under cool water. Then place them in a large pot and cover with 2-3 inches of water. Let them soak for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight. This helps soften the beans and reduces their cooking time.
2. Cook the Aromatics: Once your beans have soaked, drain and rinse them again. Then return them to the pot and add the diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, and oregano.
3. Simmer the Beans: Add enough water or broth to the pot to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender.
4. Season and Serve: Once the beans are cooked through, season them to taste with salt and pepper. You can also add a bit more water or broth if you want a thinner consistency.

And that’s it! Your perfectly cooked black beans are now ready to use in all sorts of tasty recipes. I like to make a big batch and then portion them out to use throughout the week.

Instant Pot Black Beans

If you have an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker, you can make black beans even faster. Here’s how:

1. Rinse and soak the beans as described above.
2. Add the soaked beans, onion, garlic, spices, and enough water/broth to cover by 2 inches to your Instant Pot.
3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes.
4. Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The pressure cooker method cuts the total cooking time down to under an hour, making it a great option when you’re short on time.

Slow Cooker Black Beans

Another easy hands-off method is to cook your black beans in the slow cooker. Here’s how:

1. Rinse and soak the beans as usual.
2. Add the soaked beans, onion, garlic, spices, and enough liquid to cover to your slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are very tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

The slow cooker is perfect if you want to come home to a pot of perfectly cooked black beans with minimal effort.

How to Use Cooked Black Beans

Now that you know how to cook black beans, the fun part is figuring out how to use them! Here are some of my favorite ways:

Black Bean Burritos or Tacos

Black beans make a fantastic protein-packed meat-replacement filling for burritos, tacos, and burrito bowls. Just mash them up or leave them whole, then add your favorite toppings like cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Black Bean Soup or Chili

Cooked black beans are the perfect base for hearty soups and chilis. Throw them in with some diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices for a satisfying meatless meal. Great for Meatless Mondays!

Black Bean Dip or Hummus

Blend cooked black beans with garlic, olive oil, lime juice, and spices for a delicious protein-rich dip or spread. Serve it with veggies, chips, or pita bread.

Black Bean Salads

Black beans add great texture and nutrition to all kinds of salads, from southwestern-style to Mediterranean. Toss them with greens, veggies, avocado, and a zesty dressing.

Black Bean Burgers

For a veggie burger that’s actually packed with protein, use mashed black beans as the base. Add in some breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings to hold it all together.

Black Beans and Rice

A classic pairing! Serve your cooked black beans over a bed of fluffy rice, along with sautéed onions, peppers, and your favorite toppings.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using up a batch of homemade black beans. They’re so versatile and delicious, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again.

Bonus Tips

To make your black beans always turn out great, here are a few extra tips:

• Soak the Beans: As mentioned, soaking the beans for several hours or overnight is key to getting them nice and tender. It also helps reduce gas and bloating.
• Use Enough Liquid: Make sure to cover the beans with plenty of water or broth during cooking. They’ll absorb a lot of liquid as they cook.
• Don’t Skip the Aromatics: Sautéing onions, garlic, and spices in the pot before adding the beans adds a ton of flavor.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper – black beans really benefit from bold seasoning.
• Let Them Simmer: Be patient and let the beans simmer away until they’re super soft and creamy. Rushing the process will result in tough, undercooked beans.
• Freeze Extras: Cooked black beans freeze beautifully. Portion them out and freeze for easy meal prep later on.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be whipping up perfect black beans in no time. Get creative and start incorporating them into all your favorite recipes!