Seasoned Black Beans Side Dish

This seasoned black beans recipe is the perfect side dish for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes! Easy to make with canned black beans.

Originally published September 2017, updated September 2019.

Every once in a while I get a craving for black beans.  That craving usually isn’t accompanied by a craving for anything else. Or I don’t feel like making a burrito, or a black bean cake, or it’s too darn hot for soup.

When these days happen, I open up a few cans of black beans (cause there are always at least 5 waiting in my pantry) and I mix up this easy seasoned black bean side dish.

Of course, this is a side dish and is meant to be eaten along side some rice and maybe tacos. This would be great with grilled chicken fajitas, my bean burrito casserole, or my creamy taco pasta.

Or you could just eat the black beans. More than a few times I made it with the intention of eating it as a side dish. I would spoon some rice on my plate next to the beans, which are sitting next to a burrito. I’d sit down to eat and take a few spoonfuls of the beans.

Then a few more. And wrap up the burrito for tomorrow. I have a serious bean problem.

Seasoned Black Bean Side Dish

This is the best quick and easy seasoned black beans recipe. It’s super easy to make, especially if you have cans of black beans always sitting in your pantry. Like I do. If you don’t have them lying around, put them on your grocery list today!

Anyway, these black beans are seasoned with fresh lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and my all-time favorite spice blend, taco seasoning. May sound funny, but my taco seasoning mix is packed full of my favorite flavors and accompanies the lime juice and cilantro perfectly.

How to make seasoned Mexican black beans

Drain the beans and rinse off all of the bean “juice” that they’re packed in – it is usually full of salt and I like to add my own amount of salt, for health and taste reasons.

Replace the liquid with vegetable broth (you can use chicken broth if you want too), add the rest of the ingredients and bring everything to a boil. Simmer until the liquid is reduced and you are Good. To. Go.

You can be like me and eat these seasoned black beans for dinner, or you can eat them as intended. I won’t judge either way.

Reader comments!

This was so easy. I substituted a spoonful of mild salsa, as I didn’t have any taco seasoning. Also substituted freshly squeezed lemon juice for the limes. Delicious! Will definitely make again. – Marjorie

I loved this recipe!!! I omitted the cilantro because my tacos were cilantro heavy but these were amazing! – Lindsay

Did you make this recipe? Tag @thethirstyfeast on IG!

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