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

Seasoned Black Beans Side Dish
This seasoned black beans recipe is your new favorite side dish recipe! Perfect for Taco Tuesday alongside rice, burritos, and any other Mexican dishes!
Ingredients
- 2 15.5 ounce cans of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- juice of 2 limes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup diced cilantro
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, except the salt in a medium pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When liquid has reduced by half and there is a thick gravy, season to taste with salt. Serve hot.
Notes
Make your own taco seasoning!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 servings Serving Size: 1/2 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 425Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 197mgCarbohydrates: 77.5gFiber: 19gSugar: 2.9gProtein: 26.5g


Whit
Tuesday 10th of September 2019
Awesome recipe. My wife and I loved this recipe. I made it tonight and she was very impressed. And my wife is an expert on all things black beans.
Ann
Saturday 1st of September 2018
Hi, made this tonight, it's delicious! Thanks for giving the nutritional information, but can you also share the serving size? My husband is tracking his calories and wants to know exactly how much he can eat.
Jenny
Saturday 1st of September 2018
Hi Ann, happy to hear you liked this side dish! I just went in and updated the nutrition information using veryfitwell.com to account for 1/2 cup servings. Please let me know if I can provide any more information.
Ben
Saturday 1st of September 2018
The nutrition information says 868 calories per serving, but there's nothing here to indicate what a serving size is.
Jenny
Saturday 1st of September 2018
Hi Ben, thanks for reaching out. I just went in and updated the nutrition information using veryfitwell.com to account for 1/2 cup servings. Please let me know if I can provide any more infor.
Grace Oetting
Thursday 5th of January 2017
So simple and SO good!! I have made it several times and my family LOVES it.
Jenny
Saturday 7th of January 2017
Thank you Grace!
Sahana
Sunday 17th of April 2016
Such an simple and delicious dish. Thank you for sharing with us at #HomeMattersParty. We would love to have you again next week.