How to cook black beans in the slow cooker (crock pot) and on the stove top easily and effortlessly! Using dried beans saves money and tastes just as flavorful as canned black beans!
Why this recipe works
This easy black bean recipe is perfect to add to simple family-style sheet pan nachos, vegetarian fajita burrito bowls, Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes and black bean brownies!
There are two great ways how to cook black beans without having to open up a can: in the slow cooker and on the stove.
Making beans at home from dried black beans can be just as convenient as using a can in the pantry. It just requires planning ahead a little. Dried beans are quite simple to cook and not only will it save money in the long run, it does not contain Bisphenole A (BPA), a chemical in plastics and the lining of cans that is a concern for health. The recipe is freezable so you can make a large batch and store it in small quantities in the freezer! This is convenient especially if you or your family does not eat a large batch at once!
Learning how to make black beans at home SAVES MONEY! Organic beans at the store are about $1.69 for 15 ounces. But if you make them at home, freeze some in small batches and use them as needed. It saves a bundle over time! It adds up, trust me.
SAVES HEALTH! There are no metals from cans, BPA chemicals, extra salt or preservatives when dried black beans are cooked from scratch.
What ingredients are needed to make beans
How to cook black bean and what goes into them it is just 2 main ingredients: dried black beans and water. You can also add flavors such as garlic, onion, and cumin, which we’ll dive into that in the recipe steps.
How to cook black beans
STEP 1: Rinse the beans off then soak the beans for 4-6 hours or overnight. This helps soften them. Then drain and rinse the residue away.
Stovetop
In a large pot add about 2 cups of dried beans. Add enough water to cover the beans 2-3 inches above them. Cover and boil on medium-high heat then turn the heat down to a simmer. Simmer covered for about 1-3 hours. Simmering helps to keep the beans together and prevent them from getting squishy. Check to see if the beans are tender after 1 hour as it may take up to 3 hours.
Slow cooker
Add about 2 cups of the beans to a slow cooker and fill it with enough water to fully cover the beans, about 8 cups of water. And here comes the fun part! Cover it and walk away! Let the slow cooker do the work! Cook the beans for about 6 hours on low and make sure it always has water in it.
Seasonings for black beans
For both stove top and slow cooker methods of cooking when the beans are done cooking drain and rinse with water. Optional to add some flavors like salt, cumin, onion and garlic powder. It is also optional to add a bay leaf in the pot right before cooking.
FAQs and Expert Tips
How long do cooked black beans last?
Cooked black beans will stay fresh for 3-5 days.
Why do I not add salt right away when baking black beans?
Adding the salt with the beans and water slows down the cooking time. It is best to add it after the beans have soaked and then cooked in fresh water.
A family favorite way to use these beans are in bean burritos. They can actually be healthy and gluten-free when made at home without extra preservatives, salt and oils.
I make them from scratch in a large batch and store some in the freezer in mini baggies to grab each week. Cooked beans do not last long – only 3 to 5 days – so this method works so no food goes to waste!
Related Recipes
Aside from bean burritos you can also use this educational outcome of how to make black beans recipe here:
- Crockpot Tex-Mex Quinoa Recipe
- Healthy 10-Minute Vegetarian Taco Salad
- Fluffiest Vegan Black Bean Brownies
- Vegetable Enchilada Casserole
If you make this cooked black bean recipe from Delightful Mom Food I would love to see your creations! Follow along with me on INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE and TWITTER to be featured and for more recipe inspiration! And don’t forget to rate the recipe in the recipe area and leave a comment below!
