Quick Cuban Style Black Beans

These are my go-to Cuban Style Black Beans when I want a quick side dish from canned beans to go with rice and steak, pernil, chicken and more.

Prep time: PT5M

Cook time: PT20M

Total time: PT25M

Rating

4.84 stars (141 reviews)

Keywords

Under 30 Minutes, Vegetarian Meals

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
1/2 onion
2 cloves garlic
2 scallions
2 tbsp red bell pepper
3 tbsp cilantro
15 oz can black beans (do not drain (I prefer Goya))
1/2 cup water (or more if needed)
1 bay leaf
few pinches cumin (to taste)
pinch oregano
1 tsp red wine vinegar
salt and black pepper to taste

Cuisine

Cuban

Steps

Chop onion, garlic, scallions, red pepper, and cilantro in a mini chopper of food processor.
Add oil to a medium-sized pot on medium heat.
Add vegetables to the pot and saute until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add beans, water, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, red wine vinegar, salt and black pepper and bring to a boil.
Lower heat and cover, simmer about 15 minutes stirring occasionally (adjust water as needed).
Taste for salt and serve.

Nutitrion

Serving Size: 1 /2 cup
Calories: 114 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 3 g

Reviews

Patty on 2025-10-16 (5 stars):
This is my go to recipe for delicious cuban black beans. Fresh cilantro really makes a difference. Thank you for another great recipe.
Chuck on 2025-10-08 (5 stars):
Very simple and delicious.
Shelley Cleveland on 2025-09-18 (5 stars):
Really tasty!!
Kay Gill on 2025-09-07 (5 stars):
Easy and delicious.
Cynthia on 2025-09-06 (5 stars):
So delicious! I've made this a couple times, and just easy and yummy. Served over rice as sides to salmon. Will definitely be making it again. Thank you for such a simple, yet delicious recipe!
Jes Starcher on 2025-08-19 (5 stars):
This is a great quick dish! The second time I tried it I added 1 jalapeño deseeded to the veggies and instead of regular oil I used a sriracha infused oil I love spicy. Then when I added everything else I squeezed in one lime one lemon and a half an orange to added a little sweetness to the spicy I just put in there. Next I just started grinding sausage so I want to added a little Chorizo to it. This recipe is so great because you can do nothing to it and still look like a 5 star chef and it also give you room to grow as it is a great platform to build on . Simple yet elegant with bold flavors
Carole Haberle on 2025-07-20 (5 stars):
Cuban Black Beans are delicious made exactly by recipe. I always make them to serve along side chicken enchiladas made exactly like recipe on back of El Paso green enchilada sauce can. You can't beat this combination.
Brian on 2025-07-19 (5 stars):
had to share this recipe via link on reddit. I've been using it for years and felt it was time to spread the word. It's amazing. Hope that's fine. It's the only black bean recipe I'll ever use.
Christine on 2025-07-07 (5 stars):
I LOVE this recipe. I've had so many compliments on it. Super easy, quick, and delicious! I do like them a little thicker, so I typically simmer uncovered, but otherwise I don't change a thing.
Beverly Buice on 2025-06-21 (5 stars):
I have fix this recipe a couple of times. Excellent! Taste so delicious 😋. No way you can tell it is canned beans.
Susan on 2025-06-19 (5 stars):
Delicious!
Tracy on 2025-06-10 (5 stars):
They taste awesome. I’m looking forward to eating them again. So happy to find this easy and tasty side dish!
Elfie Schumacher on 2025-05-24 (5 stars):
Lovely & flavourful recipe, thank you
Helen Barlow on 2025-05-10 (5 stars):
Easy, delicious, and authentic!
Jill R on 2025-04-29 (5 stars):
My go-to beans side dish!