Smashed Mexican Black Beans

Elevate your side dish game with these flavorful Smashed Mexican Black Beans—an easy, 25-minute recipe bursting with bold spices and creamy textures. Perfectly seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, these black beans are gently smashed to create a rustic, hearty consistency that pairs beautifully with tacos, burritos, or as a standalone dip. A splash of zesty lime juice enhances their bright, tangy flavor, while a garnish of fresh cilantro adds a fresh finish. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight side or a complementary dish for your next Mexican-inspired feast, these protein-packed beans are sure to become a household favorite. Plus, they’re made with pantry staples, making this recipe as convenient as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned black beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic in the spices.

Step 5

Pour in the canned black beans (including their liquid) and the vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Using the back of a spoon or a potato masher, gently smash about half of the black beans in the skillet, leaving some whole for texture.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and let the beans thicken for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 9

Stir in the lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the smashed black beans to a serving dish.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(606.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	800.6

Total Fat 30.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2757.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 101.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.5g	0%
Total Sugars 4.6g
Protein 33.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 242.1mg	0%
Iron 12.9mg	0%
Potassium 1891.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.5%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 49.9%