Black Beans Recipe (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)

If you’re looking for a hearty and nutritious addition to your meals, this Black Beans Recipe (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker) is just what you need. Rich in protein and fiber, black beans are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Black Beans Recipe (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker) is a must-try for several reasons:

– Effortless Cooking: With the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker, you can set it and forget it, making meal prep a breeze.
– Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and vegetables adds depth and richness, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
– Customizable: You can easily add your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your palate.
– Healthy and Nutritious: Black beans are a great source of protein and fiber, making them a wholesome choice for any meal.
– Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for leftovers or freezing for later.

Your Shopping Guide

When preparing this Black Beans Recipe (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker), you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 1 cup finely diced red pepper
• 4 to 6 cloves minced garlic (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound dried black beans
• 3 cups water
• 3 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock (I recommend Swanson)
• 2 heaping tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• Fresh lime juice (optional)

Must-Have Equipment

To prepare this recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment:

• Instant Pot or Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the beans to perfection.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
• Mixing Spoon: For stirring your ingredients together.

Black Beans Recipe (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker) in Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by finely dicing the yellow onion and red pepper. Mince the garlic cloves. Measure out all your spices and other ingredients to have everything ready for cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In your Instant Pot, select the sauté function and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and red pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Stir in the paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.

Step 4: Add Beans and Liquid

Add the dried black beans to the pot, followed by the water and chicken or vegetable stock. Stir to combine. Then, add the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and the bay leaf.

Step 5: Cooking in the Instant Pot

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 30 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for natural pressure release for about 15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Cooking in the Slow Cooker

If using a slow cooker, combine all ingredients (including the sautéed vegetables and spices) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.

Year-Round Variations

Feel free to mix things up with these variations:

• Vegetable Addition: Add zucchini, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Protein Boost: Mix in cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of chipotle peppers or add diced jalapeños for more heat.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or parsley for unique flavor profiles.

Flavor Logic

The beauty of this Black Beans Recipe (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker) lies in its flavor profile. The sweet and savory notes from the onions and red peppers meld beautifully with the smokiness of the paprika and chipotle. The garlic and spices add depth, while the acidity from the lime juice brightens the dish. Together, these ingredients create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

To keep your black beans fresh and flavorful, consider the following tips:

• Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the black beans in portions. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or stock to loosen them up if they become too thick.

Handy Q&A

Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned black beans. If using canned, skip the soaking and cooking steps and simply add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker, allowing them to heat through and absorb the flavors.

Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?

No, soaking is not necessary when using the Instant Pot, as the pressure cooking method softens the beans effectively. However, if using the Slow Cooker, you can soak them overnight for a shorter cooking time.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and you’ll have a delicious vegan-friendly dish.

What can I serve with black beans?

Black beans are incredibly versatile! Serve them over rice, in tacos, burritos, or salads, or alongside grilled meats and vegetables for a complete meal.

Because You Liked This

If you enjoyed this Black Beans Recipe (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker), you might also like these:

• Black Bean Brownies
• Vegan Black Bean Soup
• Black Bean Tacos

Serve & Enjoy

Now that you’ve mastered this Black Beans Recipe (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker), it’s time to dig in! Serve your flavorful black beans warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Whether you’re enjoying them as a main dish or as a side, they’re sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the satisfaction of a healthy, homemade meal.