ThisCafe Rio Black Beansrecipe is a perfect side for taco night! Flavorful, salty, and slightly acidic, they fill out any meal and are the could not be easier to make!

a bowl of black beans surrounded by limes and cilantro.

When it comes to side dishes, black beans are a favorite in our house. They go well with practically everything! This Cafe Rio hack might tempt you to make a double batch because it has all of the elements you could ever want: it’s easy to make, easy to clean up, and tastes incredible by itself, in a burrito ortacos, or tossed on top of a salad!

Versatility is a must in my kitchen, and these black beans deliver. They’re delicious the first time around, and are get as leftovers, after the flavors have blended over a day or two. The cumin adds a bit of earthy spice, while tomato juice and cilantro balance it out with a bite of tangy freshness.

overhead shot of black beans surrounded by limes and cilantro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You can have these beans on the table in less than 15 minutes.
These beans are perfectly seasoned with just a handful of pantry staples.
You can serve these beans on their own or as a side with a variety of dishes.

Recipe Ingredients

Garlic—Freshly minced.
Cumin—Adds a warm, smoky flavor to the beans.
Olive Oil—Coats the beans to help the spices adhere better.
Tomato Juice—Adds a touch of sweetness.
Salt
Cilantro—Freshly chopped.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Make Cafe Rio Black Beans

Cook the garlic, cumin, and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
Add the beans, tomato juice, and salt. Stir the ingredients together and continue to cook until the beans are warm.
Stir in the cilantro.

Can you use a different type of bean?

If you or a family member isn’t a huge fan of black beans, pinto beans make a great substitute for this recipe! They’re similar in taste and texture, but really, this is such a simple and fresh recipe that you could use your bean of choice and it would turn out great.

Do black beans have to be soaked before cooking?

Some people prefer to cook using dry beans that need soaking before cooking, and it’s totally up to you if that’s what you like! But if you’re short on time and want a quick and easy black bean dish, I’d go with canned beans. It drastically cuts down your prep and cook time, and tastes just as good!

What do you eat black beans with?

What DON’T you eat black beans with? The versatility of this dish makes them a great addition to any meal. Try them in burrito bowls, salads, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, Buddha bowls, breakfast burritos, or just plain ‘ol by themselves!

Expert Tips

If you are using uncooked beans instead of canned beansthenyou will need to add extra salt.The liquid in canned beans adds quite a bit of extra salt to the black beans.
For some extra flavor,try squeezing a little bit of lime juice over your black beans.
If you don’t have any fresh garlic,you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powderinstead.
If you are a fan of spice then try addinga pinch of red pepper flakesto your beans.
Serve these beans on their own or add them to your favoritesoups, salads, and tacos!