Slow Cooked BBQ Black Beans

Bowl of Black Beans
Mitch Hrdlicka/Photodisc/Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 4 hrs
Total: 4 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings

Baked beans are a ubiquitous side dish at cookouts and summer potlucks and this recipe offers a bit of a twist to the standard version. Instead of white beans, black beans are used, along with corn and salsa and some Southwestern spices. Then all of the familiar flavors, like barbecue sauce and brown sugar are blended in and the mixture is left to cook in the crock pot for a few hours until tender and delicious.

The recipe can vary in flavor depending on what type of barbecue sauce you use, whether it be sweet, spicy, vinegary, or mustard-based; store-bought bottled is just fine but feel free to make from scratch if you like. The garlic, cumin, chipotle chili powder, and allspice add another level of flavor and a bit of heat, and the fresh cilantro is the perfect finishing touch.

Because these beans have a Tex-Mex taste, they pair well with a wide variety of dishes, from carne asada and enchiladas to smoked brisket and beef roast to spare ribs and grilled chicken. They are also satisfying enough to enjoy on their own with a side salad and warm cornbread.

Ingredients

  • 4 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 2/3 cup tomato juice

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce

  • 1 cup chunky medium salsa

  • 1/2 cup canned corn

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tablespoon cumin

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • Pinch of allspice

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Combine all of the ingredients, except the cilantro, in the slow cooker.

  3. Turn the heat to low and cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

  4. Serve garnished with the chopped fresh cilantro.

  5. Enjoy.

Tip

If you don't have tomato juice, there are other tomato products you can substitute with. If you have tomato sauce, combine an equal amount with water; tomato paste is used in a ratio of one to four with water, and canned tomatoes can simply be blended until smooth.

Additional Toppings

  • Add a spoonful of sour cream or plain yogurt.
  • Sprinkle over a handful of shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese.
  • Add slices or cubes of ripe avocado.

What's the Difference Between Chipotle Chili Powder and Chili Powder?

The spice container labeled "chili powder" is actually a blend of different ingredients, including the powder of a type of chili along with seasonings like garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika, and oregano. Chipotle chili powder, on the other hand, is simply the powder of dried chipotle peppers, which are smoked and dried jalapenos.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
363 Calories
2g Fat
70g Carbs
20g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 363
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 677mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 70g 25%
Dietary Fiber 20g 70%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 20g
Vitamin C 16mg 78%
Calcium 87mg 7%
Iron 5mg 29%
Potassium 987mg 21%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)