Big-Batch Black Beans

A hearty and flavorful recipe for homemade black beans cooked with aromatic spices, onion, and garlic. These versatile beans can be made ahead and stored for later use.

8 servings
3 hr 15 min

Ingredients

  • 2 lb dried black beans
  • 1 whole onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • 2 Tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 Tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 Tbsp ground cumin

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place beans in a large heavy pot and cover with water by 2". Cover pot and bring to a boil over high heat, then remove from heat. Let sit 1 hour.

    60 min

  2. 2.

    Uncover and add more water if needed to cover by 2". Stir in onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, oregano, and cumin. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Uncover, reduce heat to low, and simmer, checking after 1 1/2 hours and adding more water if needed to keep beans submerged, until beans are tender and creamy, 1 1/2-2 hours total.

    120 min

  3. 3.

    Serve beans immediately or let cool completely, then transfer beans and cooking liquid to airtight containers.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Do Ahead: Beans can be made 5 days ahead. Cover and chill, or freeze up to 3 months.