Learn how to cook black beans from scratch with this simple step-by-step tutorial. Covering four different ways to cook dried black beans—including a fast 28 minute Instant Pot recipe, plus cooking options for stove top, slow cooker and baking black beans from dry in the oven—you'll end up with creamy, perfectly cooked beans every time.
It's all about beans, baby!
Hello, friend! Black beans are kind of a big deal here on HNL, and while I always keep a few cans of beans in my pantry for last-minute recipes, there are few things I find more satisfying than cooking up a big batch of black beans from dry.
As a nutritionist, I love black beans for their nutritional punch—a one-cup serving contains 15 grams of fiber (over half of the daily recommended intake) and 15 grams of plant-based protein. But you can't argue with how delicious the humble black bean is, either!
Whether you're making a batch of Black Bean and Quinoa Freezer Burritos, Refried Black Beans, or our internet-famous Chocolate Black Bean Smoothie (yes, really!), having a batch of perfectly cooked black beans on hand is the key to so many healthy and delicious recipes.
Shall we cook some dried black beans together?
Should I Soak Black Beans Before Cooking Them?
That is up to you! Soaking your beans overnight will only save you about 10 minutes in cooking time when using the stovetop technique, so I rarely bother with this. Additionally, beans that have not been soaked tend to have a better texture once cooked, with more intact beans at the end.
Some folks prefer to soak their beans and discard the soaking water to reduce the flatulence-causing compounds that beans are known for. Soaking also breaks down some of the complex sugars in beans that make them hard to digest. So if you're got a sensitive tummy, by all means soak your beans before cooking them.
Let's cook dried black beans together!
Today, we're going to cover FOUR different techniques for cooking dried black beans from scratch to yield perfectly cooked delicious beans every single time. This is the only dried black beans recipe you'll need!
Instant Pot (pressure cooker) black beans
I've tested several different cook times for Instant Pot black beans and have concluded that the best results are with 28 minutes on high pressure for perfectly cooked, tender beans. Letting the pressure release naturally also results in a better bean.
All you need to do is combine your dried black beans with water and a pinch of salt. Set the pressure cooker for 28 minutes on high pressure, and the hard part is over.
Stovetop black beans
Cooking black beans on the stovetop is probably the most straightforward method. You can check the beans anytime you want, and can pull them off the heat the moment they're perfectly done.
All you need to do to make this black beans recipe is combine well-rinsed beans, water to cover, and a bit of salt in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a rolling simmer, and simmer with the lid off for 40-60 minutes.
Cooking dried black beans in the oven
Although this technique has among the longest cooking times, it's easy and hands-off, and the result is beautifully cooked black beans.
How to cook black beans in the oven? All you need is beans, water to cover, and a pinch of salt in a Dutch oven or another heavy, oven-proof container with a lid. Put the lid on, and put the pot in a preheated oven.
You'll need to bake your beans for about 80-90 minutes using this technique.
Slow cooker black beans
If you're wondering how to cook dried black beans in the CrockPot, I've got good news for you - making beans in your slow cooker is by far the slowest (duh!) cooking technique. However, it is hands-off, and all you need to do is add the water, beans, and salt - then set it and forget it for 4-6 hours.
As with the stovetop and oven techniques, you can easily remove the lid and check your beans at any time when you cook dried black beans in the slow cooker. This is a great option if you want to come home to a batch of freshly cooked beans - but you will definitely have to plan in advance.
Black Bean Conversions and Yield
If you're wondering how many black beans you'll end up with, or how much dried beans to cook if a recipe calls for a can of black beans, worry not! We've crunched the numbers and taken the guesswork out of it for you.
Typically, dried black beans will triple in volume once cooked. So 1 cup of dried beans will yield 3 cups of cooked black beans.
- A 15-ounce can of black beans contains roughly 1.5 cups of beans when drained
- ½ cup dried black beans = 1.5 cups of cooked beans
- ½ cup dried black beans is equivalent to a 15-ounce can of beans
- 1 pound of dried black beans yields about 6 cups of cooked beans
- 1 pound of dried black beans is equivalent to 4 x 15-ounce cans of beans
How to Cook Dried Black Beans From Scratch (Fast Option!)
Equipment
Instructions
Instant Pot Black Beans
- Check the beans for any stones or broken beans. Rinse well.
- Add dried black beans, 3 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt to your Instant Pot.1 cup dried black beans, 4 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt
- Set the Instant Pot to Manual / High Pressure for 28 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally.
Stovetop Black Beans
- Check the beans for any stones or broken beans. Rinse well.
- In a large pot, combine dried black beans, water, and salt.1 cup dried black beans, 4 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt
- Place the pot on the stove over high heat. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer with the lid off until the beans are tender - about 40-60 minutes.
Oven Black Beans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C.
- Check the beans for any stones or broken beans. Rinse well.
- In a heavy, oven-proof pot such as a Dutch Oven, combine dried black beans, water, and salt.1 cup dried black beans, 4 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt
- Place the lid on the pot, and bake in the oven for 80-90 minutes, until the beans are tender.
Slow Cooker Black Beans
- Check the beans for any stones or broken beans. Rinse well.
- Combine dried black beans, water, and salt in your slow cooker.1 cup dried black beans, 4 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt
- Slow cook the beans for 4 hours at high, 6 hours on low, or until the beans are tender.
Notes
- Nutrition values are an estimate only, and are based on 1 cup of dried black beans serving four people.
- If you're cooking beans in the Instant Pot, you can reduce the water to 3 cups.
Why are black beans still hard after cooking?
It can be frustrating to spend ages cooking dried beans that just won't soften. The most common culprit for hard beans is actually the beans themselves - if you have old or poor-quality beans, they can take ages to cook. If you live in a place with hard water, you may struggle to get your beans to fully cook as the calcium in the water can prevent the beans from softening.
Acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes or lemon juice, can also result in hard beans. It's best to add these ingredients after the beans are fully cooked.
Colleen says
Could you clarify the amount of water for instant pot instructions:
“Add dried black beans, 3 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt to your Instant Pot.
1 cup dried black beans, 4 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt”
Is it 3 or 4 cups water per cup of dried black beans?
Katie Trant says
Hi Colleen, I can see how that's confusing. For the Instant Pot, it's 3 cups of water. You can, of course, use 4 cups in the Instant Pot and drain the beans at the end, but it's not necessary to use the same amount of water as it is on the stovetop.
Colleen says
Thank you!
Tina S. says
Time to restock the freezer!
This recipe (I used the IP this go round) and my Souper Cubes makes my life easier and healthier! I love keeping a stash of black beans in 1/2 cup and 1 cup serving sizes in the freezer for quick easy meal prep. Thanks!
Katherine Emerson says
Another great idea is to make Black Bean Brownies. They are so good. Nutritious. Can be frozen. A quick and easy snack to grab on the go.
Katie Trant says
Yes! We have a recipe for adzuki bean brownies that we love, and sometimes use black beans instead.
Gail says
Katie, I'm trying to locate your "recipe" for snack dinner. And, although it gets me lots of page views from your site, I still can't seem to find it. Can you help?
Thanks,
Gail
Katie Trant says
Maybe you're thinking of my Vegetarian Cheese Board? I don't really have a recipe for snack dinner on the site, I just mention it a lot! https://www.heynutritionlady.com/how-to-make-a-vegetarian-cheese-board/
Gail says
Thanks, Katie. I think I remember seeing a good photo of what you prepared for the kids, which is what I was probably looking for, but didn't find. We have some picky little eaters around here. What did your littles like best on snack dinner day?
Sarah says
My favorite method is the Instant Pot. I use it constantly!
I had no idea that using the oven was even possible! Great tutorial, and I'll give it a try sometime.
Katie Trant says
The oven technique surprised me too! But I liked it more than expected.
Emmeline says
Thank you for this recipe! I’ve always been too lazy to cook beans myself but thanks to your instant pot instructions I’m now saving money cooking them from scratch! And they’re so much tastier!
Katie Trant says
Yes! I agree, the taste is so much better than canned.