Meatless Mexican Beans
A hearty and flavorful meatless Mexican beans dish, featuring tender red beans simmered with chili spices, garlic, and onions. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone seeking a comforting, protein-rich meal with smoky and spicy notes, ideal served with rice or tortillas for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover beans with water plus 2 inches more and soak for 10 to 12 hours.
- Put soaked beans into a slow cooker.
- Add water to cover the beans plus 2 inches more.
- Add chili mix, chopped garlic, and chopped onion to the slow cooker.
- Cook for 4 to 5 hours.
- After 4 to 5 hours, add mesquite liquid smoke and hot sauce if desired.
- When beans are done, add salt to taste.
- Do not heat beans in the microwave as they can become hard.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating finely diced bell peppers or jalapeños along with the onions. If you don't have chili mix, a blend of cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne can work well. You can also substitute small red beans with black beans or pinto beans. Adjust the amount of mesquite liquid smoke to your taste, as it can be quite potent.
Serving Suggestions
These meatless Mexican beans make a hearty filling for burritos or tacos, and they pair beautifully with Mexican recipes like Velveeta Salsa Dip or Fiesta Onion Salsa. Serve alongside rice or cornbread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado for added freshness, and provide hot Louisiana sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. For longer storage, consider freezing the beans in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatless Mexican Beans contains roughly 147 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1980mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for a quicker preparation! Drain and rinse them, then add them to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking. This will help them absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of hot Louisiana sauce or add diced fresh chilies when you mix in the onions and garlic. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe is entirely plant-based, making it perfect for vegan diets. Just ensure that the chili mix you use doesn't contain any animal products, and you can enjoy a hearty and flavorful dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).