Imagine a cozy weeknight dinner that comes together in a flash, fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, and leaves everyone at the table feeling satisfied. Enter the Black Bean Skillet Dinner: a vibrant and hearty dish that marries the earthy flavors of black beans with a medley of colorful vegetables and spices. This one-pan wonder is not just quick to prepare; it’s also packed with protein, fiber, and a punch of flavor that makes it a go-to in our household.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Black Bean Skillet Dinner is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get your family to eat their veggies without them even realizing it! Whether you’re serving it over rice, in a tortilla, or simply on its own, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of lime juice, garlic, and spices creates a flavor profile that’s both fresh and satisfying.

The Ingredient Lineup

To whip up this delicious Black Bean Skillet Dinner, gather the following ingredients:

1 zest of lime
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Pinch of kosher salt
Juice of 1 lime
1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1/2 cup)
1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Sliced avocado and fresh cilantro leaves – for serving

Hardware & Gadgets

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the necessary equipment:

Skillet: A large cast-iron or non-stick skillet works best for even cooking.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables easily and safely.

How to Prepare Black Bean Skillet Dinner

Ready to dive into making this delightful Black Bean Skillet Dinner? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Thinly slice the red onion, dice the yellow onion, and the bell peppers, and finely chop the jalapeño. Mince the garlic and zest the lime.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Peppers and Seasoning

Stir in the red and green bell peppers along with the jalapeño. Cook for about 5 minutes until the peppers have softened. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, chili powder, sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate the Black Beans and Tomatoes

Add the rinsed black beans and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Prepare the Lime Yogurt

While the skillet mixture is cooking, prepare the lime yogurt. In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt or sour cream with the zest and juice of 1 lime and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix well and set aside.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the black bean mixture is cooked to perfection, serve it hot. Top with a dollop of lime yogurt, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your Black Bean Skillet Dinner with your favorite sides or on its own!

Swap Guide

Feel free to customize this dish based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

Beans: Substitute black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas for a different flavor.
Peppers: Use any color of bell pepper or even add corn for sweetness.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or add chili flakes if you like it spicier.
Yogurt: Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative, like coconut yogurt.

Frequent Missteps to Avoid

To ensure your Black Bean Skillet Dinner turns out perfectly every time, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Not rinsing the beans: This helps remove excess sodium and improves flavor.
Overcooking the vegetables: Keep an eye on them to maintain a nice texture.
Skipping the lime yogurt: This adds a refreshing element that balances the dish.
Neglecting to taste: Always taste as you go, adjusting seasonings to your liking.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your Black Bean Skillet Dinner:

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Common Questions

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the Greek yogurt or sour cream with a plant-based alternative, and you’re good to go!

What can I serve with the Black Bean Skillet Dinner?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or even rolled in tortillas for tacos. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, add more jalapeño or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Canned diced tomatoes work perfectly in this recipe, providing flavor and moisture to the dish.

Cook This Next

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes to try, consider these:

Next Steps

Now that you have the recipe for a fantastic Black Bean Skillet Dinner, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and spread the joy of cooking!

With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, the Black Bean Skillet Dinner is not just a meal; it’s an experience. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy this hearty dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table!

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Black Bean Skillet Dinner

This Black Bean Skillet Dinner is a quick, vibrant, and hearty meal that everyone will love!

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 zest lime
1 clove garlic minced
1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 pinch kosher salt
1 juice lime
1 small red onion very thinly sliced
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion diced
1 small jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 cans black beans rinsed and drained (15 oz each)
1 can diced tomatoes with their juices (15 oz)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Sliced avocado and fresh cilantro leaves for serving

Instructions

Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Thinly slice the red onion, dice the yellow onion, and the bell peppers, and finely chop the jalapeño. Mince the garlic and zest the lime.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the red and green bell peppers along with the jalapeño. Cook for about 5 minutes until the peppers have softened. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, chili powder, sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Add the rinsed black beans and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
While the skillet mixture is cooking, prepare the lime yogurt. In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt or sour cream with the zest and juice of 1 lime and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix well and set aside.
Once the black bean mixture is cooked to perfection, serve it hot. Top with a dollop of lime yogurt, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro leaves for an extra burst of flavor.