Name: Cheesy Spicy Black Bean Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 5 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup tomato paste; 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed; 8 oz red enchilada sauce (such as Frontera Red Chile Enchilada Sauce); 3 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese (such as Cabot); 4 lime wedges

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Introduction

This Cheesy Spicy Black Bean Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with smoky spices, melted cheddar, and a touch of heat, it’s both comforting and satisfying. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

A black cast iron skillet filled with a baked dish made of melted cheese and cooked black beans, forming a speckled top layer with dark brown and golden spots; two bright green lime wedges rest on the top left side of the dish as a garnish. The skillet is placed on a white marbled textured surface beneath a white, light brown, and orange plaid cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup tomato paste
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 oz red enchilada sauce (such as Frontera Red Chile Enchilada Sauce)
3 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese (e.g., Cabot)
4 lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Add the drained black beans, salt, black pepper, and enchilada sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 6: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the bean mixture.
Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lime wedges to squeeze over the top for a bright finish.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh lime juice instead of wedges for a quicker option.
Substitute black beans with pinto or kidney beans for a different flavor.
Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
For a vegetarian version, make sure your enchilada sauce is meat-free.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture of the cheese and beans best.

How to Serve

The image shows a white ceramic bowl divided into two sections. One section is filled with baked black beans covered with melted cheese, showing a mix of dark brown beans and light yellow melted cheese on top. A silver spoon is resting in this section, partially submerged in the beans. There is a green lime wedge placed on top of the beans near the spoon. The other section of the bowl holds several golden, crispy tortilla chips stacked together. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a colorful checkered cloth underneath in shades of orange, beige, and brown. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can replace the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a tasty vegan version.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can make the bean mixture ahead and store it in the fridge, then add the cheese and bake just before serving. This helps keep the cheese fresh and melty.