Slow Cooker Cuban Black Beans
No CommentsMay 19, 2026
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If you want a great side dish, these Slow Cooker Cuban Black Beans are a must-try. They cook up tender and have plenty of Cuban-inspired flavor.
If you are looking for a Cuban black beans recipe to serve with your favorite main dishes or spoon over rice, you have come to the right place. Here is why you should try these beans:
- No need to soak the beans, making prep simple.
- Budget-friendly – especially since there is no meat in this recipe.
- Great for meal prep since the beans freeze and reheat well.
- Customizable to your own tastes – add meat or extra seasonings if desired.
What you need for Cuban Black Beans
Black Beans: Dried black beans here. Find these at the store in bags next to the canned beans.
Seasonings: To make these Cuban style beans, we use cumin, oregano, bay leaf, and salt.
Vegetables: Plenty of veggies in this; we add celery, onion, carrots, garlic, and bell pepper.
Vinegar and Sugar: The vinegar and brown sugar help round out the flavor of the beans and broth without making them sweet.
How to Make Cuban Black Beans in the Slow Cooker
- Rinse the black beans and add them to the slow cooker with the vegetables and garlic.
- Pour in the broth and add the seasonings, vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Cook until the beans are tender.
Serving Ideas
With Rice: Rice is a classic side dish for this Cuban Bean Recipe. Classic white rice is great or we love Matzama Yellow Rice which is in yellow bags at the store, and easy to prepare.
Mains: If you want to add a main dish to these beans, try my Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja, Slow Cooker Cuban Pork Roast. Other great meals to make are Slow Cooker Cuban Picadillo or Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches.
Toppings: We love adding toppings to our beans; to add flavor, add chopped cilantro, diced onion, and sour cream.
Can I soak the beans?
There really is no need to soak the beans in this recipe. Cooking the beans on HIGH will ensure they soften perfectly. If you insist on soaking, you can cook for one hour less.
Could canned beans be used?
No, this recipe was developed with dried beans. Using canned beans instead of dried will result in overcooked beans. If you want to use canned beans, simply warm them on the stove top with the flavors in this recipe.
Tips on Storing
Beans are great for freezing. Place in airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. Or place in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Slow Cooker Cuban Black Beans Recipe
How to Video
Ingredients
- 16 oz. dried black beans, (do not soak)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, left whole
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. brown sugar
- 6 cups chicken broth
- salt to taste, (add at the end of cooking time)
Instructions
- Check the black beans for any debris and discard. Rinse and drain the beans. Add them to the slow cooker.
- Add the bell pepper, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, seasonings, vinegar, brown sugar and chicken broth.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 5 hours. You can cook on low for 8-9 hours.
- When the cooking time is up, stir and taste for seasonings. Add salt if desired – I usually add a 1 tsp.
- Serve with desired mains and sides and enjoy!
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Crockpot Bean recipes to try:
Slow Cooker Black Beans and Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice are hearty budget-friendly recipes packed with rich homemade flavor.
From smoky Slow Cooker Charro Beans to sweet and savory Slow Cooker Baked Beans, these crockpot bean recipes are perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners.
Ham and Beans and Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup are comforting slow cooker meals that taste even better served with cornbread or rice.
