15-Minute Creamy Southwest Black Bean Skillet

Who knew a couple of cans of black beans could turn into something this creamy and comforting? This easy skillet is full of flavor and ready in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1/2 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced

1 small Red Bell Pepper, diced

3 Garlic Cloves, minced

1 tsp Ground Cumin

1 tsp Smoked Paprika

1/2 tsp Chili Powder

1/2 tsp Onion Powder

1/2 tsp Salt, or to taste

2 cans (15 ounces each) Black Beans, drained and rinsed

1 Cup Frozen or Canned Corn, drained

1 Cup Chunky Salsa

1 Cup Vegetable Broth

1/3 Cup Unsweetened Soy Milk or Plant-Based Cooking Cream

Juice of ½ Lime, optional

Optional toppings

Chopped Cilantro

Diced Avocado

Sliced Green Onions

Vegan Cheese

Crushed Tortilla Chips

Additional Lime wedges

You know those evenings when you’re hungry but really don’t feel like cooking? That’s when a meal like this comes in handy. We’re keeping the ingredients simple, the dishes minimal, and still making something you’ll look forward to sitting down and eating. Grab some rice or tortilla chips, and let’s make dinner together!

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Add the garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder and salt. Cook for one minute allow the spices to bloom and wake up.

Add the black beans, corn, salsa and vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Use the back of your spoon or a potato masher to mash approximately ½ cup of the black beans directly in the skillet. This naturally thickens the sauce while leaving plenty of whole beans for texture.

Simmer uncovered for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the unsweetened soy milk or plant-based cream. Cook gently for another minute without bringing the sauce to a rapid boil.

Turn off the heat and finish with fresh lime juice, if desired. Taste and adjust the salt, spices or lime as needed.

Garnish with cilantro, avocado, green onions or crushed tortilla chips.