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How do you make homemade beans?
You make homemade beans by soaking dried beans overnight, then simmering them low and slow with aromatics until they’re creamy and tender.
It’s one of those simple kitchen skills that pays off big, because a pot of homemade beans can feed you for days and costs just a couple of dollars.
And whether you’re using black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, or kidney beans, the method for how to make homemade beans stays pretty much the same.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make homemade beans from scratch, the best ways to flavor them, and how to store your leftovers so nothing goes to waste.
Let’s get cooking.
Why You Should Make Homemade Beans From Scratch
Making homemade beans from scratch beats canned beans in almost every way, and here’s why.
1. The Flavor Is Way Better
When you make homemade beans, you control everything that goes into the pot.
That means real garlic, onions, bay leaves, and spices instead of the metallic, slightly bland taste you sometimes get from a can.
The beans also simmer in their own cooking liquid, which builds a deep, savory flavor you just can’t fake.
2. It’s Cheaper Than Canned
A one-pound bag of dried beans costs a fraction of what you’d pay for the equivalent amount of canned beans.
Since one pound of dried beans makes roughly six cups of cooked homemade beans, you’re getting a serious bargain.
3. You Skip the Additives
Canned beans often contain added salt, preservatives, and sometimes sugar.
When you make homemade beans, you decide exactly how much salt goes in, which matters if you’re watching your sodium.
How to Make Homemade Beans Step by Step
Now let’s get into the actual process of how to make homemade beans.
1. Soak the Beans Overnight
Start by sorting through your dried beans and removing any shriveled ones or tiny stones.
Then cover them with cold water, about three inches above the beans, and let them soak for eight to twelve hours.
Soaking softens the beans and helps them cook more evenly, plus it makes them easier to digest.
If you forgot to soak, you can do a quick soak by boiling the beans for two minutes, then letting them sit in the hot water for an hour.
2. Simmer Low and Slow
Drain the soaked beans and add them to a big pot with fresh water, again about three inches above the beans.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the homemade beans simmer gently.
Cooking times vary by bean, but most take anywhere from one to two hours.
Black beans usually take about an hour and a half, while kidney beans can take closer to two hours.
3. Add Your Aromatics
This is where homemade beans go from good to great.
Toss in a halved onion, a few smashed garlic cloves, and a bay leaf or two right at the start.
For extra depth, add a dried chili, a sprig of epazote, or a piece of kombu.
Just hold off on the salt until the beans are almost tender, since adding it too early can keep the skins tough.
4. Season at the End
Once your homemade beans are soft and creamy, that’s when you season.
Stir in salt, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of bacon fat if you want richness.
Taste as you go, because the seasoning is what makes a pot of homemade beans taste like something you’d pay for at a restaurant.
5. Save the Cooking Liquid
Don’t pour that liquid down the drain.
The broth left behind after cooking homemade beans is called pot likker, and it’s packed with flavor.
Use it as a base for soups, stews, or rice, or just spoon some over your bowl of beans to keep them moist.
Best Ways to Serve Your Homemade Beans
Once your homemade beans are ready, the fun part begins.
Spoon them over rice for a classic meal, mash them into refried beans for tacos, or stir them into chili.
They’re also great folded into burritos, piled on toast, or served as a simple side with cornbread.
A squeeze of lime, some chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of crumbled cheese on top never hurts either.
And if you want to stretch them further, homemade beans freeze beautifully in portioned containers for up to three months.
So, How Do You Make Homemade Beans?
You make homemade beans by soaking dried beans overnight, simmering them low and slow with aromatics, and seasoning them at the end.
It’s a hands-off process that rewards you with tender, flavorful beans and a pot of rich broth you can use in other meals.
Cheaper than canned, better tasting, and endlessly versatile, homemade beans deserve a regular spot in your kitchen rotation.
Grab a bag of dried beans, pick your favorite seasonings, and give it a try this week.