Hearty Black Bean Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A filling sandwich with savory black beans and melted cheese, ready in 20 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Black Bean Filling

01 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
11 - 1 tablespoon lime juice

→ Sandwich Assembly

12 - 8 slices sandwich bread (whole wheat or white)
13 - 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
14 - 4 tablespoons butter, softened

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Stir in black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder if using, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, mashing some beans with a spoon.
03 - Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro and lime juice, then set aside.
04 - Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each bread slice.
05 - Place half of the bread slices buttered side down. Evenly spread black bean mixture over them, then top with cheese. Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
06 - Heat skillet or griddle to medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Slice and serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It costs almost nothing to make but tastes like you actually planned dinner.
  • The black beans add real substance so you're not hungry an hour later.
  • Everything comes together in twenty minutes, which is perfect for when you're tired.
02 -
  • Don't skip mashing some of the beans or your filling will be too chunky and slide around inside the bread.
  • Keep the heat at medium, not high. Rush it and the outside burns while the cheese is still solid.
03 -
  • Let your butter soften at room temperature instead of microwaving it. You get a better spread and more control.
  • If your filling is too warm when you assemble, the butter will melt and your bread won't toast right. Let it cool for a minute.
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