Packed with Southern charm and bold, earthy flavor, this Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas recipe is your go-to side dish or hearty main when time is short but your cravings are real. These humble beans are elevated with savory aromatics and a kiss of spice, transforming them into something utterly satisfying with minimal effort.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or lazy Sundays, this dish delivers all the comfort of a slow-cooked classic in a fraction of the time. Using canned black eyed peas means no soaking or waiting—just pure flavor in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas
- Incredibly fast: Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s the ultimate pantry-friendly dish.
- Packed with flavor: Despite its simplicity, each bite is deeply seasoned with smoky, savory goodness.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main with rice or cornbread, or as a hearty side for any protein.
- Nutritious and filling: High in fiber and plant-based protein, it’s both comforting and wholesome.
- Customizable: Add hot sauce, chopped greens, sausage, or smoked turkey to make it your own.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: You need a wide surface area to evenly cook the aromatics and heat the beans without overcrowding.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without damaging nonstick surfaces.
- Can Opener: Since we’re using canned peas, this tool is non-negotiable.
- Colander or Fine Mesh Strainer: Rinse off the canning liquid from the peas for better flavor and reduced sodium.
- Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping onions, garlic, and any optional add-ins like green onions or bell peppers.

Ingredients for the Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas
- Canned Black Eyed Peas: The star of the show—already cooked and ready to absorb flavor.
- Onion: Adds depth and sweetness as it sautés.
- Garlic: Delivers that unmistakable aroma and savory bite.
- Jalapeño or Bell Pepper (optional): For a mild heat or colorful crunch.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Helps to caramelize the aromatics and carry flavor.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika): These pantry staples amplify the beans’ natural earthiness.
- Green Onions (for garnish): Add freshness and a pop of color.
How To Make the Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas
Step 1: Prep and Rinse
Open your canned black eyed peas and pour them into a colander. Rinse thoroughly under cool water to remove excess sodium and canning liquid.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil or butter. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Toss in minced garlic (and jalapeño if using) and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Beans
Pour in the rinsed black eyed peas. Stir to coat them in the aromatic mixture. Let them warm through, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Season Generously
Add salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to taste. Feel free to splash in a bit of hot sauce or a spoonful of broth for extra depth.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Cook for another 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Top with chopped green onions just before serving.
How to Serve and Store Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas
These black eyed peas are incredibly flexible. Enjoy them warm over a bed of steamed rice or next to a buttery slice of cornbread. They also make a stellar side dish for grilled meats or BBQ.
For storage, let leftovers cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
They also freeze well—just store in freezer-safe bags or containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Simply use olive oil instead of butter and ensure no meat-based broth is added.
Can I use dried black eyed peas?
Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them ahead of time. This recipe is designed for canned peas to keep things quick.
What meat can I add?
Smoked sausage, diced bacon, or ham hock add savory depth. Stir in after sautéing onions and garlic.
Is it spicy?
Only if you want it to be. The recipe is mild by default, but jalapeños or hot sauce can turn up the heat.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle.
Want More Bean or Southern-Inspired Ideas?
If you love these quick black eyed peas, you’ll definitely want to try these delicious options:
- Mediterranean White Beans & Greens
- Simple and Quick German Potato Salad
- Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce
- Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup
- Louisiana Remoulade Sauce
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s always handy when you need a quick, hearty dish.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice or keep it mild? Did you serve it with cornbread or rice?
I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchens. You can also follow along with my daily cooking inspiration on Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate.

Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas is the ultimate fast comfort food recipe. Made with pantry staples like canned black eyed peas, onions, and simple spices, this Southern-style dish is hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect as a side or a main dish with cornbread or rice. Great for busy nights and packed with fiber and plant-based protein.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small jalapeño or ½ bell pepper, diced (optional)
2 cans black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Open and drain the canned black eyed peas. Rinse them well using a colander to remove excess salt and canning liquid.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion and sauté for about 4–5 minutes, or until translucent.
4. Stir in the garlic and optional jalapeño or bell pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add the rinsed black eyed peas to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the aromatics.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir and let the flavors blend as the peas warm through—about 5–7 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Rinsing the canned peas is crucial to cut down on excess salt and improve flavor.
For added flavor depth, stir in a dash of broth or hot sauce while simmering.
This dish gets better the next day—perfect for make-ahead meals or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg

