Reply #4: You can also use dried black beans and save money

[ginnyinWI]

A pound bag costs about two buck and will make a big panfull of cooked beans. Only it takes a bit more time.

Put a pound of dried beans in six cups water and boil for 5 min, then let sit for an hour. OR simply soak them at room temp.overnight. Then drain, start over with six cups fresh water and simmer for 1-2 hours or until done. You can cook up beans ahead, like over a weekend, and freeze in two-cup portions and it becomes as easy as using canned. And you don't get the plastic from the can in your food as a bonus.