Just started making this using the following:
half bag of black beans (32 ounce, so 16 ounces) soak overnight, rinse, then add into pot.
Dice 1 medium/large onion
garlic (either 2-3 cloves or tablespoon or two of powder but we sometimes add WAY more)
chili powder (1-2 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon cilantro
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
(salt and pepper to taste when finished)
Add enough water to cover +1 inch above bean level. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer and cook for 2-3 hours on low heat until beans are tender, stirring every 15 minutes or so and checking liquid levels and adding more if beans look dry.
For eating, we add either a handful (roughly 1/4 cup) of shredded cheese (usually sharp cheddar), or slice/shred up some pepper jack and add to a bowl serving of beans/rice mixture, heating it up so the cheese is melted into the mix and then stir well to blend all the flavors.
We make this several times a month and are always sad when it's gone. But it is SO easy since it requires minimal prep and just occasional stirring while cooking.