Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe (2024)

Thiseasy black beans and rice recipegoes great with just about any meat, or you can stir in diced chicken or sausage to make a one-dish meal. It is versatile, inexpensive, andverytasty.

This black and beans rice recipe is so good, y’all.It’s one of my family’s favorite dishes, and it’s so versatile! Serve it as a side with any meat of your choice, stir in some chicken or sausage, use it tofill burritos, or just eat it on its own. So many possibilities!

Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe (1)

What You Need To Know about Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Rice is a non-allergenic and gluten-free food. It is a member of the grass family, which is consumed by nearly half of the world’s population. It is the staple diet for many regions of the world, including South America and Asia. Many people think that rice’s origins can be traced back to 3000 BC in India, where locals found the plant growing wild. Interesting, right? Keep reading and enjoy this easy black beans and rice recipe.

All beans are naturally low in fat and a great source of protein, magnesium, dietary fiber, complex carbs, iron, and antioxidants. High fiber foods are a smart choice for diabetics and other low-fat diets since they can help naturally decrease cholesterol and prevent blood sugar levels. Constant bean consumption can protect against cancer, heart problems, and aging.

Influenced By Many Cultures

Beans and rice are belonging many cultures around the world and these staple foods combine and make a great dish. The mix of plant foods offers a number of crucial elements as well as a substantial amount of calories, and both meals are commonly available. While the rice can be either plain or seasoned, the beans are typically seasoned. The two ingredients can be combined, served individually on the platter, or both together. The beans add a lovely, rich taste to the rice and are a fantastic source of protein.

Rice with black beans is such a traditional pairing. There are many different methods to prepare it, but this one is simple, quick to prepare, and delicious. Beans and rice are a staple food in many countries, and there are countless variations of this straightforward but satisfying dish. Different versions of this well-known meal can be found in nations including Brazil, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Korea, the United States, and the Caribbean.

Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe (2)

Reason Why We Need To Eat This Food

This food is quite healthy! Beans are rich in protein and iron and serve as a satisfying carbohydrate when combined with rice (beans are definitely the most nutritious of the pair). They also give a complete protein, which is necessary for our bodies to remain healthy. Veggies are a simple, wholesome addition to any meal. It is incredibly versatile and inexpensive. The outcome is a delicious and flavorful dish that is ideal for those times when you need to prepare a supper quickly.

How to Make Black Beans and Rice?

Since I can eat way more than my fair share of black bean rice, I like to double the recipeso we have leftovers for lunches. It works well in lunchboxes, or I like to make a quickburrito bowlwith the addition of some lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and cheese.

Ifound inspiration for this recipe on AllRecipes years ago, and I think it may be the first time I have ever cooked with cumin. I was instantly sold! If you haven’t yet cooked with cumin, just trust me that it makes the dish. It’s definitely worth buying a jar if you don’t already have some. I always include itin my Mexican recipes because I love its distinctive flavor, and it’s all thanks to these black beans and rice.

I hope you will love this recipe as much as we do!

Print

Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe (3)

Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe

★★★★★5 from 1 review
Print Recipe

This simple side dish is versatile, inexpensive, and tasty. Serve with any meat, use it in burritos, or add diced chicken or sausage to make a one-dish meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed or minced
  • 1 cup white rice I like medium grain
  • 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 15 ounces can and seasoned black beans drained and rinsed
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté 3 minutes, until onion is tender and starting to brown. Add garlic, and sauté one minute longer. Add uncooked rice, and stir and sauté 2 minutes.
  2. Add broth, salt, and cumin. Stir together, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes.
  3. Remove lid, stir in beans, and cover again. Turn off heat, and let stand for 3 minutes before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes.com.

  • Author: Andi Gleeson
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutritional Information

Beans are rich in protein, carbohydrates, micronutrients, and fiber. They also include folate, which is often lacking in American diets. The combination of grains and protein is filling and nutritious.

Rice (a grain) and beans (a legume) are each vegetarian and together make up a complete protein, providing each of the amino acids the body cannot make for itself. While rice is rich in starch and thus is a great source of energy, beans contain iron and a good amount of protein.

Per Serving:

Calories125 kcalCarbohydrates26 g
Protein2 gFat1 g
Saturated Fat1 gMonounsaturated Fat1 mg
Iron1 mgSodium6 mg
Potassium57 mgFiber1 g
Sugar1 gVitamin A4IU
Vitamin C1 mgCalcium18 mg

Variation and Substitution of Black Beans and Rice Recipe

This is a basic recipe for beans and rice, and you may modify it by adding a number of different ingredients.

Vegetables:A few examples of veggies to try including are chopped tomato, maize, red bell pepper, green chilies, and zucchini.

Beans:Black beans can be replaced with pinto beans.

Cheese:Consider adding a sprinkling of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Cotija cheese.

Spices:To the mixture, you can add more flavors like ground coriander, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Health Benefits

For good reasons, rice and beans are a popular pairing in many different cultures all over the world. They both provide a cheap dish that is nutritious and rich in complex carbohydrates while being low in fat. Black beans and rice both have high protein content and at least 10% of each of the seven vitamins and minerals.

  • Gluten-free and naturally anti-inflammatory.
  • Enhances the health of the nervous system.
  • Great Source of Energy.
  • Constipation prevention due to diuretic and digestive properties.
  • Can Aid in Lowering Cancer Risks.
  • Stops obesity.
  • Regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
  • Good Protein Source

What Do You Love About Black Beans and Rice?

It is easy to have most, if not all, of the ingredients on hand that are needed for this recipe. This dinner recipe is easy to prepare. It tastes and looks good, that everyone likes, and that doesn’t take a ton of time in the kitchen.

  • It has great flavor.
  • Made in one pot
  • Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and soy-free
  • Uses inexpensive pantry staples
  • Seasoned to perfection with Mexican-inspired flavors like cumin and chili powder

How to Store Black Beans and Rice Food?

Serve:Black beans and rice can be kept at room temperature for about two hours before serving.

Store:This recipe is excellent for meal preparation because it keeps well as leftovers. Beans and rice can be kept in the fridge for up to five days if they aren’t eaten.

Re-Heat:Heat food slowly in a microwave or on the stovetop to reheat. Then cover the rice with a wet paper towel before heating it in the microwave. By doing this, moisture will be added, resulting in fluffy, soft rice after reheating.

Freeze:Black Beans and Rice can be frozen for up to three weeks in an airtight container or zip-top bag as long as it is properly sealed.

More Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipes For You

Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the best beans for beans and rice? ›

Though red beans and rice is the best-known version of this dish, it is frequently made with other types of beans, and you can do the same if you'd like. Pink beans, white cannellini beans, even black beans will all taste great with the same basic technique.

Is black beans and rice healthy? ›

When people eat black beans with rice, their blood sugar levels tend to be lower than if they only ate rice. For people with diabetes, adding beans to a healthy diet can improve blood sugar control while reducing heart disease risk.

How to jazz up beans and rice? ›

"I recommend adding a fresh mango avocado salsa made with red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to brighten up the dish. Because the beans and rice have so much earthiness, the fruit and acidity will lighten the plate. A margarita is always great, as well."

Is it OK to eat beans and rice everyday? ›

The combination of rice and beans gives you even more protein and fiber, as well as other important vitamins and minerals, like folate. Although it probably won't harm you to eat rice and beans every day, it's best to include a variety of nutritious foods in your diet for complete nutrition.

How do you make beans and rice taste better? ›

Spices – A mix of smoked paprika (or regular paprika, but smoked is SO good), cumin, chili powder, cayenne (optional), salt, and pepper make this rice and beans dish taste amazing. Add fresh cilantro to really make it come alive!

Should I drain beans before adding to rice? ›

Many people wonder if they need to drain and rinse canned beans, and the answer is, “it depends.” It's fine to add the bean liquid to many recipes, but if you want to reduce the amount of sodium, it's best to drain and rinse canned beans.

Can I live on rice and beans? ›

Yes. Surprisingly a lot of the 3rd world eats mostly rice and beans. It's not the most nutrient dense food, but when you look at inexpensive and easily obtainable foods, this combo provides a lot of the nutrients humans need.

What is the healthiest bean you can eat? ›

  1. Chickpeas. Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are a great source of fiber and protein. ...
  2. Lentils. Lentils are a great source of vegetarian protein and can be a good addition to soups and stews. ...
  3. Peas. Peas are also a type of legume. ...
  4. Kidney beans. ...
  5. Black beans. ...
  6. Soybeans. ...
  7. Pinto beans. ...
  8. Navy beans.

Is it OK to eat black beans everyday? ›

Yes! "Eating beans, including canned beans, every day is one of the best things you can do to help increase nutrients [that you may fall short on] and substantially improve the quality of your diet," says Papanikolaou.

What to pair with rice and beans? ›

But if you're thinking of the red beans and rice as the main dish, try, as side dishes — sauteed butternut squash, cubed avocado, pico de gallo, and/or tortillas. Don't forget dollops of yogurt - plain or mixed with minced garlic. Fried okra and andouille sausage.

What meat goes good with rice and beans? ›

A few that come to mind are:
  • Fried, grilled or smoked chicken.
  • Fried Oysters, scallops, shrimp or clams.
  • Smothered, grilled or fried pork chops.
  • Steak.
  • Smoked meats such as pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket, or hot links.
  • Fried, grilled, or blackened fish.
  • Meatloaf.
Mar 2, 2018

Are canned beans safe? ›

Absoluly yes, when we canned baked beans are typically precooked during the canning process, so they are safe to eat without heating them up. The canning process involves sealing and cooking the food in the can to ensure it is preserved and free from harmful bacteria.

What does Dave Ramsey mean by beans and rice? ›

When you're trying to become debt-free, what is cheaper than Dave Ramsey's "rice and beans, beans and rice? I think that you've taken the term too literally… “Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice” simply means that you're going to cut your expenses to the BONE… you are going to cut every un-needed expense out of your life.

Are canned beans as healthy as dried beans? ›

Dried beans are slightly healthier than canned beans.

However, there are a few ways to decrease the sodium content of canned beans. Draining and rinsing canned beans removes a lot of the sodium, and you can also purchase low- or no-added sodium varieties of canned bean products.”

Which beans are the best beans to eat? ›

  1. Chickpeas. Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are a great source of fiber and protein. ...
  2. Lentils. Lentils are a great source of vegetarian protein and can be a good addition to soups and stews. ...
  3. Peas. Peas are also a type of legume. ...
  4. Kidney beans. ...
  5. Black beans. ...
  6. Soybeans. ...
  7. Pinto beans. ...
  8. Navy beans.

What are the top five beans? ›

America's favorite bean is pinto beans, according to the U.S. Dry Beans Council, often used to make refried beans. Navy beans, Great Northern beans, red kidney beans and black beans round out the rest of the top five.

What kind of beans are used in Chinese food? ›

Just as Indian vegetarian food depends a lot on lentils and pulses, the Chinese pantry cannot do without beans. Red beans, green beans, soybeans, black beans, speckled beans - even beans with "eyebrows".

What are the 4 types of white beans? ›

White beans are a group of legumes with white casings and starchy insides which include navy beans, cannellini beans, “great northern” beans, and lima beans. Navy beans, great northern beans, and cannellini beans are grown from the Phaseolus vulgaris plant, while lima beans are grown on the Phaseolus lunatus plant.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6524

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Birthday: 2001-07-17

Address: Suite 794 53887 Geri Spring, West Cristentown, KY 54855

Phone: +5934435460663

Job: Central Hospitality Director

Hobby: Yoga, Electronics, Rafting, Lockpicking, Inline skating, Puzzles, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Clemencia Bogisich Ret, I am a super, outstanding, graceful, friendly, vast, comfortable, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.