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!

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Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe (3)

Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe

★★★★★5 from 2 reviews
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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

Is eating black beans and rice healthy? ›

Colorful beans—such as black, red kidney, pinto, or black-eyed peas (the types most commonly cooked with rice)—are also packed with antioxidants. These compounds protect against the kind of cell damage that may lead to heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases.

Is it okay to eat rice and beans every day? ›

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 to make rice and beans a complete protein? ›

Both brown and white rice are low in lysine but high in methionine. In contrast, beans are high in lysine but low in methionine. Combining them allows you to get enough of each and the remaining seven essential amino acids to count as a complete protein.

Can you cook beans and rice at the same time? ›

My go-to side dish that everyone loves, black beans and rice is a true workhorse in my kitchen. With a fried egg on top, it can be a whole meal, or it can be a simple side dish with salsa. The rice and beans cook together in the same pot, making this the simplest side dish.

Is it okay to eat black beans every day? ›

Heart Health

Studies show that eating beans can lower the total amount of cholesterol and levels of “bad” cholesterol in your blood. This may reduce your risk of developing heart disease. One study showed that eating a single serving of dried beans per day can reduce the risk of heart attack by up to 38%.

What is the best bean to eat? ›

Some of the healthiest beans to consume include:
  • Black beans: Often known as turtle beans, black beans are inexpensive and widely available in supermarkets. ...
  • Kidney beans: ...
  • Lima beans: ...
  • Soybeans: ...
  • Chickpeas: ...
  • Pinto beans: ...
  • Navy beans:

What is the healthiest rice? ›

1. Brown rice. Whole grain rice such as brown rice is less processed and refined than white rice. As a result, brown rice contains more nutrients such as fiber and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Are beans and rice a complete meal? ›

Both are easy to grow, plentiful, and filling. The combination of beans and rice creates a complete protein. Beans alone and rice alone both lack certain essential amino acids. If eaten together, however, each contributes what the other is missing to form a complete protein.

Is peanut butter a complete protein? ›

Nut butter is also a source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. Although peanut butter is not a complete protein — meaning it does not contain all of the essential amino acids the body needs — it does count toward a person's daily protein intake.

What to pair with black beans for complete protein? ›

Pairing whole grains (rice, crackers, bread) with legumes or beans is an excellent way to combine incomplete proteins. Some tasty examples include: Black beans and rice. Rice baked with peas.

What is missing from beans to make a complete protein? ›

Beans are incomplete proteins because they are low in one key amino acid (amino acids are used by the body to build protein) called methionine. Cereal grains—including corn, rice and wheat—are high in methionine yet lack another amino acid found in beans.

What not to do when cooking beans? ›

13 Common Mistakes Everyone Makes With Beans
  1. Only eating canned beans. Ilia Nesolenyi/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Sticking to one type of bean. ...
  3. Not rinsing canned beans. ...
  4. Not rinsing and soaking dried beans. ...
  5. Cooking with hard water. ...
  6. Using acidic ingredients when cooking beans. ...
  7. Not adding aromatics. ...
  8. Overcooking your beans.
Jan 30, 2023

What goes well with beans and rice? ›

Veggies & Salads
  • Sauteed Butternut Squash. The meaty texture of butternut squash makes it one of the best side dishes to pair with red beans and rice. ...
  • Classic Coleslaw. While everyone likes cole slaw, not everyone can make good coleslaw. ...
  • Avocado Salad. ...
  • Classic Pico de Gallo. ...
  • Southern Collard Greens. ...
  • Pickled Vegetables.
Oct 4, 2023

Should I drain beans for rice and beans? ›

"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," the website states.

Are beans and rice good for weight loss? ›

The high satiety factors of rice and beans can help you lose weight or stay at a healthy weight over time. Satiety measures how satisfying a food is to eat and how long it keeps you full. Satiety is vital in maintaining a healthy weight.

Are black beans good for losing weight? ›

Weight Loss

Fiber-rich black beans can help curb your appetite by helping you stay full for longer. Filling fiber foods like black beans can help with weight loss or maintaining weight by reducing how many calories you eat.

Are black beans healthier than meat? ›

Beans are a superior choice to ground beef when it comes to fiber and saturated fat. Beans have almost half the calories, roughly 20 fewer grams of fat, and 6 grams more fiber than the same serving of ground beef.

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