How to Make the Perfect Classic Rice and Beans
Latin American · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
A simple and satisfying combination of fluffy white rice and seasoned black beans cooked together with aromatics. This dish is a complete protein source and an everyday staple across many cultures.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Rice and Beans recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups long grain white rice
- 2 cans black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear. Combine with 3 cups of water and half a teaspoon of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 18 minutes.
Step 2: Saute vegetables
While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Season the base
Add cumin and oregano to the vegetable mixture and stir for 30 seconds. This creates a fragrant sofrito base for the beans.
Step 4: Add and simmer the beans
Add drained black beans and half a cup of water to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes until the beans absorb the flavors and the liquid slightly thickens.
Step 5: Combine and serve
Fluff the rice with a fork and season with remaining salt. Serve beans over or alongside the rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- black beans → kidney beans or pinto beans
- white rice → brown rice with 15 extra minutes of cooking time
- green bell pepper → red bell pepper or celery for a different flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Do not skip rinsing the rice as excess starch makes it gummy
- Do not lift the lid while rice is cooking as it releases steam and affects texture
- Do not overcook the beans in the skillet or they will become mushy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 12g protein, 58g carbs, 5g fat, 10g fiber.
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