Learn how to make my favorite quick, healthy, and affordable weeknight dinner, Black Beans and Rice!
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After college, I moved to Florida with my boyfriend (now husband). We lived in St. Petersburg, and the whole thing was kind of a disaster.
From the minute I arrived in August, I was overwhelmed by the weather, and I soon found out that my car’s A/C was iffy at best. Moving day was hellish, and that kind of set the tone for my whole Florida adventure.
I didn’t even last a year … ha!
It wasn’t all bad though, and one of the highlights was working at the arts center downtown. My job wasn’t the greatest, but I loved my co-workers. Almost everyone came from a creative background, and I enjoyed being surrounded by art and artists every day.
During the holidays, our staff had a potluck, and that was the first time I tried real Black Beans and Rice. One of my co-workers (an older Cuban lady) brought a huge pot of black beans, which she had cooked from scratch, starting with dried beans. It was so good!
Easy Black Beans and Rice
After that party, I only lasted a few more months in Florida before I was Audi 5000! I left just as the weather was heating up again … I wasn’t sticking around for summer.
Once I returned to Wisconsin’s cooler climes, I came up with my own easy version of that Cuban Black Beans and Rice. I’m not claiming that this is an authentic Cuban recipe, but it’s very tasty, so simple, and I’ve been making it ever since!
Black Beans and Rice is one of those dishes that’s super basic, yet totally delicious. The ingredients are all very healthy, and it doesn’t get much more budget friendly,
My easy version of the classic black beans with rice recipe is quick to make (no dried beans) and so delicious. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights!
How to Make Black Beans and Rice
My simple Black Beans and Rice recipe starts with a base of sauteed onions and green peppers. Once the veggies start to brown, you’ll add a mixture of garlic and spices for lots of flavor.
I typically drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to recipes, but for this one, I include the liquid that clings to the beans. Just drain a little off the top before you add the beans to the veggies, and what’s left will create a tasty sauce.
Then, there’s the rice. I usually use brown rice since it’s healthier.
White rice is more traditional though, and it cooks faster, so use whatever kind you prefer. If you do use brown rice, make sure to start it before the beans, because it takes longer to cook.
For extra flavor, I like to cook my rice with a cube of vegetable bouillon added to the water. Have you ever tried that?
Once your beans and rice are ready, it’s time to eat. You won’t believe all the flavor that’s packed into this simple dish.
Pair this easy Black Beans and Rice recipe with a salad, and you’ve got dinner on the table fast. Make it tonight!
And by the way … if you like these black beans, then you’ll probably LOVE my Spicy Black Eyed Peas, too!
This easy Black Beans and Rice recipe makes a delicious, fast, and affordable week night meal or side dish!
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 large green pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, lightly drained but not rinsed
- salt
- chopped cilantro, optional
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Cook rice according to package directions.
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Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Saute onions and green pepper in oil until softened and lightly browned around the edges.
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Mix in garlic, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
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Stir in black beans, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5-10 minutes or until liquid from the beans is reduced/forms a sauce and veggies are tender. Add a little water if the beans get too dry.
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Serve beans over rice, sprinkled with cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Loved this Rice and Black Beans?
If you love Black Beans and Rice as much as I do, you can check out all of my black bean recipes … here are some of my faves:
- Baked Black Bean Taquitos
- Smokey Black Bean Edamame Burgers
- Black Bean and Cream Cheese Enchiladas
- Cheesy Baked Black Bean Dip
What is your favorite weeknight meal?
Try cooking the rice, beans and everything, in one pot. That’s the way most Latino’s I know, do it, that’s the way I was taught. I usually make some version of rice and beans, about three times a week, all in one pot. Sometime I will add cut up peices of some meat, pork, chicken, Vienna sausages. Try adding cut up peices of potatoes. Sometime, I will use two different types of beans. I will add chicken broth, tomatoes paste, tomatoes sauce, diced tomatoes, some canned vegetables, like peas or cut up fresh veggies. Sofrito, Olive oil and crushed garlic,… Read more »
Hi, George … thanks for all the ideas! I’ve had made it with the beans and rice cooked together before, but I personally prefer them cooked separately. And this is also the way my Cuban co-worker made it, so it has a little nostalgia value, too. Leftovers are definitely the best! 🙂
This sounds so good!
This looks so good! I’m always looking for more meatless meals to try, thanks for sharing : )
Wow I love this .. I grew up eating beans and rice my mom was from Costa Rica so happy to get this recipe in my email .. hope you are well ! How’s Texas . Keep in touch Maria / Simple nature decor