Name: Spanish Rice and Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup white rice (Use jasmine or basmati for added flavor.); 1 can black beans (Drain and rinse before use.); 1 can diced tomatoes (Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra flavor.); 1 onion (Chop and sauté until translucent.); 2 cloves garlic (Minced or use garlic powder if needed.); 1 bell pepper (Any color will do, or substitute with zucchini.); 2 cups vegetable broth (Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.); 1 teaspoon cumin (Adjust based on taste.); 1 teaspoon paprika (Can add chili powder for spiciness.); to taste salt and pepper (Taste as you go for flavor.); 2 tablespoons olive oil (Extra virgin olive oil preferred.); for garnish fresh cilantro (Can substitute with scallions or parsley.)

This Spanish Rice and Beans comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the beans or vegetables to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! It’s one of those comforting recipes that feels like a warm hug seriously, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this delicious dish:

White Rice
Black Beans
Diced Tomatoes
Onion
Garlic
Bell Pepper
Vegetable Broth
Cumin and Paprika
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Olive Oil
Fresh Cilantro for Garnish

Let’s Get Cooking!

How to Make Spanish Rice and Beans

Ready to make this delicious meal? Let’s dive into the cooking process!

Prep your ingredients! Get everything ready, chop that onion and bell pepper, and mince your garlic. This will make the cooking process smooth and quick.
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until they soften, or about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be beautiful and translucent!
Add in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Seriously, this is when your kitchen will start smelling incredible!
Toss in 1 cup of white rice, 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping the yummy bits off the bottom of the pot!
Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
When the timer goes off, remove the pot from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Everybody loves a fluffy rice, right?! Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting and satisfying but don’t have much time. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel all warm inside, and I’m a real sucker for meals that can do that! Plus, if I have odds and ends in the fridge a random zucchini, carrots, or even spinach. I can throw them in, and it’s all good! The best part is that it’s so versatile. My picky 8-year-old even asked for seconds the last time I made it!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Buttered Corn Rice, my Turkey Combo Rice, or my Thai Mango Sticky Rice!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This meal literally comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you just don’t have the time or energy to cook something complicated.

One Pot Wonder

Not only is it quick, but it’s also a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup, score! You can spend more time enjoying dinner with your family.

Family-Friendly

Loaded with tons of flavor, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the taste, and parents appreciate the nutritional value!

Customizable

The secret to making this dish your own is in how customizable it is. Use whatever grains or beans you have. Want more veggies? Go for it!

Budget-Friendly

Using affordable, everyday ingredients is another reason why this recipe shines. You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, which makes it light on the wallet!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with all your favorites! It pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread, some crispy tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. You can also top it with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or some shredded cheese for extra creaminess.

Storage Tips

Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.

Freezer Friendly?

Yes, this meal is freezer friendly! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove.

Now you’ve got an easy, delicious, and family-approved recipe right at your fingertips! Give it a try, and let me know how it goes! You’re going to be so glad you did!

And there you have it! Dig into this comforting bowl of Spanish Rice and Beans, and don’t forget that cooking is supposed to be fun! So relax, enjoy the process, and savor every bite. Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration that brings warmth to your table!