Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Kushi · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Black Beans and Rice is one of the best vegetarian dishes you will make in less than 30 minutes. You can serve this rice as a main or side dish or in burritos, enchiladas, rice bowls, etc. Spanish rice with black beans is spicy and nutty, our family's favorite dinner recipe.

Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (1)
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  • Recipe card
  • Easy Mexican rice and black beans recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Tips
  • Instant pot Spanish black beans and rice
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Mexican Recipes
  • User Reviews

Recipe card

Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (2)

Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice

Kushi

Black Beans and Rice is one of the best vegetarian dishes you will make in less than 30 minutes. You can serve this rice as a main or side dish or in burritos, enchiladas, rice bowls, etc. Spanish rice with black beans is spicy and nutty, our family's favorite dinner recipe.

5 from 63 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Soaking time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 can Black beans (or ½ cup dried beans)
  • 1 cup Rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil or butter, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1 medium Onion , finely chopped
  • 5 cloves Garlic , finely chopped
  • 1 medium Tomato , chopped
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon Cayenne powder or Red chile powder (optional, vary per your taste)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoon Hot sauce , adjust to taste
  • 1 Jalapeno , chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup Cilantro or Coriander leaves, chopped
  • Salt , to taste

Instructions

How to cook dried black beans? (If using canned beans, ignore this)

  • Soak ½ cup of black beans in water for 4 hours or overnight and drain them.

    1 can Black beans

  • Add black beans with 2 cups of water and pressure cook for two whistles in an Indian cooker or pressure cook on HIGH for 20 - 25 minutes in your Instant Pot based on firm or soft texture.

  • Let the pressure release naturally. Then, use the black beans in rice. You can use any broth to make curry or soup.

How to cook rice?

  • In a pan on medium to low flame, add butter or oil. Add one cup of rice and saute till it develops some color and you get a nutty aroma. I have used jasmine rice.

    2 tablespoon Olive oil, 1 cup Rice

  • Now add 1 ½ cups of water and salt. Bring it to a boil, cover, and simmer it for 10 minutes or until the rice is cooked. Keep this aside.

    Salt

How to make black bean rice?

  • In another pan, drizzle 1 tablespoon oil. Add the bay leaf, cumin seeds, onion, and garlic cloves and saute till the onion becomes translucent.

    2 tablespoon Olive oil, 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds, 1 Bay leaf, 1 medium Onion, 5 cloves Garlic

  • Now add the tomatoes and cayenne powder and saute till the tomato becomes soft.

    1 medium Tomato, ¼ to ½ teaspoon Cayenne powder

  • Next, add the hot sauce, salt to taste, and jalapeno and mix well.

    2 to 3 tablespoon Hot sauce, 1 Jalapeno

  • Finally, add the cooked rice, black beans, and cilantro and mix until everything is combined and heated through.

    ¼ cup Cilantro

Instant pot Spanish black beans and rice

  • Turn on the saute mode of your IP. Add butter, cumin seeds, bay leaf, onion, and garlic, and saute until onion becomes translucent.

  • Add the rice and stir for one more minute.

  • Add 1 ½ cups water, tomato, sauce, jalapeno, salt to taste and mix well.

  • Lock the lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 3-4 minutes.

  • Let this sit for 8 minutes. Then, release any pressure manually.

  • Fluff the rice, add black beans and cilantro, and mix until everything is combined.

  • Serve and enjoy.

  • (If using brown rice, you may have to cook for 22 minutes).

Notes

  • Always taste the sauce and use it as desired.
  • Vary the spiciness as desired.
  • If you are using canned beans, buy low-sodium ones. Wash and drain before you use.
  • Water to rice ratio may vary depending on the rice used. Check the package instructions.
  • You can use brown rice instead of white rice.
  • Drizzle lemon juice just before serving if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 309kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 625mgPotassium: 321mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 363IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easy Mexican rice and black beans recipe

This Mexican rice with black beans is one of the popular recipes on our blog and is loved and tried by many of our readers. The dish is so versatile that you can serve it with almost anything. Mexican rice is also called Spanish rice with black beans, red rice, arroz rojo, rice and black beans, etc.

The secret to getting a nutty flavor is to saute the rice in butter or oil for the vegan version till it develops some color and then cook it. You can use canned or dried black beans in the recipe. If using dried ones, soak overnight and then pressure cook or use an instant pot for cooking the black beans before you start making the rice.

We use our favoriteValentina Mexican Hot Sauce Salsa Picantein the recipe. For my family, this rice dish is complete with hot sauce. Use any hot sauce of your choice.

Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (3)

Ingredients

Black beans: Use 1 can of black beans or soak ½ cup of dried ones, pressure cook, and then use in the recipe.

Rice: I love the flavor of jasmine rice and use it to make this Mexican rice. Feel free to use brown rice, but note that the cooking time and amount of water will vary accordingly.

Butter or oil: Use butter or olive oil for a vegan version

Onion and garlic cloves: enhance the flavor of this rice dish

Hot sauce: Gives that extra kick to the dish. We useValentina Mexican Hot Sauce Salsa Picante. Use any hot sauce of your choice.

Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (4)

Step-by-step instructions

How to cook dried black beans? (If using canned beans, ignore this)

  • Soak ½ cup of black beans in water for 4 hours or overnight and drain them.
  • Add black beans with 2 cups of water and pressure cook for two whistles in an Indian cooker or pressure cook on HIGH for 20 - 25 minutes in your Instant Pot based on firm or soft texture.
  • Let the pressure release naturally. Then, use the black beans in rice. You can use any broth to make curry or soup.

How to cook rice?

  • In a pan on medium to low flame, add butter or oil. Add one cup of rice and saute till it develops some color and you get a nutty aroma. I have used jasmine rice.
  • Now add 1 ½ cups of water and salt. Bring it to a boil, cover, and simmer it for 10 minutes or until the rice is cooked. Keep this aside.

How to make black bean rice?

  • In another pan, drizzle 1 tablespoon oil. Add the bay leaf, cumin seeds, onion, and garlic cloves and saute till the onion becomes translucent.
  • Now add the tomatoes and cayenne powder and saute till the tomato becomes soft.
  • Next, add the hot sauce, salt to taste, and jalapeno and mix well.
  • Finally, add the cooked rice, black beans, and cilantro and mix until everything is combined and heated through.
Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (5)

Tips

  • Always taste the sauce and use it as desired.
  • Vary the spiciness as desired.
  • If you are using canned beans, buy low-sodium ones. Wash and drain before you use.
  • Water to rice ratio may vary depending on the rice used. Check the package instructions.
  • You can use brown rice instead of white rice.

Instant pot Spanish black beans and rice

  • Turn on the saute mode of your IP. Add butter, cumin seeds, bay leaf, onion, and garlic, and saute until onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the rice and stir for one more minute.
  • Add 1 ½ cups water, tomato, sauce, jalapeno, salt to taste and mix well.
  • Lock the lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 3-4 minutes.
  • Let this sit for 8 minutes. Then, release any pressure manually.
  • Fluff the rice, add black beans and cilantro, and mix until everything is combined.
  • Serve and enjoy.
  • (If using brown rice, you may have to cook for 22 minutes).

Recipe FAQs

How to store black beans and rice?

Store this in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for upto three months. You can reheat it in a pan or microwave until heated through just before serving.

What to serve with Mexican rice and beans?

Serve it as a side with roasted meat or in burritos, enchiladas, Mexican casserole, rice bowls, etc.

More Mexican Recipes

  • Homemade Churros Recipe | Mexican Churros
  • ENCHILADA STYLE BURRITOS
  • Best Guacamole | How To Make Guacamole
  • Dulce de Leche Recipe | What is Dulce de Leche?

Did you like this recipe?Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating belowand/or a review in the comments section. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Note: We originally posted this vegan and gluten-free Mexican black beans rice recipe in Apr 2016. It has now been modified in Dec 2023 with Expert Chef Tips, FAQs, Storage Instructions, etc.

More Super Easy Rice Recipes - Rice Dish Ideas!

  • Egg Rice | Egg Pulao | Lunchbox Recipe
  • Easy Mushroom Risotto Recipe | Vegetarian Risotto
  • Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe | Kacchi Biryani
  • Indian Dosa | Mom's 2 Ingredient Dosa Batter Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mahy

    Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (14)
    Black beans and rice... does it get any better than this? Love how delicious AND easy this recipe is!

    Reply

  2. Natalie

    Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (15)
    I made this recipe last week and served it with grilled chicken. It was delicous. Everyone in my family loved this rice. This recipe is definitely on my list to make it again. Thanks

    Reply

  3. Suja MD

    Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (16)
    Outstanding recipe thanks so much! tasted so much good!

    Reply

  4. Dijana

    Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (17)
    Amazing rice recipe! I love black beans, and I'm always looking for new ways to use them! This is such a wonderful and flavorful dish!

    Reply

  5. Swathi

    Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (18)
    This black bean rice sounds wholesome protein rich dish. I need to try this.

    Reply

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Black Beans & Rice Recipe | Mexican Rice | Spanish Rice - Cook with Kushi (2024)

FAQs

What is it called when rice and beans are cooked together? ›

Congri is traditionally made with red beans in some Latin American countries and black beans in Cuba. The difference between congri and your basic black beans and rice dish is that everything here is cooked together.

What does rice mixed with black beans contain? ›

Rice and black beans both have protein, and beans are full of fiber. Paired together, they provide a very filling meal. One serving has 6.5 grams of protein and 4.5 grams of fiber. They also both have a variety of vitamins and minerals.

What goes 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.

Are canned black beans cooked? ›

Technically, canned black beans are already cooked, and you can use them right out of the can. Cooking canned black beans will make them taste even better. Here's how to cook beans from a can: Heat a small-sized saucepan on the stovetop over medium-high heat.

How to jazz up rice and beans? ›

"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."

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!

Is it healthy to eat black beans and rice everyday? ›

When you eat plenty of rice and beans, you can easily get lean protein. Eating more protein can help you build muscle mass and maintain a healthy weight. These sides are a perfect choice if you are looking for a healthy source of protein without saturated fats or animal products!

How healthy is white rice and black beans? ›

Rice and beans, a classic comfort food combo in Latino and Caribbean communities and some parts of the American South, is one of the healthiest dishes you can eat. It's rich in plant protein—12 grams per cup—and it provides nutrients that most Americans don't get enough of. Top among them is fiber.

Is eating 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.

Is it OK to eat rice and beans everyday? ›

Yes, you can eat rice and beans every day. Many people in third world countries do. Rice and beans are complementary vegetables that together provide all the necessary amino acids and minerals to live on, although either alone will be deficient in some. A 50/50 mix is ideal.

Is rice and beans a full meal? ›

In many areas, beans and rice are often served side by side rather than combined. Either way, they may be considered a meal, frequently with a topping of meat or chicken. Meat or other ingredients are sometimes placed atop beans and rice or, less frequently, mixed into it. Different regions have different preferences.

Why do people eat rice and beans together? ›

Together, rice and beans are nutritional magic

Rice and beans, when served together, contain all nine essential amino acids to form a complete source of protein. Both brown and white rice are low in the essential amino acid lysine, but high in the essential amino acid methionine.

Do I drain or rinse canned black beans? ›

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.

Should you rinse canned black beans? ›

Unless the recipe tells you to keep the canned beans in their liquid, you should drain your can and give the beans a good rinse before using. This will improve the flavor and texture of your finished dish. Open your cans of beans using a can opener. There may be sharp edges from opening the can.

What should I add to black beans? ›

Best Black Bean Recipes

Season them with lime juice and zest, chili powder, oregano, and/or cilantro, and serve them as a side dish with Mexican or Latin American-inspired dishes like tacos or taquitos. Paired with some cilantro lime rice, they could also pass as a meal on their own!

What is the slang for rice and beans? ›

1. second-rate, impoverished, unimpressive.

Can you cook beans and rice together? ›

If you love rice and beans combinations, you're not alone. These two ingredients are a match made in culinary heaven for more than one reason. They're affordable, easy to find in most stores, and taste good together. Not to mention, you can prepare them easily for a hearty and nutritious meal.

What happens when you mix beans and rice? ›

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.

What is the Spanish name for rice and beans? ›

Rice and beans is referred to as arroz y habas, arroz con habichuelas, arroz con frijoles, gallo pinto, recalentao or similar in Spanish, arroz e feijão, arroz com feijão or feijão com arroz in Portuguese, risi e bisi in Venetian language, diri ak pwa in Haitian Creole, avas kon arroz or avikas kon arroz in Judaeo- ...

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