Quick and Flavorful Rice and Beans: A Spicy Mexican-Inspired Weeknight Meal

Easy Rice and Beans: Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Discover a quick and hearty rice and beans recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or a filling side dish that’s loaded with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Rice and Beans Dish

• Budget-friendly: Pantry staples like beans and rice keep costs low.
• Vegetarian & protein-packed: A fiber-rich, meatless meal.
• Quick prep: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Flavorful: Seasoned with garlic, cumin, and a hint of cayenne for a Mexican twist.

Ingredients for Rice and Beans

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Mix in the rice, cumin, and cayenne pepper; toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Remove lid, stir in black beans, then cover and cook an additional 5 minutes.
8. Fluff rice with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Make it spicy: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
• Meal prep hack: Double the batch and freeze half for later.
• Serving ideas: Top with avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, or a squeeze of lime.

Cooking Story: This rice and beans dish has roots in Mexican and Latin cuisine and has been a family favorite for generations, offering comfort, nutrition, and incredible flavor in each spoonful.

Enjoy your delicious rice and beans meal and savor the classic combination of black beans and rice with bold seasonings!

Recipe courtesy: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15559/black-beans-and-rice/