Black Beans and Rice is a one pot dinner made with just a few ingredients from your pantry. It’s a delicious and easy dinner that’s easy on the wallet too!
If you are struggling with what to make your family for dinner today, I have a solution for you! This easy black beans and rice recipe is a simple 35 minute meal that comes together in ONE POT.
It is a budget friendly meal, and something your whole family will love. Plus! All of the ingredients store easily in your pantry, making it a recipe you can make no matter how long it’s been since you went to the store.
INGREDIENTS
As the name suggests, the main ingredients for this recipe for black beans and rice. It’s such a simple easy and low cost dinner.
- Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
- Onions
- Garlic
- Salt & Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Water
- Chil
WHY WE RINSE THE BEANS
Beans out of a can are truly ready to eat. They are cooked, soft, and delicious. They can just be stirred into the hot rice and they will warm through.
That being said, they are packed in liquid that is loaded in sodium. Rinse the beans well (until the water runs clear) so you enjoy this recipe as it was intended.
USING DRY BEANS
Don’t want to use canned beans or don’t have them on hand? No problem. You will just need to soak your dry black beans before using them.
This article gives you two ways of prepping your dry black beans.
SPICES TO USE
The ingredients in this are pretty minimal. But like my Black Bean Tacos, I love using chili powder and cumin in this. You could also add in some cayenne pepper if you want to bring in some heat.
POT TO MAKE IT IN
Your pot or pan should be able to hold at least 2 quarts or 8 cups. It should have a lid that fits snuggly on it.
I also really love cooking this in a pan that has a glass lid so I can see my rice bubbling away and know when it is getting close to being done. Once you can’t see anymore liquid, you should keep a closer eye on it.
ADDITIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS
This recipe is super flexible, which is just another reason to fall in love with it. Here are some ways to change it up.
Leave out the onions. My husband hates onions. If someone in your house does too, then leave them out. Just saute the garlic, being really careful not to burn it, then add in the water and spices.
Swap out the beans. Don’t love black beans? Use kidney or pinto beans. Both of those would be great in this.
Some extras that are great to toss in are:
- Fresh Cilantro – it adds the most perfect flavor
- Frozen Corn – stir in 1 cup with the black beans.
- Freshly diced tomatoes
- Canned diced green chiles. Drain them and them with the onions.
OTHER GREAT EASY DINNERS
If you are struggling right now cooking EVERY. SINGLE. MEAL. for your family, let me help! Here are some recipes that will be perfect for right now.
If you make this great beans and rice recipe or any of my other recipes, leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
Black Beans and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 small yellow onions diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups white rice
- 30 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large dutche oven over medium heat. Stir in the onions and the garlic. Season with the slat and pepper. Saute until the onions are transluncent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder and the cumin.
- Add the water, cover and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice and reduce to a simmer. Return the cover to the pot. Cook until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans and enjoy. Or top with additional ingredients like fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and corn.
Karen says
Can’t wait to try this! Sounds easy and delicious!
Margaret Rush says
Can’t wait to make this, all I need is the onions!
I hope you love it Margaret!
Robin Beck says
Stuck at home and have everything for this recipe! Yea!
Glad to hear it Robin!
Paulette z says
When do you add the beans?
Sorry Paulette! I’m losing my marbles. It’s in there now, but right after you finish cooking the rice.
Christine Engel says
When do you add the black beans?
Cabin fever got to my brain! It’s fixed now, right after the rice is done.
Franklin says
What do you do with the black beans? I can’t find them in the instructions.
Sorry Franklin! Being stuck in the house has clearly gotten to my brain. Fixed now!