Perfect Mexican Rice and Beans Recipe for Tasty Fiesta Dinners

Weeknight dinners come alive with this simple Mexican rice and beans recipe that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition.

Comfort meets convenience in every single bite.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

Spices dance across the plate, awakening taste buds with their vibrant, bold profiles.

Each forkful tells a story of traditional cooking methods passed down through generations.

The combination of tender rice and creamy beans offers a perfect balance of textures that will keep you coming back for more.

Dive into this delicious dish and let your culinary adventure begin.

Cooking Instructions for Fluffy Rice & Beans

• Rice and Bean Prep

Carefully rinse rice under cool water until liquid becomes transparent. Drain black beans completely and set aside to remove excess moisture.

• Veggie Sauté

Select a wide cooking pot and warm olive oil. Toss chopped onions, bell peppers with a pinch of salt into hot pan. Cook until vegetables soften and develop golden edges.

• Flavor Boost

Add minced garlic and quickly stir for 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour in strained tomatoes and sprinkle warming spices like cumin and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create rich base.

• Liquid Magic

Combine prepared rice, beans, corn, and vegetable broth into pot. Stir gently and bring mixture to rolling boil. Reduce heat, cover pot, and simmer quietly for approximately 15 minutes.

• Final Touch

Remove from heat and quickly scatter fresh green onions and cilantro across surface. Squeeze fresh lemon juice, crack black pepper, and drizzle extra olive oil. Let dish rest covered for short moment before serving.

• Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in sealed container. Meal remains delicious for 3-4 days when properly stored.

Ways to Spice It Up with Ease

• Rice Variety Magic: Swap white rice for brown or wild rice to boost nutritional value and add delightful nutty undertones to your Mexican dish.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance – start with a pinch for mild flavor or add extra for fiery excitement.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shredded beef, or tofu crumbles directly into the rice and beans mixture for a heartier meal.
• Veggie Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like diced zucchini, carrots, or spinach to increase nutrient density and create more colorful, vibrant plates.
• Storage Hack: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals, maintaining flavor and texture for up to 3 months when properly sealed.

Pairing Suggestions for Mexican Meals

• Party Platter Presentation: Create a vibrant Mexican-style spread by arranging the rice and beans in a large colorful platter. Surround the main dish with crispy tortilla chips, fresh salsa, and sliced avocados for a festive and interactive dining experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the rice and beans with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra protein. Sprinkle some queso fresco or crumbled cotija cheese to enhance the flavor profile and add a creamy texture.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this dish into a hearty breakfast by adding a sunny-side-up egg or scrambled eggs on top. Serve with warm corn tortillas and a side of fresh pico de gallo for a morning meal that packs a flavor punch.
• Leftover Magic: Use the rice and beans as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or stuffed peppers. The versatile mixture can be quickly reheated and transformed into a completely new meal with minimal effort and maximum taste.

How to Save Rice and Beans for Later

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer cooled Mexican rice and beans to airtight containers, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor preservation.
• Chilled Meal Prep Magic: Refrigerate portions in individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks, maintaining taste and texture up to 4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion meals into freezer-safe containers, keeping for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently with splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture.
• Flavor Refresh Technique: When reheating, add fresh chopped cilantro, squeeze of lime, or drizzle of olive oil to revive the dish's vibrant taste and prevent dryness during subsequent servings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Mexican Rice and Beans

• White Basmati Rice: Fragrant and light grain that provides a delicate foundation for the dish, choosing long-grain varieties ensures fluffy texture.
• Black Beans or Pinto Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add creamy richness and earthy flavor, select high-quality canned or freshly cooked beans.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that infuses subtle Mediterranean notes, opt for cold-pressed extra virgin for deeper taste.
• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetable trio creating a vibrant flavor base, select firm and brightly colored peppers for maximum freshness.
• Garlic: Robust seasoning that elevates overall taste profile, choose firm cloves without sprouting for intense flavor.
• Strained Tomatoes: Silky sauce providing tangy depth, select pure, organic varieties without added preservatives.

• Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Warming spice blend delivering authentic Mexican complexity, choose fresh ground spices for maximum potency.
• Frozen or Fresh Corn: Sweet kernels adding texture and brightness, select crisp, plump corn for best results.
• Vegetable Broth: Liquid enhancer creating rich underlying flavor, choose low-sodium options for controlled seasoning.
• Green Onion, Cilantro: Fresh herb combination providing bright, zesty finish, select vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Lime or Lemon Juice: Citrusy accent adding refreshing tang, choose ripe, juicy fruits for maximum flavor.

Equipment to Prepare a Classic Side

• Large pot: Wide-bottomed pot for even cooking and easy stirring.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Measuring cups: Accurately measure rice, broth, and other ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for mixing and preventing rice from sticking.
• Colander or strainer: Wash rice and drain beans thoroughly.
• Can opener: Open the canned black beans with ease.

Authentic Mexican Rice and Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican rice and beans combine classic flavors from Mexico’s culinary traditions. Rich ingredients offer a comforting meal you can savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups / 1 can (540 ml) cooked black beans or pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup / 200 g white basmati rice (thoroughly washed)
• 1 cup / 125 g frozen corn kernels (or fresh corn)
• 1 cup / 240 ml low-sodium vegetable broth (or as required)
• 1 ½ cups / 200 g onion, chopped
• 1 cup / 150 g green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup / 150 g red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsps garlic, finely chopped
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• ¾ cup / 175 ml strained tomatoes / passata / tomato puree
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 ¾ tsps pink himalayan salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ cups / 100 g green onion, chopped (garnish)
• ½ to ¾ cup / 20 to 30 g cilantro (coriander leaves), chopped (garnish)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (drizzle)
• Optional: lime or lemon juice to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly rinse rice until water runs clear, drain completely. Separately, drain black beans and set aside.
2. Sautéing Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil and introduce diced onions and bell peppers with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until vegetables develop rich caramelized edges, creating a flavor foundation.
3. Spice Integration: Add minced garlic and toast briefly. Incorporate strained tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and cayenne, blending into a robust and aromatic spice mixture that will infuse the entire dish with depth.
4. Liquid Combination: Merge washed rice, prepared black beans, sweet corn kernels, and vegetable broth into the spiced base. Stir carefully to distribute ingredients evenly. Bring to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to allow gentle cooking.
5. Steaming and Flavor Absorption: Cover pot, reduce temperature to low. Allow rice to steam and absorb surrounding flavors for 15-18 minutes, ensuring grains remain tender yet distinct.
6. Final Touches: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped green onions and cilantro. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, gently folding to preserve rice’s delicate texture.
7. Resting and Serving: Let dish rest, covered, for five minutes to allow flavors to harmonize. This versatile preparation maintains excellent quality when refrigerated for 3-4 days.

Notes

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Washing rice removes excess starch, preventing clumpy texture and ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy.
• Caramelize Vegetables Carefully: Sautéing onions and peppers slowly develops deep, rich flavors that form the foundational taste of the dish.
• Spice Timing Matters: Add garlic and spices briefly to prevent burning, releasing maximum aromatic compounds without creating bitter undertones.
• Rest and Meld Flavors: Allowing the dish to sit covered after cooking helps ingredients blend, intensifying overall taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg