Name: Rice and Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Global comfort food
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz); 1 cup diced ham or smoked sausage; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 2 cups chicken broth or water; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Whether you’re looking for a comforting one-pan dinner, an easy meal prep idea, or a satisfying side dish, Rice and Beans delivers every time. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in countless cultures around the world, known for its simplicity, nutritional balance, and adaptability. With tender rice, savory beans, and smoky ham (or sausage), it brings together pantry staples in a way that feels anything but basic.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable. Add your favorite herbs, swap proteins, or toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, rice and beans is one of those classic dishes that hits the spot without breaking the bank.

Why You’ll Love This Rice and Beans

This dish is beloved for so many good reasons. It’s:

Budget-friendly and made from everyday ingredients
Ready in under 30 minutes
High in fiber and protein
Easily adaptable to vegetarian or vegan diets
Perfect for batch cooking and meal prep
Comforting, satisfying, and family-approved

Whether served as a main course or a hearty side, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to.

What Kind of Rice and Beans Should I Use?

Long-grain white rice works best here, but you can easily swap it for brown rice or even jasmine rice for more aroma. As for the beans, pinto beans add a creamy, nutty bite, but black beans or kidney beans are just as delicious. If using canned beans, be sure to drain and rinse them first. If using dry beans, soak and cook them beforehand to save time.

Ingredients for the Rice and Beans

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the layers of flavor that make this dish so irresistible:

Long-grain white rice: Provides a fluffy, neutral base to soak up all the seasoning.
Pinto beans: Creamy, hearty, and packed with protein.
Ham or smoked sausage: Adds deep, savory flavor with a hint of smokiness.
Onion: Adds sweetness and umami when sautéed.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with earthy, aromatic depth.
Parsley: Brightens and freshens the final dish.
Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and adding richness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.

How To Make the Rice and Beans

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Add the Protein

Toss in the diced ham or sausage. Cook until browned and heated through, about 4-5 minutes. This helps release all those delicious smoky oils into the pan.

Step 3: Stir in the Rice

Add the uncooked rice and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly. This enhances the nutty flavor and prevents mushiness.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in 2 cups of broth (or water), add salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Lower heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Beans

Stir in the drained pinto beans, cover again, and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the rice is fully tender and the beans are warmed through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Rice and Beans

This dish feeds about 4-6 people generously, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even lunches. You can serve it as a main dish with a side salad or as a side alongside grilled meats or vegetables.

To store, allow the rice and beans to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring back the moisture.

What to Serve With Rice and Beans?

Sautéed Greens

A side of garlicky spinach or kale complements the hearty nature of rice and beans.

Fried Plantains

Their sweet and crispy texture offers a delicious contrast.

Grilled Chicken

Add protein and flavor to turn it into a complete meal.

Cornbread or Dinner Rolls

Perfect for soaking up any extra juices.

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Adds brightness and a touch of acidity.

Avocado Slices or Guacamole

Creamy, rich, and refreshing.

Simple Green Salad

Keeps the meal light and balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Just omit the ham or sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more texture and flavor.

What’s the best rice to use?

Long-grain white rice is the most reliable for fluffy results, but jasmine rice works too. Avoid short-grain rice unless you prefer a stickier texture.

Can I use canned beans?

Yes, canned beans are perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium and canning liquid.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this comforting Rice and Beans recipe, you’ll definitely want to try these delicious dinner dishes next:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it spicy or stick to mild? Did you go meatless?

I love hearing how others bring their own twist to the kitchen. Feel free to share your swaps and tips! Questions are always welcome too—let’s cook smarter together.

Check out more of my daily recipes over on Pinterest: Meals By Sally