Description
A one-pan wonder you’ll crave all week long! This hearty Rice and Beans dish is the perfect go-to for a quick dinner, healthy meal prep, or cozy comfort food. It combines fluffy rice, protein-rich pinto beans, and smoky ham or sausage in a flavorful mix that’s both satisfying and customizable. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, a healthy snack, or a budget-friendly easy recipe, this dish checks every box. Great for lunchboxes, weeknight meals, or serving a crowd — simple ingredients, bold taste, and no fuss.
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)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add diced ham or sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, letting the meat brown slightly.
4. Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour in broth, season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Stir in drained beans, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
8. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and mix in chopped parsley.
9. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
Add bell peppers or zucchini to bulk it up with veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pan sauté and simmer
- Cuisine: Global comfort food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 25mg