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 OilOnionsGarlicSalt & PepperChili PowderCuminWaterChil
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 flavorFrozen Corn – stir in 1 cup with the black beans.Freshly diced tomatoesCanned 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.
CROCKPOT SLOPPY JOESONE POT CREAMY SHRIMP PASTAEASY SOUTHWESTERN MAC AND CHEESE
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!
