The Best Homemade Black Beans and Rice Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

You’ll love how easy and flavorful this homemade black beans and rice recipe is—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s a budget-friendly dish that packs big taste with simple ingredients.

Hearty and satisfying—the combo of tender beans and fluffy rice keeps you full for hours.
Customizable—add your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or a squeeze of lime for extra flair.
Meal-prep friendly—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Recipe

Black beans and rice is a classic, hearty dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful. This simple recipe combines tender black beans with aromatic spices and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

1 cup dried black beans (or 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed)
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 bay leaf
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

If using dried beans, soak overnight or quick-soak by boiling for 2 minutes, then letting sit for 1 hour. Drain.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until soft (about 5 minutes).
Stir in cumin, oregano, and bay leaf, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add black beans and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour (or 20 minutes if using canned beans).
Stir in rice, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro if desired.

Notes:

For a quicker version, use canned beans and reduce cooking time.
Adjust broth quantity if needed to guarantee rice cooks properly.

Equipment:

Large pot with lid
Wooden spoon

Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes (plus soaking if using dried beans)
Cooking time: 1 hour 20 minutes (or 40 minutes with canned beans)

Cuisine: Latin American

Serving: 4-6

Nutrition

This Black Beans and Rice recipe is packed with nutrients to fuel your day. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 380

Protein: 14g

Carbohydrates: 70g

Fiber: 12g

Sugar: 3g

Fat: 4g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Sodium: 450mg

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my black beans and rice with simple side dishes like fresh avocado slices or tangy pickled jalapeños for extra flavor. If I’m making it the star of the meal, I’ll add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier main course. Don’t forget warm tortillas or crispy plantains—they’re always a hit!

Side Dish Options

A good meal isn’t complete without the right sides, and I’ve found that pairing homemade black beans and rice with a few complementary dishes really makes it shine. Try a crisp avocado salad with lime dressing—it adds freshness and creaminess. Roasted sweet potatoes bring a caramelized sweetness that balances the savory beans. For crunch, fried plantains or tortilla chips work wonders. A simple slaw with cabbage and cilantro adds brightness, while warm cornbread soaks up every flavorful bite. Don’t forget pickled onions or jalapeños for a tangy kick. These sides keep the meal vibrant, satisfying, and full of contrast.

Main Course Pairings

Though black beans and rice can easily stand alone as a hearty dish, pairing them with the right main course can turn a simple meal into something truly special. I love serving them with grilled chicken or juicy pork chops—the smoky flavors blend perfectly with the beans’ richness. For a lighter option, pan-seared fish like tilapia or cod works wonders, adding a fresh contrast. If you’re craving something bold, spicy chorizo or tangy citrus-marinated shrimp elevates the dish. And let’s not forget plant-based options, like roasted veggies or tofu, which keep it hearty without meat. The possibilities are endless!