Looking for cheap meal plans that are filling, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make? You just hit the jackpot!
Beans and rice recipes are the ultimate comfort food—budget-friendly, satisfying, and packed with protein.
Whether you’re craving something spicy, hearty, or exotic, I’ve got 12 easy rice and beans recipes that will make your taste buds dance.
Grab your dry beans, your favorite rice, and let’s get cooking!
1. Classic Rice and Beans
Sometimes, simple is best. This easy bean recipe is all about fluffy rice, tender beans, and just the right amount of seasoning.
Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a pan, add cooked beans (black or pinto work great), and toss in your cooked rice.
A dash of cumin, salt, and pepper brings it all together. Serve with a squeeze of lime, fresh cilantro, and a side of warm tortillas for a truly comforting meal.
2. Cajun Red Beans and Rice
Want bold flavors and a little Southern magic? This red beans and rice recipe is easy and packed with smoky, spicy goodness.
Cook red beans with onions, celery, garlic, and bell peppers, then throw in some andouille sausage for that signature kick.
Add Cajun seasoning and let it all simmer until thick and flavorful. Spoon it over rice and garnish with green onions and hot sauce. Serve with cornbread for the full Southern experience!
3. Cuban Black Beans and Rice (Moros y Cristianos)
A staple in Cuban kitchens, this dish is a perfect blend of black beans and rice cooked together with onions, garlic, and a hint of cumin.
The secret? A splash of vinegar and a bay leaf for that authentic Cuban taste. Serve it with fried plantains, a side of avocado, and a drizzle of olive oil for a well-rounded meal.
4. Mexican Rice and Beans
Mexican food lovers, this one’s for you! Cook rice with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika.
Add cooked pinto or black beans and a handful of fresh cilantro. Want an extra kick? Toss in some chopped jalapeños.
Serve it as a side or stuff it into tacos and burritos for the ultimate fiesta! Top with shredded cheese, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
5. Jamaican Rice and Peas
No, they’re not actually peas—Jamaican “peas” are kidney beans! Cook them with coconut milk, thyme, scallions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper for an island-inspired twist.
Serve it alongside jerk chicken, fried plantains, or curry goat for an authentic Caribbean meal that will transport you straight to the tropics.
6. Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules
A party on a plate! This dish features pigeon peas, rice, and sofrito (a magical mix of garlic, onions, peppers, and herbs).
Add some olives and capers for extra depth, and you’ve got an easy rice and beans recipe that screams Caribbean flavor. Serve it with roasted pork or grilled seafood for a mouthwatering feast.
7. Indian Rajma Chawal (Kidney Beans and Rice)
Rajma Chawal is the ultimate Indian comfort food. Simmer kidney beans in a rich tomato gravy spiced with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.
Serve over fluffy basmati rice with a dollop of yogurt and freshly chopped cilantro. Pair it with crispy papadums or pickled onions for a complete meal.
8. Brazilian Feijão Tropeiro (Beans and Rice with Sausage)
This one’s for meat lovers! Brazilian-style beans and rice get a boost from crispy bacon, sausage, and collard greens.
Toss in some cassava flour for an authentic twist, and prepare for a flavor explosion. Serve it with fried eggs and orange slices for a traditional Brazilian touch.
9. West African Jollof Rice and Beans
Jollof rice is already legendary, but add beans, and you’ve got a next-level dish! Simmer rice in a tomato-rich sauce with onions, garlic, and African spices like ginger and nutmeg.
Mix in black-eyed peas and let everything absorb the smoky, spicy flavors. Serve with grilled chicken or fried plantains for a full West African meal.
10. Mediterranean Chickpea Rice Pilaf
If you love fresh and light flavors, this one’s a winner. Cook basmati rice with onions, garlic, and Mediterranean spices like cumin and cinnamon.
Add chickpeas, lemon zest, and parsley for a refreshing, protein-packed dish that pairs beautifully with grilled veggies, hummus, or feta cheese.
11. Vegan Chipotle Rice and Beans Bowl
Healthy, smoky, and packed with protein! Cook black beans with chipotle peppers, garlic, and tomatoes for a rich, spicy kick.
Pile it onto brown rice, add avocado, and top with lime juice and fresh cilantro. Throw in some roasted sweet potatoes or corn for an extra layer of flavor.
12. Garlic Butter Rice and White Beans
This is the ultimate comfort dish! Cook rice with garlic butter until fragrant, then mix in creamy white beans, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
Add a dash of black pepper and a squeeze of lemon for a little zing. Serve as a side or top with grilled shrimp or chicken for a more substantial meal.
Conclusion
Rice and beans might be budget-friendly, but they are never boring! From spicy Cajun flavors to creamy garlic butter goodness, these easy bean recipes prove that simple ingredients can create something magical. Try one (or all) of these recipes, and let me know which one becomes your go-to favorite!