When it comes to powerhouse vegetarian meals, rice and beans consistently rank near the top! Not only are these plant-based ingredients naturally delicious, when combined they form the type of complete protein that’s vital to overall health.
Popular around the world, rice and bean recipes can vary from the basic to the more elaborate. Sauced and spiced, zhuzhed up with herbs, vegetables or even your favorite protein, rice and bean dishes handily answer the perpetual question: What’s for dinner?
So, discover rice and bean recipes from around the world and build up your weeknight recipe collection with a slew of simple, satisfying, hearty meals.
Why Rice and Beans Are a Global Staple
When you adhere to a plant-based diet, learning about complete proteins is essential to your health. Readily available in animal-based ingredients, complete proteins are not as common in the plant kingdom. Though quinoa, chia seeds, soy and a few other food sources naturally contain all 9 essential amino acids (i.e., complete proteins) most plant-based foods must be combined as they lack certain amino acids on their own. Beans are very high in fiber, protein and several vitamins and nutrients. Still, they do not contain certain amino acids. Similarly, rice is an incomplete protein on its own. When combined, however, beans and rice form the type of complete protein the body craves!
Beyond the nutritional benefits, this hearty combo is delicious, inexpensive and incredibly adaptable. From Latin America to the Caribbean, the American South to the Middle East, beans and rice recipes are popular across the globe.
Whether you crave spice, a hearty stew or a light and fresh salad, rice and beans can be prepped in myriad different ways. To simplify any recipe, turn to Success® Rice and the no mess, no measure satisfaction it never fails to deliver! Load the pantry with white, brown, jasmine or basmati rice and take the guesswork out of every meal.
6 Rice and Bean Recipes with Global Flair
Take your tastebuds on an adventure with these bean dishes from around the world. Combined with fluffy, flavorful Success® Rice, they’re guaranteed to stave off mealtime boredom.
Mexican Rice and Beans
For taco Tuesdays, fiesta Fridays or any night in between, this zesty dish is a knockout guest. Nutty and rich, thanks to Success® boil-in-bag brown rice, this dish counts on chili powder, cumin, jalapeño and tomatoes for its bold layers of flavor. Simply omit the chorizo when cooking for vegetarian diners.
Red Beans & Rice with Sausage
Creamy red kidney beans are the backbone of this comforting Southern-style skillet supper. Joined by sautéed vegetables, andouille sausage, Cajun seasoning and warm, fluffy Success® boil-in-bag white rice, they make for a scrumptious meal shot through with flavor.
Southwest Rice and Beans Bowl
A pile of punchy, delicious toppings — from spicy salsa and cool sour cream to sharp red onion and creamy cheese — boost every bite of this welcome rice and bean bowl. A perfect Meatless-Monday option, this dish can be customized with every diner’s favorite add-ons.
Easy Texan Red Beans and Rice
Cajun-seasoned red beans add creamy, zippy flavor to every mouthful of this white rice bowl. Whether you serve this as a simple supper or scene-stealing side is entirely up to you.
Chilli Ground Turkey Black Beans and Rice
The perfect meal for cool nights, this turkey chili is hearty and rich, thanks to seasoned meat, earthy black beans, nutty brown rice and plenty of seasonings. Most of the cook time is hands-off, so you can relax as dinner simmers away on the stove.
Caribbean Rice and Beans
Coconut milk adds oodles of island flavor to this uncomplicated dish of Success® boil-in-bag jasmine rice and beans. Served as is, or jazzed up with eggs, pulled jackfruit or grilled fish, this dish is like a sunny getaway that you can dive into in just 15 minutes.
Tips for Making Great Rice and Bean Meals at Home
Unlike complex cooking projects, rice and bean recipes are generally easy to make and don’t require a surfeit of ingredients. To make the most of every dish, keep these tips and tricks in mind:
- Pantry staples you can reach for any time you need a quick meal, rice and beans also offer endless variety thanks to an assortment of available types. Stock different kinds of Success® Rice so that you have the best rice available for the meal you want to make. Similarly, you’ll want to keep a variety of types of beans on hand for different uses. Here are some of our favorites:
- Creamy and earthy, black (or turtle) beans work well in Caribbean and Mexican dishes. They can also be found in Cajun dishes and stand up well to bold flavors.
- Ideal for chili and Southern-style dishes, red kidney beans are often paired with pungent spices, such as paprika, cumin and Cajun seasoning.
- Popular in pastas and salads, cannellini beans hold their shape when cooked and work well in Mediterranean and Italian dishes. They have a mild, rich flavor.
- Often seen in Middle Eastern recipes, chickpeas can be served whole or pureed and used to make hummus or falafel.
- The bean that Tex-Mex relies on, pinto beans are tender and creamy. They are also incredibly high in protein, making them a great option for diners who don’t eat animal-based ingredients. Pinto beans can be used in a variety of dishes, from burritos and soups to rice and bean dishes, and more.
- When making any type of rice and bean dish, you can generally use canned or dry beans. Pre-cooked canned beans are economical and time-saving and offer similar results as dried beans. They also contain the same amount of nutrients as dried, though some brands contain added salt. Though you can eat this type of bean straight from the can, we recommend rinsing them before continuing with your recipe to wash away any excess salt.
- For dried beans, you need time to prep ahead. Whichever type you buy, begin by rinsing them to remove any debris. Then, you’ll want to soak the beans overnight in a large pot in the fridge. This helps to reduce the cook time later on. In the morning, drain the soaked beans, and place them in a large pot. Cover with water. Combine seasonings (such as bay leaves, peppercorns, fresh herbs, onion and garlic) in a cheesecloth. Tie into a bundle and add to the pot. You’ll want to wait until the beans are al dente to add salt, as adding salt too early can result in tough beans. Bring the beans to a simmer and cook, partially covered, for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Test for doneness and season with salt. If still firm, continue to cook until soft. Remove the seasonings and allow the beans to cool. Store in the fridge, for 3-5 days, or in the freezer. If you drain the beans for your recipe, save the cooking liquid for use in stews, soups, and more.
- Whether you used canned or dried, black, pinto or another type of bean, there are countless ingredients you can add to beans to give them more flavor! If cooking beans from scratch, add herbs, spices and aromatics (including onions, celery and garlic). For canned beans, begin by sautéing onion and garlic in a little oil. You can also add bell or hot peppers, if you like things spicy! Then, add the beans and season them. For Mexican or Southern-style dishes, try onion powder, cumin, oregano and chili powder. Salt, pepper, creole seasoning and bay leaves (remove before eating) go well with Caribbean flavors. For Middle Eastern or Mediterranean dishes, try curry powder, paprika, tomato and citrus juice.
- When you need dinner on the table stat, you can even cook your rice and beans together in one pot! This works best with canned beans or pre-cooked dried beans. For optimal results, season as you go and you’ll have a complete, protein-packed meal that’s ready in minutes.