Easy & Delicious Rice Beans
This 15-minute Rice and Beans recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a versatile, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that proves simple ingredients can create something truly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 1 Medium Yellow or White Onion
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic About 3-4 cloves.
- Spices Mixture of 2 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin and 1/2 tsp of salt and black pepper.
- 3 cups Cooked Brown Rice Using leftover, cold rice is the secret to preventing a mushy texture.
- 15 oz Pinto Beans
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when it shimmers slightly. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon or spatula, for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onions to become soft and translucent (slightly see-through). Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper directly into the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1 minute. This technique, called “blooming,” toasts the spices in the hot oil, which unlocks their essential oils and makes their flavor much deeper and more intense. You’ll notice the kitchen will start to smell amazing!
- Add the 3 cups of cooked, cooled brown rice and the rinsed pinto beans to the skillet. Use your spatula to gently break up any clumps of rice and mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the rice and beans are evenly coated with the spices. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes, until everything is heated through.
- This is the most important step! Take a spoonful and taste it. Does it need more salt? A little more chili powder for heat? Now is the time to adjust. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Success & Variations
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: The flavor base comes from the softened onions, garlic, and bloomed spices. Give them the time they need to work their magic.
- Use Cold Rice: This is the #1 tip for perfect texture. Warm, fresh rice contains too much moisture and will become sticky and mushy. Leftover rice from the day before is ideal.
- Add More Veggies: Sauté diced bell peppers (any color), corn (canned or frozen), or diced zucchini along with the onion.
- Kick Up the Heat: Add a finely chopped jalapeño with the onion, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
- Boost the Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked ground beef, or chorizo. For a vegetarian option, top with a fried egg.
- Add a Sauce: For a creamier, saucier dish, stir in ¼ cup of your favorite salsa, tomato sauce, or red enchilada sauce when you add the rice and beans. You may need to cook it for an extra minute or two.
- Swap the Beans: Black beans are a classic substitute. Kidney beans or even chickpeas would also work well.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!