The Best Rice and Beans Ever
Discover comfort food at its finest with *The Best Rice and Beans Ever*, a one-pot wonder that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make. Packed with aromatic spices like ground cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, this recipe creates a savory blend of tender long-grain white rice and hearty black beans simmered in a rich broth. Sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers add a fresh, fragrant base, while bay leaves infuse each bite with a deep, earthy essence. This wholesome dish is ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bright, zesty finish. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying main dish or a standout side, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 cups cooked black beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 units bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 cups chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 unit lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the black beans, white rice, and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Toss in the bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the bay leaves.
Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice on top. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
315 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.3 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 596 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.0 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.6 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.9 g | ||
| Protein | 11.6 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 65 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 553 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
