Description
This easy Black Beans and Rice recipe is a budget-friendly, one-pot wonder! Fluffy rice, tender black beans, and warm spices come together in just 35 minutes for a satisfying vegetarian meal the whole family will love. Perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
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Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
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Onion, chopped: 1 medium
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Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
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Long grain white rice: 1 cup
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Vegetable broth: 2 cups
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Black beans: 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
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Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
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Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook and stir until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
Stir in the uncooked rice to coat it with the oil and aromatics. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. This toasting step is KEY—it adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps the rice grains stay separate and fluffy.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, cover the saucepan with the lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently until all the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek! Keeping that lid on traps the steam and cooks the rice perfectly.
Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly.
Cook uncovered until the beans are heated through, about 5 minutes. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you’re not keeping it vegetarian—it adds incredible savory depth.
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Don’t stir too much once you add the broth. Stirring releases starch and can make your rice gummy.
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Taste before serving and adjust your seasonings. Some broths are saltier than others, so you might need a pinch of salt or an extra dash of cayenne.
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Fluff with a fork before serving to separate the grains and mix in the beans evenly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American