Spanish Rice and Beans

Introduction

Spanish Rice and Beans offers the ultimate comfort in a one-pot dish. It’s delightfully savory, with fluffy rice, aromatic spices, and creamy beans all melding together for a nutritious and hearty meal. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd, meal prep for busy weeks, or simply crave something bursting with flavor, this recipe delivers convenience and taste in every bite.

Why Spanish Rice and Beans is a Weeknight Winner

This dish stands out thanks to its combination of vibrant vegetables, zesty tomato, and the satisfying heartiness of beans and rice. It’s budget-friendly, totally customizable, and naturally vegetarian, making it an excellent option for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Plus, it cooks in one pot—easy cleanup means more time enjoying your meal.

Essential Prep for Stunning Spanish Rice and Beans

The foundation of this dish is a flavorful base of onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Getting a consistent fine chop helps the veggies blend perfectly into the rice, infusing each mouthful with even flavor. Save time and ensure perfect, uniform cuts by using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper—especially handy for weeknight cooking.

For the rice, classic long grain is preferred for its slight chew and ability to stay fluffy. If you’re doubling the recipe or want leftovers, portioning out servings into a Bentgo Salad Container ensures easy grab-and-go lunches.

The Perfect Sauté for Maximum Flavor

Begin by sauteing your aromatics over medium heat until translucent. A high-quality skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze later. Toasting the rice with the vegetables before adding liquids amps up the flavor and gives your final dish an irresistible, subtle nuttiness.

How to Achieve Fluffy, Flavor-Packed Rice Every Time

For best results, be sure to measure your liquids and rice precisely. A kitchen scale such as the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale takes out the guesswork and helps replicate success. Cover the pan securely, reduce the heat, and avoid stirring—letting the rice steam will ensure a beautiful texture and prevent stickiness.

Serving Suggestions for Spanish Rice and Beans

Spanish Rice and Beans is excellent as a main dish served with a wedge of lime and fresh cilantro. To turn this meal into a full spread, pair it alongside roasted vegetables in a COSORI Air Fryer for effortless, crispy sides. This versatile recipe is also ideal as a burrito filling, taco side, or topped with avocado and hot sauce for extra flair.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. One serving (approx. 1⅓ cups) offers roughly 330 calories, 6g fiber, and 10g protein, making it a wholesome choice for a balanced plant-based meal.

Spanish Rice and Beans (Recap)

This quick and easy one-pot Spanish Rice and Beans recipe is bursting with bold flavor, fiber, and plant protein. Versatile, wallet-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s an essential addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cumin; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to release the flavors.
3. Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat with oil and spices, toasting for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
5. Gently fold in the beans, salt, and pepper. Cover again and let steam for 5 minutes off the heat.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork (avoid stirring vigorously) and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and your favorite toppings.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes