10 Easy Rice and Beans Recipes for Dinner

Believe it or not, these rice and beans recipes are so tasty and filling, they make terrific budget dinners.

But, of course, they’re also great as sides.

10 Best Recipes With Rice and Beans

When the pantry is bare, but you can’t face a trip to the store, it’s time to raid the cans in the back.

Because if you’re anything like me, you always have a tin or two of beans and a bag of rice tucked away somewhere.

So why not check out these rice and beans recipes? From Mexican meals to traditional dirty rice, they’re sure to hit the spot.

1. Spanish Rice and Beans

Spanish rice and beans is a fantastic one-pot meal for the whole family.

With plenty of savory, salty, and delicious seasonings, it’s an incredibly affordable meal that tastes expensive. 

But really, it’s just a fun mix of fragrant aromatics, like onions and garlic, against a briny olive backdrop. 

Serve it as is, or add some zesty grilled chicken. Yum!

2. One-Skillet Dirty Rice and Beans

Dirty rice has long been a favorite in my house. But when I want something more filling, I go with this rice and bean recipe.

It’s one incredibly hearty dish with tender pieces of sausage that infuse every bite with intense flavor. 

Andouille sausage is the Lousisina go-to, but you could use any, really. I think spicy Conecuh would be awesome!

Add a hearty tomato base with rich herbs and tender, fluffy rice, and no one will go to bed hungry!

3. Black Beans and Rice

Black beans and rice is a fantastic meal to throw together. It’s just rice, veggies, and black beans, but it’s loaded with flavor.

The beans offer protein, while the rich herbs and drizzle of lime juice take those flavors over the top.

It’s hearty, flavorful, and especially yummy with tacos. 

Or better yet, add some cheese and make a killer quesadilla!

4. Cuban Rice & Beans Recipe (Moros/Arroz Congri)

Here’s another black bean and rice dish, only this time, it’s Cuban style!

Arroz congri is dark, salty, and fully loaded with bacon and fragrant spices.

After cooking the bacon, you’ll sauté the green peppers, onions, and garlic right in the leftover fat.

Then, the rice and beans go right in, too, so every bite is meaty.

Serve this with Cuban roast pork, and get ready to drool.

5. One-Pot Spinach Rice

If you can dump ingredients into a pot, you have all the skills required for this tasty and nutritious meal. 

It pairs rice, spinach, black beans, and spices in a single pot. And it’s ready in just 30 minutes. 

You’ll love the bright spinach and protein-packed beans. But that’s not all!

Add some hearty white rice, tomatoes, chicken stock, and curry powder, and you’ve got a rice side dish worthy of a spot on your holiday turkey table.

6. Red Beans and Rice (Louisiana-Style Recipe)

I first had this Louisiana staple in the heart of NOLA about a decade ago.

Apparently, it’s a tradition on Mondays to enjoy red beans and rice when doing laundry.

And the trick is to use leftover ham from your Sunday dinner to make it extra, extra flavorful.

But don’t worry, it’ll still be delicious with this blend of spices and the Andouille sausage in the mix!

7. Caribbean Rice and Beans

If you love spicy food, you’ll love this Caribbean rice and beans recipe.

While most of the spices in this dish are pantry staples, you’ll need to get your hands on a jar of jerk seasoning. That’s the secret ingredient!

Not for the faint of heart, it’s incredibly spicy and flavorful with dried jalapeño (or sometimes habanero) peppers.

Get a big jar, too, so you can make these jerk chicken wings to serve with the rice.

8. Black Bean and Brown Rice Salad

Are you on the hunt for a different type of salad for your next summer BBQ? 

Potato salad is great, but nothing beats the bold and savory flavors of this black bean and brown rice salad. 

It’s bright and colorful and perfect for any backyard picnic. 

And while it tastes great on its own, the garlic and mustard dressing brings all those bright flavors together. 

9. Puerto Rican Rice and Beans (Habichuelas Guisadas)

From Louisiana and Jamaica to Puerto Rico, here’s a fabulous rice and beans dish you may not know.

Stewed beans (habichuelas guisadas) are insanely rich and filling. And that’s got a lot to do with the added potatoes.

They bring a ton of starch to thicken the mix and add another filling ingredient, making it a whole meal without added protein.

Served over rice, it’s a winner every time.

10. Israeli Rice and Beans

With warming spices, buttery beans, and plenty of rice, this is an excellent side dish or main.

Unlike most of the other recipes that call for black or kidney beans, this one needs navy beans.

And I don’t recommend swapping those out. The taste and texture are essential for this delicious dish.