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.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the black beans, white rice, and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Toss in the bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.

Step 8

Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the bay leaves.

Step 9

Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice on top. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1815.7 grams (1815.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1236

Total Fat 33.60g	43%
Saturated Fat 5.20g	26%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2809mg	122%
Total Carbohydrate 188.70g	69%
Dietary Fiber 36.10g	129%
Total Sugars 10.90g
Protein 44.00g	88%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 354mg	27%
Iron 16mg	90%
Potassium 2114mg	45%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.5%

Protein: 14.3%

Carbs: 61.2%