• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

This Wife Cooks™

  • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • JOIN MY NEWSLETTER
  • Holidays
    • Vegan and Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Vegan & Vegetarian Christmas Recipes
    • New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • 4th of July
    • Oktoberfest
    • Halloween
    • Game Day
    • Happy Birthday
  • Collections
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Dessert
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
  • Popular
    • Breads
    • Casseroles & Comfort Food
    • Cookies & Cakes
    • Dressings & Dips
    • Kid Favorites
    • Pasta
    • Rice & Grains
    • Soups, Chilis, & Stews
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches, Tacos, & Burgers
    • Baking
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Recipe Index
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
Home » Popular » Rice & Grains » Mexican Rice and Black Beans

Mexican Rice and Black Beans

May 17, 202022 Comments

Pin
Share
Share
8383Shares
View Recipe
Mexican Rice and Black Beans - A hearty and healthy rice and bean dish that is easy to make and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes! via @thiswifecooksMexican Rice and Black Beans - A hearty and healthy rice and bean dish that is easy to make and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes! via @thiswifecooksMexican Rice and Black Beans - A hearty and healthy rice and bean dish that is easy to make and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes! via @thiswifecooks

Mexican Rice and Black Beans ~ 

A hearty and healthy rice and bean dish that is easy to make and ready in 30 minutes!

Serve with Mexican Grilled Tofu and Avocado Tomato Salad.

This post was updated January 31, 2025.

Mexican Rice and Black Beans - A hearty and healthy rice and bean dish that is easy to make and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes!

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Mexican Black Beans and Rice Recipe
  • What to Serve with Rice and Beans
  • Ingredients for Mexican Rice and Black Beans
  • How to Make Mexican Rice and Black Beans
  • Optional Add-Ons
  • FAQs
  • Storage
  • More Healthy Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Follow This Wife Cooks on Flipboard | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Shop | YouTube
  • Mexican Rice and Black Beans
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Nutrition

Mexican Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Mexican Rice and Black Beans is one of those versatile dishes that’s easy to love. If you’re looking for a dish that’s flavorful, filling, and easy to make, Mexican Rice and Black Beans checks all the boxes. 

Packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe is as comforting as it is convenient. It comes together quickly, perfect as a go-to for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

The rice cooks to tender perfection, absorbing the richly seasoned broth spiced with paprika, cumin, and oregano. The black beans not only add a creamy texture but also a hearty boost of protein, making this dish as nutritious as it is flavorful. The tomato paste brings a touch of sweetness and depth, tying everything together into a vibrant, cohesive dish with earthy undertones and just the right amount of spice.

Serve it as a complete meal or a flavorful side dish—either way, this is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!

What to Serve with Rice and Beans

Mexican Rice and Black Beans is incredibly versatile and works as either a main dish or a side. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside this flavorful dish:

  • Main Dishes: Pair it with tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or fajitas for a classic Mexican-inspired meal. It’s also great with stuffed peppers or quesadillas.
  • Salad: A crisp green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette or a simple cabbage slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty rice and beans.
  • Grilled Vegetables: Add a side of smoky grilled zucchini, corn on the cob, or roasted bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
  • Tortillas or Chips: Offer warm flour or corn tortillas or serve alongside tortilla chips for scooping.
Mexican Rice and Black Beans - A hearty and healthy rice and bean dish that is easy to make and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes!

Ingredients for Mexican Rice and Black Beans

​You will need the following:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1 large poblano pepper, diced
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup medium-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken-style broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

How to Make Mexican Rice and Black Beans

STEP ONE: Cook the vegetables. Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add onion and poblano pepper, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

STEP TWO: Add rice and seasonings. Stir in the rice, paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, coating the rice evenly in oil and spices. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

STEP THREE: Add broth and beans. Pour in the chicken-style broth and stir in the black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

STEP FOUR: Simmer. Cover the saucepan and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

STEP FIVE: Fluff and serve. Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot.

Optional Add-Ons

Take your beans and rice to the next level with these simple additions:

  • Toppings: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, or shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also elevate the dish.
  • Fresh Salsa: Pair with chopped fresh tomatoes, pico de gallo, salsa verde, or a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing burst of flavor.
  • Protein Boost: Add grilled vegetables or Crispy Baked Tofu to make it an even heartier meal.

FAQs

  • Can I use dried black beans instead of canned? Absolutely! Cook the dried beans first before adding them to the recipe. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of cooked beans to replace one 15-ounce can.

  • What other beans can I use? Pinto beans are a great swap for black beans in this dish. Kidney beans or even white beans like cannellini work well, too.

  • Can I make this with brown rice? Yes! You can swap medium-grain white rice for long-grain rice or even brown rice. Just note that brown rice will require a longer cooking time; plan for an additional 10-15 minutes of simmering time, and check for tenderness before serving.

  • How do I adjust the spice level? For more heat, add diced jalapeno pepper, green chiles, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder dish, use green bell peppers instead of poblanos.

  • Can I make this in advance? Yes, this dish reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or the microwave before serving.

Mexican Rice and Black Beans - A hearty and healthy rice and bean dish that is easy to make and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes!

Storage

This dish is perfect for meal prep—make a big batch, and you’ll have a flavorful, ready-to-heat meal anytime!

  • Refrigerator: Transfer leftover rice and beans to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, let the rice and beans come to room temperature, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent sticking. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.

More Healthy Recipes You’ll Love!

  • Spanish Rice​
  • Black Beans for a Crowd​
  • Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Lime Rice Bowls​
  • Slow Cooker Black Beans and Rice​
  • Pinto Bean and Rice Soup​

Follow This Wife Cooks on Flipboard | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Shop | YouTube

Mexican Rice and Black Beans ~  A hearty and healthy rice and bean dish that is easy to make and ready in 30 minutes!
Mexican Rice and Black Beans - A hearty and healthy rice and bean dish that is easy to make and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes!

Mexican Rice and Black Beans

A hearty and healthy rice and bean dish that is easy to make and ready in 30 minutes!
5 from 34 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keyword: 30 minutes or less, beans, comfort food, dairy free, healthy, Mexican, rice, vegan, vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 264kcal
Author: Holly Gray
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
  • 1 large poblano pepper diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 cup medium grain white rice uncooked
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken-style broth
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans rinsed and drained

Instructions

  • Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add onion and poblano pepper, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the rice, paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, coating the rice evenly in oil and spices. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  • Pour in the chicken-style broth and stir in the black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover the saucepan and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  • Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 651mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 327IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thiswifecooks or tag #thiswifecooks!
Pin
Share
Share
8383Shares

Related Posts:

  • Black Bean Avocado Salad ~ Creamy avocado, protein-packed black beans, crisp peppers, fresh herbs, and tangy lime dressing. This refreshing and healthy salad is easy to make and perfect as a side dish or light lunch!
    Black Bean Avocado Salad
  • Avocado Tomato Salad ~ Fresh tomatoes and creamy avocado tossed in a light, tangy dressing.
    Avocado Tomato Salad
  • Grilled Pesto Tofu ~ Easy recipe for extra firm tofu marinated in Homemade Basil Pesto and grilled to perfection! Vegetarian and Vegan.
    Grilled Pesto Tofu

Filed Under: Cinco de Mayo, Comfort Food, Lunch & Dinner, Recently Updated, Rice & Grains, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: beans, cinco de mayo, comfort food, dairy-free, healthy, make-ahead, Mexican, quick and easy, rice, side dish, tex-mex, vegan, vegetarian

Previous Post: « Hearts of Palm Crab-Style Salad
Next Post: Tofu and Broccoli Frittata »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. thiswifecooks

    September 30, 2020 at 11:34 pm

    All quantities and measurements are listed on the recipe card.

    Reply
  2. Laura

    August 27, 2021 at 2:15 am

    5 stars
    added a can of diced tomatoes and served with plain Greek yogurt and taco sauce. It was delicious, thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  3. Esther

    November 20, 2021 at 11:36 pm

    5 stars
    This was surprisingly delicious. I say “surprisingly” because I am not a fan of green peppers or black beans, although I know they are good for you. I served this as a side dish with salsa chicken. My husband liked both. I will make both again. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  4. nancy

    January 11, 2022 at 12:44 am

    5 stars
    this protien rich meal is amazing

    Reply
  5. Diane

    June 9, 2022 at 7:46 am

    5 stars
    Delicious! A new family favorite.

    Reply
    • thiswifecooks

      June 9, 2022 at 11:55 am

      Awesome! It’s one of our favorites too. 🙂 Thanks so much for the feedback!

  6. Linnae

    October 30, 2022 at 12:09 am

    Good recipe! The one thing to note is that if you sub brown rice, it will take longer to cook, and you’ll have to add more liquid as you go along.

    Reply
    • thiswifecooks

      October 30, 2022 at 12:29 am

      Thank you! I have only used white rice for this recipe. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

  7. William

    January 28, 2023 at 4:08 am

    Fabulous side dish. I will be making this again and again.

    Reply
    • thiswifecooks

      February 3, 2023 at 2:36 pm

      Thanks, William! This one is on regular rotation in my house, too.😊

  8. Angie

    May 28, 2023 at 2:44 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Holly. This Mexican Rice & Beans was perfect! All the flavors I love. I am not a breakfast person so it’s brunch for me. When I saw that the recipe called for Poblano peppers I said YES! I had just bought some and wondered what I was going to use them for. I’m OBSESSED with them. Anything spicy 🌶️!!! Now I have leftovers! I viewed some of your other recipes & I am going to try those too.
    Thank you for sharing😊

    Reply
    • thiswifecooks

      May 28, 2023 at 5:47 pm

      Yes! I love poblano peppers too! Thanks,Angie! 🥰

  9. Lindy Coder

    June 22, 2023 at 1:31 pm

    Thank you for, what looks like, a fabulous recipe. I’m making it as a side for approximately 22 adults woman. Do you think doubling it will do? I’m serving it along side of mexican chicken casserole.

    Reply
    • thiswifecooks

      June 22, 2023 at 1:33 pm

      Hi Lindy ~ Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Enjoy! 😊

  10. Lindy

    June 26, 2023 at 7:35 pm

    Can this also be served as a cold salad?

    Reply
    • thiswifecooks

      June 26, 2023 at 10:02 pm

      Hi Lidy ~ I have not tried refrigerating this dish but it’s delicious at room temperature. I hope that’s helpful!

  11. Julie Klug

    October 5, 2023 at 9:16 pm

    5 stars
    Really tasty. I too added diced tomatoes and some chili powder, but my family likes spice.

    Reply
    • thiswifecooks

      October 5, 2023 at 9:17 pm

      Thanks, Julie! Nice additions! 😊

  12. Jjsden

    November 2, 2023 at 11:20 pm

    5 stars
    It was amazing, I was doing it as a homework project but a week later everyone wanted it for my brother’s birthday. It was easy and fun to make, it definitely deserves 5 stars.

    Reply
    • thiswifecooks

      November 2, 2023 at 11:45 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Sounds like a fun homework assignment!😊

  13. Martin

    November 12, 2023 at 7:56 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious! I made it with instant rice and just reduced the amout of water/chicken broth the recipe called for. Perfect with fajitas!

    Reply
    • thiswifecooks

      November 13, 2023 at 12:36 am

      Thank you so much! And I love your pairing with fajitas!😊

5 from 34 votes (26 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Holly! I’m a busy wife and mom. I love cooking for my family and sharing creative and flavorful plant-based recipes.

Here, you will find everything from quick and easy dinners to comfort food classics and holiday favorites.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • White Bean Burgers
  • Japanese Spinach Salad
  • Roasted Zucchini Pasta
  • Olive and Feta Garlic Bread

Footer

Copyright © 2025 Rise and Shine Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy .Terms of Service .

This Wife Cooks™Logo Header Menu
  • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
  • Holiday
  • Collections
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Dessert
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Side Dishes
  • Popular

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.