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rice and beans recipes

7 Delicious Rice and Bean Recipes (Budget-Friendly & High Protein)

Prep Time: 10–15 mins | Cook Time: 25–30 mins
Serves: 4–6 per recipe | Tags: #budgetmeals #riceandbeans #veganrecipes #easymeals #highprotein

Why Rice and Beans?

Rice and beans are a global staple – affordable, versatile, and packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. These recipes are:

  • Easy to make with pantry ingredients
  • Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
  • Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and budget-friendly

  •  “Discover 7 delicious rice and bean recipe variations that are high in protein, vegan, and perfect for meal prep or easy dinners.”

1. Classic Latin-Inspired Rice & Beans

Flavors: Garlic, cumin, paprika
Use: Side or main dish
Recipe Highlights:

  • Cook white rice separately
  • Sauté garlic, onions, black beans, cumin, paprika
  • Mix with rice, top with cilantro and lime

Perfect With: Grilled veggies or chicken

2. Caribbean Coconut Rice and Red Beans

Flavors: Coconut milk, thyme, allspice
Recipe Highlights:

  • Cook rice in coconut milk + water
  • Add kidney beans, thyme, garlic, scallions
  • Simmer until creamy and fragrant

Pairs Well With: Jerk tofu or grilled fish

3. Indian-Style Rajma Chawal (Kidney Beans & Rice)

Flavors: Tomato, ginger, garam masala
Recipe Highlights:

  • Pressure cook kidney beans with tomatoes, garlic, and Indian spices
  • Serve hot over basmati rice
  • Top with chopped coriander and lemon juice

Great As: A protein-packed comfort meal

4. Tex-Mex Rice and Black Beans

Flavors: Chili powder, corn, lime
Recipe Highlights:

  • Cook rice with veggie broth
  • Stir in canned black beans, corn, salsa, lime juice
  • Serve with avocado, cheese, or sour cream

Bonus: Wrap in tortillas for burritos!

5. Mediterranean Chickpea Rice Bowl

Flavors: Lemon, parsley, olive oil
Recipe Highlights:

  • Mix cooked rice with chickpeas, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley
  • Drizzle with olive oil and lemon dressing
  • Add crumbled feta or tahini sauce

Serve Cold or Warm

6. Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Flavors: Smoky, spicy, savory
Recipe Highlights:

  • Sauté onions, bell pepper, celery
  • Add red beans, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika
  • Serve with white rice and hot sauce

Optional Add-ins: Vegan sausage or Andouille

7. Fried Rice with Beans

Flavors: Soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions
Recipe Highlights:

  • Use leftover rice
  • Stir-fry with black or pinto beans, soy sauce, garlic, eggs (optional)
  • Top with green onions and sesame seeds

Quick 15-minute meal idea

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • All variations store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze in individual portions for grab-and-go lunches.
  • Reheat with a splash of water or broth to revive texture.

FAQ

Can I use canned beans?
Absolutely. Rinse and drain before using to reduce sodium.

Can I use brown rice or quinoa?
Yes! Just adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Are these recipes vegan?
All are vegan or easily adaptable with plant-based swaps.

Similar Recipes :

1. Cuban Black Beans and Rice (Moros y Cristianos)

  • A traditional Cuban dish with black beans simmered in garlic, onions, bell peppers, cumin, and rice.
  • Smoky and comforting with bold Caribbean flavors.

2. Mexican Red Rice with Pinto Beans

  • Fluffy rice cooked in tomato sauce, garlic, and spices, paired with creamy pinto beans.
  • A hearty, budget-friendly Mexican classic.

3. Caribbean Coconut Rice and Beans

  • Long-grain rice simmered with kidney beans, coconut milk, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper.
  • Creamy, mildly spicy, and aromatic.

4. Indian Spiced Rice and Lentils (Khichdi)

  • A comfort food dish made with rice, lentils, turmeric, ginger, and mild spices.
  • Easy to digest and perfect as a one-pot vegetarian meal.

5. Spanish Rice and Beans with Peppers

  • Rice cooked with smoked paprika, onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers, mixed with white beans or kidney beans.
  • Simple, hearty, and perfect for meal prep.



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