traditional mexican rice and beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best traditional mexican rice and beans recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite traditional Mexican rice and beans recipes. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

My kids love it when I make it for them, and it’s a great way to get some essential nutrients into their diet. The combination of fluffy rice, creamy beans, and the subtle flavors of onion, garlic, and cumin is just amazing.

It’s also incredibly easy to make, which is a bonus for busy parents like me who need to whip up a meal quickly. I’ve learned that this recipe comes from the southern part of Mexico, where rice and beans are a common combination in many dishes.

The key to making this recipe is to use long-grain Mexican rice and cook it with chicken broth for added flavor. By using fresh cilantro and lime juice at the end, you’ll get that authentic Mexican taste that will leave you wanting more.

My family loves this recipe because it’s filling and nutritious, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or beef if you have any on hand.

Traditional Mexican Rice and Beans

4.7 from 1135 votes

A classic Mexican dish featuring flavorful rice and tender beans, perfect as a side or main course. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups long grain white rice
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin

For the Beans

1 lb pinto beans, soaked overnight
1 onion, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin

For Garnish

1 avocado, diced
1 lime, sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse and drain the pinto beans and place them in a large pot.
2Cover with water and bring to a boil.
3Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4Drain and set aside.
5In the same large pot, add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat.
6Add onion, jalapeño, and garlic.
7Sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
8Add the drained pinto beans, water, salt, and cumin to the pot.
9Stir well to combine.
10Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until beans are tender.
11While the beans are cooking, in a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat.
12Add onion and garlic.
13Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
14Add rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with oil.
15Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until rice is lightly toasted.
16Pour in the chicken broth, add salt and cumin.
17Stir well and bring to a boil.
18Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
19Wait 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
20To serve, spoon the rice and beans onto plates.
21Garnish with diced avocado, lime slices, and chopped cilantro.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Medium saucepan with lid
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 1.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier dish, add more jalapeño or a pinch of chili powder. You can also use canned pinto beans to save time.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Mexican Rice and Beans Works

This traditional Mexican rice and beans recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s easy to make and packed with nutrients that are essential for your family’s health.

You can serve it on its own or as part of a larger meal with some grilled meats or roasted vegetables. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as my family does!

It’s a staple in our household that never fails to satisfy our hunger.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Rice and Beans

Q: What type of rice should I use for this recipe?

You should use long-grain Mexican rice for this recipe, as it holds its shape better than other types of rice.

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of cooking them from scratch?

Yes, you can use canned beans as a substitute if you’re short on time.

Q: How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, make sure you’re using the right ratio of water to rice and that you’re not overcooking it.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to customize this recipe?

Yes, you can add other ingredients such as diced tomatoes or chopped bell peppers to give the dish more flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for later use.

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