Best Easy Arroz con Frijoles Recipe

Rice and beans served together, creating a complete plant-based protein combination. This vegetarian, healthy family staple is budget-friendly and foundational to Mexican home cooking.

Cook 54 min Difficulty EASY 325 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly #DASH
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • long-grain white rice 1.5 cups
  • cooked black beans 3 cups
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
  • water 2.5 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • dried oregano 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 56 g 69%
Protein 10 g 12%
Fat 5 g 14%
Serving size 260g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring, until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to let it brown.

  3. 3

    Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the grains in oil and develop flavor.

  4. 4

    Pour in 2.5 cups water, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp oregano, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until rice is tender and water is absorbed.

  5. 5

    Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in the cooked black beans. Cover and let sit off the heat for 5 minutes for flavors to combine and beans to warm through before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The essential ingredients that define Arroz con Frijoles are long-grain white rice and cooked black beans. Their combination gives both hearty texture and a complete source of plant-based protein, which is unique to this classic Mexican dish.
Q. How do I avoid mushy rice or tough beans?
For perfectly tender yet fluffy rice, allow the rice to simmer covered on low heat just until the water is absorbed—avoid overcooking. Gently fold in the pre-cooked beans at the end, off the heat, so they warm through but do not split or lose texture.
Q. What are the main flavors that make up Arroz con Frijoles?
Besides rice and beans, aromatics like onion and garlic provide depth, while cumin, oregano, and black pepper add earthiness and gentle heat. Each seasoning builds authentic Mexican flavor without overpowering the dish’s simplicity.
Q. How many calories and what’s the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving of this Arroz con Frijoles recipe provides approximately 325 kcal, with about 56g carbohydrates (69%), 10g protein (12%), and 5g fat (14%). This highlights its strength as a healthy, plant-based meal.
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