What to Eat With Rice and Beans? Healthy and Tasty Matches

If you love to combine rice and beans, you’re not alone! Hearty, delicious and incredibly simple to prepare, this popular pairing is beloved around the world. As such, what to eat with rice and beans is a question with myriad answers!

A foundation for endless meals— be they Caribbean, Asian or infused with the flavors of Latin America—rice and beans can easily be tailored to any diner’s cravings.

Beyond their undeniable charm in the flavor department, rice and beans also have their affordability, accessibility and natural makeup to thank for their mass appeal.

A dish you can whip up in minutes, rice and beans is a satisfying plant-based meal. When combined, these ingredients also make up a complete protein (i.e., it contains all nine essential amino acids) and is packed with fiber, vitamins and more.

The type of meal every home cook dreams of, rice and beans can improve frenzied weeknights, fit in with lazy weekends, and satisfy without a fuss.

Whether you crave spice, a comforting bowl of sustenance or a tastebud-stirring meal to begin, energize or end your day, it’s time to discover just how versatile rice and beans can be!

Which Rice Goes Best with Beans?

Rice and beans combinations are as endless as your imagination! Not only are there numerous type of RiceSelect® rice to choose from, the world is also home to various types of beans. All types of rice go well with beans but some are better suited to different kinds of meals.

For example, Indian-inspired dishes call for the fragrant, separate grains of Basmati while aromatic Jasmine rice is more common in recipes from South-East Asia. Think of the final texture you want as well, leaning toward stickier varieties for soups or stews and lighter grains for stir-fries or curries.

What Kinds of Beans Can You Use?

This dynamic duo makes for irresistible International-Inspired Dishes. Let’s have a look at some of the options:

Rice	Bean	Popular dishes	Combination
Basmati	Kidney beans	Rajma (India)	Kidney beans have a firm and slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Basmati rice is tender, aromatic and separate.
Texmati	Black Beans	Gallo Pinto (Costa Rica, Nicaragua)	A staple in many Latin American cuisines, black beans are known for their rich, earthy flavor and smooth texture.
Jasmine	Red Beans	Red Beans and Rice (U.S.)	Smaller and sweeter than black beans, red beans are often used in Louisiana Creole dishes, such as red beans and rice.
Arborio	Cannellini Beans	Riso e Fagioli (Italy)	Large and white, cannellini beans have a mild flavor and a creamy texture. They’re a popular ingredient in soups, stews and salads.
Texmati	Pinto Beans	Arroz con Frijoles (Latin America)	Popular in Mexico, pinto beans are often used in chili and other hearty dishes due to their smooth texture and mild flavor.
Texmati	Black-Eyed Peas	Hoppin’ John (U.S.)	A staple in Southern cuisine, black-eyed peas are known for their soft texture and mild flavor.
Texmati	Navy Beans	Cajun White Beans and Rice (U.S.)	Small and oval, navy beans are a staple ingredient in many classic American dishes, such as baked beans and navy bean soup.

Quick Kitchen Tips for Cooking Rice and Beans

When it comes to getting a rice and beans recipe just right, the first step is mastering each ingredient.

Quick Tips for Cooking Rice

Rinse rice in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and improve texture.
Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water (for example, 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water) for best results.
Add flavor and texture by mixing in seasonings, such as butter, salt, or herbs, to the rice before cooking. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.

Quick Tips for Cooking Beans

If using dried beans, soak them overnight (or for a minimum of 8 hours) to help reduce the cooking time and improve texture.
Drain and rinse the soaked beans before cooking to remove any impurities.
By using aromatics like onions, garlic, bay leaves, and spices, you can add extra flavor to your beans.
You can also save time by using canned beans.

Easy and Classic Rice and Beans Recipes

Tap into the global wealth of rice and beans recipes and you could eat a different meal every day for a year! Instead of wondering what veggies to eat with beans and rice or what meat pairs well with red beans and rice, simply try these recipes and discover everything you need to know.

Tuscan Rice and Bean Soup with Brown Rice

Satisfying and savory, this soup is an Italian cucina povera classic.

A dish that turns a handful of simple ingredients into a restorative meal, this one relies on broth, tomatoes, sausage, beans and RiceSelect® Texmati® Brown Rice for its depth of flavor.

Craving a little luxury? Top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a generous flurry of parmesan cheese.