Beans and Rice 101

When a family decides to tighten their budget, they'll often moan that they're on a "Beans and Rice" diet. They say it like they have three-day-old tree bark in their mouths! I mean, who could possibly like eating beans and rice? Well....um....my family does. We love beans and rice around our house, and it ends up on our menu plan every week or two. When my kiddos hear that we're having this Tex-Mex dish for dinner, they cheer. Really.

I have several different ways I make beans and rice, depending on what I happen to have on hand. I either use canned kidney beans, dried kidney beans (cooked), or dried pinto beans (cooked). You could also probably use black beans. I usually figure that two cups of cooked dried beans equals one can of beans (roughly).

SUPER EASY BEANS and RICE

1 recipe of white or brown rice (I mean 1 cup dry rice, prepared)
2 cans kidney beans, drained - or - about 4 cups cooked dried beans
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1/2 package taco seasoning

While the rice is cooking, heat the beans, tomatoes, and taco seasoning in a large skillet. Bring to a low "boil" and simmer until it thickens slightly, about ten minutes. Combine with rice. You may not want to use all of the rice, but it depends on your taste. I serve this with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

 

BEANS and RICE

1 recipe of white or brown rice (I mean 1 cup dry rice, prepared)
2 cans kidney beans, drained - or - about 4 cups cooked dried beans
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped (optional)
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste

In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil until shimmering, but not smoking. Add onion, pepper, and garlic and saute until tender. Add beans and tomatoes. Season with cayenne, salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, until slightly thickened. Serve over rice. We also like this with shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

These are the basics of what I do. Sometimes I add a little bit of Italian or smoked sausage. I don't always use the onion or green pepper. Depends on if I have them and feel like doing the chopping. I also will sometimes add some chili powder and/or cumin. One time, I started making it before I realized that I was out of tomatoes. I dumped in a jar of salsa instead. This is one of my easy "go to" meals. Oh, and my kids love putting the leftovers into tortillas with sour cream and salsa. An easy dinner one day turns into an easy lunch the next. Gotta love that!

For more great recipe ideas, head on over to Life as Mom.

 

Photo credit: Chiot's Run