Rice and Beans

This Rice and Beans dish is my go-to when I need something comforting, hearty, and quick to make. It’s one of those meals that always hits the spot—perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a satisfying lunch. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity: tender rice, smoky ham, creamy pinto beans, and a few humble seasonings come together in one skillet to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

What I love most is how forgiving it is. Whether you’re using leftover rice, canned beans, or that chunk of ham from Sunday’s dinner, this recipe welcomes it all. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it all comes together in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Rice and Beans

This dish is pure comfort food with a smart twist. It’s quick, packed with protein, and ideal for using pantry staples. The smoky ham gives it heartiness, while the beans add a creamy bite. Fresh herbs or a splash of hot sauce can take it to another level, but even on its own, this skillet is a winner.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

Day-old rice is best here! It fries up beautifully and holds its shape better than freshly cooked rice, which tends to get mushy. If you’re making rice the same day, spread it on a baking sheet and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to dry it out a bit.

Options for Substitutions

• No ham? Try cooked sausage, bacon, or even rotisserie chicken.
• Pinto beans can be swapped for black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas.
• Vegetarian version? Leave out the meat and toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Low-sodium diet? Use low-sodium beans and skip any added salt; the ham provides enough seasoning.

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Ingredients for this Rice and Beans

• Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is best for fried rice dishes because it’s drier and gives a better texture when stir-fried. Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works beautifully.
• Ham: Diced ham adds a smoky, savory depth that balances the mildness of the beans and the starch of the rice. It also brings protein to the dish.
• Pinto Beans: These beans are creamy, earthy, and comforting. They soak up the flavor of the skillet while providing fiber and protein.
• Onion: Sautéed onion forms a flavorful base and adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of the ham.
• Garlic: A few cloves go a long way in boosting the overall aroma and depth of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and frying, olive oil keeps things from sticking and enhances richness.
• Fresh Parsley: A handful of chopped parsley brightens up the dish with color and a fresh pop of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season everything just right. Add to taste based on the saltiness of your ham.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of heat, a pinch will do wonders.

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Step 1: Heat the Skillet

Start by heating a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Ham

Toss in the diced ham and let it brown slightly, stirring occasionally. This step brings out its smoky flavor and caramelizes the edges.

Step 4: Stir in the Beans

Add the pinto beans to the pan. Stir them around so they mix well with the ham and absorb some of the flavors. Cook for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Rice

Break up any clumps in the rice and add it to the skillet. Stir to combine with the ham and beans. Let it fry undisturbed for a couple of minutes, then stir again—this creates some of those crispy rice bits everyone loves.

Step 6: Season and Garnish

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together, then toss in the chopped parsley right before serving for a fresh finish.

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How Long to Prepare the Rice and Beans

Preparation Time: The prep takes about 10–15 minutes, mostly for chopping onions, garlic, and ham. If you’re using canned beans and pre-cooked rice, it’s even quicker.

Cooking Time: From start to finish, this recipe takes about 20 minutes on the stove. The key is to layer the ingredients in the right order and give the rice time to fry properly for those golden crispy bits.

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Tips for Perfect Rice and Beans

• Use cold rice: Fresh rice turns mushy—day-old rice gives that perfect fried texture.
• Preheat your pan: A hot skillet ensures everything sautés rather than steams.
• Don’t stir constantly: Letting the rice sit for a minute or two helps create delicious crispy edges.
• Taste before salting: Ham can be quite salty, so hold off on adding salt until the end.
• Garnish last-minute: Fresh herbs lose flavor if cooked too long. Add parsley right before serving.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using wet rice: Moist rice can make the whole dish soggy. Let rice cool and dry if freshly made.
• Skipping the browning step: Lightly browning the ham brings a huge boost of flavor.
• Overloading the pan: Too much in the skillet lowers the heat and causes steaming instead of frying.
• Undercooking the onions: Give them time to soften; they add a lot of flavor.
• Adding parsley too soon: It’ll wilt and lose its brightness if added too early.

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What to Serve With Rice and Beans?

1. Fried Plantains

Sweet and crispy, these balance the savory flavors beautifully.

2. Cornbread

A warm slice of cornbread makes a comforting and filling side.

3. Fresh Tomato Salad

A juicy tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish.

4. Grilled Vegetables

Simple grilled zucchini, peppers, or asparagus work great alongside.

5. Avocado Slices

Creamy, cool avocado pairs wonderfully with warm rice and beans.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover rice and beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure the food cools to room temperature before sealing it.

Freezing: This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Microwave works too—just cover and stir halfway through for even heating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and ingredient brand.

• Calories: 390 per serving
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 6g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice works best?

Day-old long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati is ideal. It fries well and doesn’t clump.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the ham and load up on veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your ham and seasonings are gluten-free. Always check the labels.

Can I add eggs to the skillet?

Yes! Scramble a couple of eggs and stir them in during the final minutes of cooking.

How spicy is it?

The dish is mild as written, but you can dial up the heat with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

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Conclusion

Rice and Beans is more than just a quick meal—it’s a flexible, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings comfort and creativity to your table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, using up leftovers, or just want something hearty and delicious, this recipe delivers every time. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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