16 Ways to Eat Rice and Beans

I’m sure if you’re trying to save money on your grocery bill, you have heard the advice to eat lots of rice and beans!  When I first heard this advice (or saw “rice and beans” on other people’s menus week after week), I thought that sounded kind of gross and definitely boring.

BUT!  Due to financial challenges our family has experienced in the last few years, we have learned to enjoy “rice and beans” in many different ways!  It’s certainly not boring, and I’ve managed to find ways that are delicious.  We serve two or three of these recipes at our table most weeks.

Without further ado, here are 16 ways to eat rice and/or beans!

1. Bean Burritos
Stick some pinto (or black) beans in the food processor and give them a whirl, then heat and season with cumin, salt (if needed), and garlic powder.  Spoon into tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, then roll up (tucking in the ends) and serve.

2. Spanish Black Beans and Rice
I’ve made this recipe as written, but I’ve also changed it up by using a green pepper instead of red and pinto beans instead of black.  It reminded me of dishes I ate in the Dominican Republic.

3. Bean and Rice Bowls
We eat these a lot.  I make brown or white rice (often cooked in nourishing chicken broth) as well as seasoned beans (black beans + green chilies or pinto beans + cumin) and serve them in bowls, topped with cilantro, cheese, and salsa or fresh tomatoes!  These are warm, delicious, and filling!

4. Fried Rice (guest post on Money Saving Mom today!)
We love eating fried rice for lunch, and it’s just as good without any chicken in it!  It’s a great way to use seasonal veggies (or whatever is about to expire in your fridge)!

5. Cheese Quesadillas with Black Beans on the Side
This couldn’t be easier. I use whole wheat tortillas, whatever cheese I have on hand (though cheddar or monterey jack are delicious), and lots of black beans seasoned with cumin and green chilies! I also frequently put cooked, leftover rice inside the quesadillas as well.

6. Tacos with Beans and Rice
Easy – just make tacos as normal, but serve up generous portions of black or pinto beans and rice on each taco to fill everyone up without using as much meat!  This “trick” also works for stretching taco salads and chicken burritos!  Another thing I like to do is cook lentils and add a few cups in with the taco meat to help it go further (and it’s not very noticeable).

7. Cheesy Rice
I don’t have an exact recipe for this, but I just make a white sauce, add cheddar cheese, and pour over cooked rice (brown or white).  You can eat it right away or bake it to give it a “browned” look on top.  With a side of broccoli and/or homemade rolls, this can be a lunch.  Or, serve it alongside ham and green beans for dinner.

8. Black Bean Soup
This recipe is a snap to throw together, and it’s a filling lunch.  We like to top it with grated cheese and eat tortilla chips on the side.

9. Hummus
Serve this with fresh veggies, pita chips or crackers, fruit, and cheese and call it a “snacky” lunch!

10. White Chicken Chili
The recipe I use is from Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist, but there are lots of other good recipes out there too.  You can make this with less chicken (I usually do).

11. Black Bean Corn Salsa
This isn’t a meal, but it is a great side dish, particularly for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or picnics!  It’s so yummy with chips or as a topping for tacos.  We even like to put it on top of rice and bean bowls!

12. Chili
I don’t have a recipe for my chili, but I just combine lots of beans (any variety – kidney, black, pinto, even garbanzo), diced tomatoes (canned), a bit of tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, diced onion, minced garlic, and a little molasses and simmer all day.  Yep, no meat required!  We like to eat some homemade cornbread on the side.

13. Minestrone Soup
I add more beans to this now… more like 3 cans (white/canellini and kidney are both great).  This is another great way to use in-season veggies!

14. Chicken and Black Bean Soup
I’ve made this recipe several times, and it’s always turned out SO well!  I usually make it with less chicken and more beans.  Great soup for a cold day.

15. Korean Beef Bowl
This dish involves beef, but the fact that there is a generous portion of rice given to each person helps it streeetch pretty far!

16. Black Bean Brownies
This is a “bonus” recipe, since it’s not a main dish.  But it’s a yummy way to get some protein into your diet!

So there you have it!  Sixteen different ways of eating rice and/or beans to help stretch your grocery budget.

Do you have any favorite rice/bean recipes to share?