Melissa Jo's Black Beans and Rice

Melissa Jo's Black Beans and Rice

6 servings
For many years I have been making this black beans and rice recipe for my family because not only is it incredibly delicious, but my kids would always eat it now matter how picky they were. I learned to make this simple recipe from my kids' babysitter. She was from Honduras and she would watch my oldest son Nick and my sister's oldest son Jacob when they were babies. When I would come home from teaching at an elementary school she would still be cooking dinner and I caught her one day making black beans on the stove and I saw that she used two cans of black beans. I had been eating it for over a year and I truly thought she had been making it from scratch using dried black beans. So, she taught me the secret to her easy black beans and rice recipe and I have been making this recipe ever since she taught me. Whenever I served this recipe to anyone they would always ask me for the recipe after. So, here we are and now I am teaching you how to make the most delicious and easy black beans and rice. But, beware it's going to steal the show on the dinner plate. Let's make it!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long grain white rice
  • 3 ¾ cup water
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Salt & cracked black pepper)
    to taste (optional
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • ¼ of a red onion

    chopped

  • 4 - 5 garlic cloves

    chopped

  • ¼ of a red bell pepper

    chopped

  • 2 tsp adobo all purpose seasoning
  • ½ tsp cracked black pepper
  • 2 15.25 oz black beans
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 4 oz water
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 packet of Sazon
  • Sliced green onions

    for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    To make the white rice, In a rice cooker add in white rice, water, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt & pepper. Turn on the rice cooker and let it cook.

  2. 2

    To make the black beans, in a cast iron or pan add in avocado oil, red onion, garlic, red pepper, adobo seasoning, and cracked black pepper. Saute that on a medium heat for about 5 - 7 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly golden. Next, pour in the cans of black beans, give everything a stir, and bring the pan to a boil. Once the pan comes to a boil, pour in the tomato sauce. Fill the empty tomato sauce can halfway with water (about 4 oz of water), swish it around to get the excess tomato sauce out, and add it to the pan as well. Then add in the white wine vinegar and give everything a stir. Bring the pan back up to a boil and once it comes to a boil, shake in the packet of Sazon. Stir that together, lower the pan to a simmer, and let that simmer for about 7 - 12 or until it reduces by half (if you like it less saucy, simmer it longer).

  3. 3

    Once the rice is done, add it onto a plate, and add a scoop of the black beans over the rice. Garnish with some sliced green onions and enjoy!

Melissa Jo's Black Beans and Rice

Melissa Jo's Black Beans and Rice

30 min6 servings

Similar Recipes

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Looking for an incredibly delicious and easy black beans and rice recipe that your whole family will love, even the pickiest eaters? This comforting dish comes together quickly, delivering heartwarming flavors perfect for any weeknight.

Why This Recipe Works

This black beans and rice recipe is a true secret weapon in the kitchen because it achieves a deep, satisfying flavor profile with surprising ease. The clever use of canned black beans means you get that slow-cooked taste without the long simmering time, a trick learned from years of making it for family. It’s a wonderfully flavorful and hearty dish that consistently impresses, making it a go-to for many.

What to Expect

You can expect a rich, savory black beans and rice dish brimming with aromatic flavors. The combination of sautéed red onion, garlic, and red bell pepper creates a vibrant base, perfectly seasoned with adobo and Sazon for that authentic, full-bodied taste. Simmered with tomato sauce and a touch of white wine vinegar, the beans develop a complex tang and depth that beautifully complements the fluffy long grain white rice.

Each spoonful offers a comforting blend of textures—tender beans and perfectly cooked rice—making it a deeply satisfying meal. It’s a humble yet incredibly flavorful dish that feels both familiar and special, sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking; a little extra cracked black pepper or a pinch more adobo can enhance the flavors. You can easily swap the avocado oil for another neutral cooking oil if preferred. For an added layer of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lime juice can be a lovely finish to the dish.

Serving & Context

Melissa Jo's Black Beans and Rice is a versatile dish perfect as a hearty main course or a flavorful side. Garnish generously with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and a mild, oniony bite.

Frequently Asked Questions