Dinner

Chipotle Rice and Beans

Name: Chipotle Rice and Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth or water; Juice of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Bysarra August 16, 2025

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Short Description

Chipotle rice and beans is a simple yet flavorful dish inspired by the popular Mexican grill, featuring fluffy cilantro-lime rice paired with tender, seasoned black beans. It is a hearty, wholesome option that works beautifully as a side dish, burrito bowl base, or a light main meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines freshness and heartiness in perfect harmony: citrusy rice balanced with smoky, savory beans. It’s naturally vegetarian, budget-friendly, and customizable, making it a go-to recipe for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Rice

Long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
Fresh lime juice
Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Bay leaf (optional)
Olive oil or butter
Salt

For the Beans

Black beans (canned or dried and cooked)
Olive oil
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Ground cumin
Oregano
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper
Water or vegetable broth
Lime juice

Directions

Cook the Rice

Rinse 2 cups of rice until the water runs clear.
Add rice, water (usually 4 cups), salt, and bay leaf to a pot. Drizzle with a little oil or add butter.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in lime juice and cilantro.

Prepare the Beans

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.
Stir in garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf; cook until fragrant.
Add beans and 1 cup of water or broth. Simmer 15–20 minutes (if canned) or until tender (if dried).
Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Assemble

Serve the cilantro-lime rice topped with seasoned beans, or mix them together. Enjoy plain or with toppings like salsa, avocado, or cheese.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8 portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes (using canned beans)
Total Time: About 40–45 minutes

Variations

Use pinto beans instead of black beans for a different flavor.
Swap white rice for brown rice (increase cooking time).
Add roasted corn, peppers, or tomatoes for extra texture.
Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or extra chipotle peppers.
Turn it into a one-pot dish by mixing rice and beans together with broth.

Storage / Reheating

Refrigerator: Store rice and beans in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm rice with a splash of water to restore moisture. Heat beans gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, canned beans save time and still taste delicious.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but cooking time increases to 40–45 minutes.

3. How do I keep the rice fluffy?

Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, and let it rest covered after cooking.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and is excellent for meal prep.

5. What kind of beans does Chipotle use?

Chipotle serves both black beans and pinto beans; black beans are most common with cilantro-lime rice.

6. Can I make it oil-free?

Yes, simply omit oil and cook rice in water. For beans, sauté onions in a splash of broth.

7. How do I make it spicier?

Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or diced jalapeños while cooking the beans.

8. Can I freeze rice and beans together?

Yes, portion into containers, let cool, and freeze up to 3 months.

9. What toppings go well with this?

Avocado, salsa, sour cream, cheese, roasted corn, or grilled vegetables pair perfectly.

10. Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, if you use oil instead of butter, it is completely vegan.

Conclusion

Chipotle rice and beans is a fresh, filling, and versatile dish you can enjoy on its own or as a base for endless meal combinations. The zesty cilantro-lime rice and hearty beans come together to create a satisfying dish that is simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser