Rice & Beans

Cuban Style Rice And Beans

Name: Cuban Style Rice And Beans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice; 1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large bell peppers, chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

By Opal Ingram · June 19, 2026 · Rice & Beans

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I had Cuban Style Rice And Beans at my abuela's house. The combination of flavors and textures was like nothing I had ever tasted before. The smoky sweetness of the beans, the tangy zip of the tomato, and the richness of the rice all came together to create a dish that was both comforting and exciting.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate the art of cooking and the importance of preserving traditional recipes. My abuela taught me the secrets of Cuban Style Rice And Beans, and I have been perfecting the recipe ever since. In this article, I will share with you my version of this beloved dish, along with tips and tricks for making it your own.

Cuban Style Rice And Beans is a staple of Cuban cuisine, and for good reason. It is a hearty, flavorful dish that is easy to make and can be served at any time of day. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

One of the things that sets Cuban Style Rice And Beans apart from other rice and bean dishes is the use of a variety of spices and seasonings. The combination of cumin, oregano, and garlic gives the dish a deep, rich flavor that is both aromatic and delicious. Additionally, the use of smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish that is hard to resist.

In this recipe, we will be using a combination of long-grain rice and kidney beans, which are cooked together with a variety of spices and seasonings. The result is a dish that is both flavorful and nutritious, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to add your own favorite ingredients and spices.
Cuban Style Rice And Beans is a nutritious and filling meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The dish is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients that are easily found at most grocery stores.
This recipe is perfect for a crowd, as it makes a large batch of rice and beans that can be served to a group of people.
The dish is also great for meal prep, as it can be cooked in advance and reheated as needed.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Cuban Style Rice And Beans is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the dish slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together. This recipe uses a combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers to create a flavorful base for the dish, which is then built upon with the addition of rice, beans, and spices.

The use of smoked paprika is also important, as it adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish that is hard to resist. Additionally, the use of cumin and oregano gives the dish a warm, aromatic flavor that is both comforting and exciting.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when making Cuban Style Rice And Beans is to cook the rice and beans slowly, allowing them to absorb all of the flavors of the dish. This can be done by cooking the dish over low heat for a long period of time, or by using a slow cooker to cook the dish while you are busy with other things.

Finally, the key to making great Cuban Style Rice And Beans is to use the right type of rice and beans. Long-grain rice and kidney beans are the best choices for this dish, as they hold their shape well and absorb all of the flavors of the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Cuban Style Rice And Beans, you will need a variety of ingredients, including long-grain rice, kidney beans, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and a variety of spices and seasonings. You will also need some oil for sautéing and some broth for cooking the rice and beans.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. This will help to ensure that your dish turns out delicious and aromatic.

1 cup uncooked long-grain riceLong-grain rice is the best choice for this dish, as it holds its shape well and absorbs all of the flavors of the dish. Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove any impurities.
1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight and drainedKidney beans are a staple of Cuban cuisine, and are a great source of protein and fiber. Be sure to soak the beans overnight to help them cook more evenly.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is a healthy and flavorful choice for sautéing the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Be sure to choose a high-quality oil that is fresh and has a good flavor.
1 large onion, choppedOnions are a fundamental ingredient in Cuban cuisine, and add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. Be sure to chop the onion finely to help it cook more evenly.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in Cuban cuisine, and adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish. Be sure to mince the garlic finely to help it distribute evenly throughout the dish.
2 large bell peppers, choppedBell peppers are a sweet and crunchy addition to the dish, and add a pop of color to the plate. Be sure to chop the bell peppers finely to help them cook more evenly.
1 teaspoon ground cuminCumin is a warm and aromatic spice that is commonly used in Cuban cuisine. Be sure to choose a high-quality cumin that is fresh and has a good flavor.
1 teaspoon smoked paprikaSmoked paprika is a key ingredient in Cuban cuisine, and adds a deep and smoky flavor to the dish. Be sure to choose a high-quality smoked paprika that is fresh and has a good flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oreganoOregano is a pungent and aromatic herb that is commonly used in Cuban cuisine. Be sure to choose a high-quality oregano that is fresh and has a good flavor.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is a fundamental ingredient in any dish, and helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Be sure to choose a high-quality salt that is fresh and has a good flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is a versatile and aromatic spice that is commonly used in Cuban cuisine. Be sure to choose a high-quality black pepper that is fresh and has a good flavor.
2 cups vegetable brothVegetable broth is a healthy and flavorful choice for cooking the rice and beans. Be sure to choose a low-sodium broth to help reduce the salt content of the dish.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantroCilantro is a fresh and aromatic herb that is commonly used in Cuban cuisine. Be sure to choose a high-quality cilantro that is fresh and has a good flavor.

Ingredients for Cuban Style Rice And Beans

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panDutch oven or large potColander or strainerCutting boardKnifeMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Cuban Style Rice And Beans

1
Heat the oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3
Add the chopped bell peppers and cook until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
4
Add the cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5
Add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it is lightly toasted.
6
Add the kidney beans, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
7
Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
8
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice and beans are tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
9
Remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, until the rice and beans have absorbed any remaining liquid.
10
Fluff the rice and beans with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro.
11
Serve the Cuban Style Rice And Beans hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Expert Tips

Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove any impurities.
Soak the kidney beans overnight to help them cook more evenly.
Choose a high-quality olive oil that is fresh and has a good flavor.
Don't overcook the rice and beans, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Add the chopped cilantro just before serving, as it can lose its flavor and aroma if it is added too early.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to give the dish your own unique flavor.
Serve the Cuban Style Rice And Beans with a variety of toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not rinsing the rice before cooking, which can result in a sticky or mushy texture.
Not soaking the kidney beans overnight, which can result in undercooked or hard beans.
Overcooking the rice and beans, which can result in a mushy or unappetizing texture.
Not using a high-quality olive oil, which can result in a dish that is lacking in flavor.
Not adding the chopped cilantro just before serving, which can result in a loss of flavor and aroma.
Not experimenting with different spices and seasonings, which can result in a dish that is boring or uninteresting.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced ham or bacon to the dish for a smoky and savory flavor.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add diced tomatoes or roasted vegetables to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of rice, such as brown rice or jasmine rice, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add a splash of citrus juice, such as lime or lemon, to the dish for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as cumin or coriander, to give the dish a unique and exotic flavor.

What to Serve With Cuban Style Rice And Beans

Cuban Style Rice And Beans is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be served as a main course, accompanied by a variety of toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream. It can also be served as a side dish, accompanying grilled meats or vegetables.

The dish can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. If serving cold, it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving. If serving hot, it can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Serve with diced tomatoes and shredded cheeseServe with roasted vegetables and a side saladServe with grilled meats and a side of salsaServe with a fried egg and toasted breadServe with a side of black beans and corn

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Cuban Style Rice And Beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To refrigerate, cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. To freeze, cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze.

When reheating, it is best to reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop. To reheat in the microwave, place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, until hot and steaming. To reheat on the stovetop, place the dish in a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and steaming.

It is also possible to make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it before serving. To make ahead, prepare the dish as directed, then cool it to room temperature and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice is best for Cuban Style Rice And Beans?

Long-grain rice is the best choice for this dish, as it holds its shape well and absorbs all of the flavors of the dish.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned beans instead of dried beans. However, keep in mind that canned beans are often high in sodium and may have added preservatives.

How do I know if the rice and beans are cooked?

The rice and beans are cooked when they are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. You can check for doneness by fluffing the rice and beans with a fork and checking for any remaining liquid.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until ready to serve. To make ahead, prepare the dish as directed, then cool it to room temperature and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

How do I reheat the dish?

To reheat the dish, place it in the microwave or on the stovetop. To reheat in the microwave, place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, until hot and steaming. To reheat on the stovetop, place the dish in a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and steaming.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the dish to give it your own unique flavor. Some ideas include diced ham or bacon, roasted vegetables, or a splash of citrus juice.

Is the dish vegetarian?

Yes, the dish is vegetarian, as it does not contain any meat or animal products. However, if you are using a broth that contains animal products, you may want to substitute it with a vegetarian broth.

Is the dish gluten-free?

Yes, the dish is gluten-free, as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, if you are using a broth that contains gluten, you may want to substitute it with a gluten-free broth.

The Full Recipe

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