Craving a dinner that’s tasty, easy, and won’t leave your kitchen looking like a disaster zone? You need this simple cheesy rice and beans recipe in your life.
You’ll love how this one-skillet wonder saves you time, money, and a sink full of dishes.
Plus, it uses stuff you probably already have hiding somewhere in your pantry.
Let’s be honest, we all love a quick meal that delivers on both flavor and comfort.
This dish brings together fluffy rice, hearty beans, gooey cheese, and a pop of tomato in a way that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you want a satisfying meal without a lot of effort.
Ready to impress yourself (and anyone else lurking around your kitchen) with a recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious?
Stick around to see how to whip up this crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss and maximum cheesy goodness.
Contents
- 1 Equipment
- 2 Ingredients
- 3 Instructions
- 4 What You Need To Know
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
- 5.1 How can I spice up my rice and beans without breaking the bank or my taste buds?
- 5.2 Which cheese turns my rice and beans into a gooey paradise?
- 5.3 Is my endless love for rice, beans, and cheese a balanced diet or just wishful thinking?
- 5.4 Can I make beans and rice cheesier than my jokes?
- 5.5 How do I transform my basic rice and beans into a fiesta in a casserole dish?
- 5.6 Is the rice and beans burrito just a lullaby for my cheese cravings?
- 6 Author
Equipment
Before you start making cheesy rice and beans, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. Don’t worry—no fancy gadgets here, just the essentials.
- Large skillet or frying pan – Go for nonstick or cast iron. Bigger is better if you want fewer bean explosions.
- Medium pot – For cooking rice. If you accidentally burn it, just call it “toasty flavor.”
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring, scraping, and looking professional.
- Can opener – Unless you have hulk-strength hands to open cans (in which case, you’re the hero of dinner).
- Measuring cups and spoons – So your “pinch” of salt doesn’t turn into a “mountain.”
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – For chopping onions and anything else that stands in your way.
Here’s a quick table for your equipment checklist:
| Equipment | Use |
|---|---|
| Large skillet/frying pan | Cooking everything together |
| Medium pot | Cooking rice |
| Wooden spoon/spatula | Stirring and serving |
| Can opener | Opening beans and tomatoes |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Accuracy in every scoop |
| Chef’s knife/cutting board | Prepping veggies |
Lay these tools out on your counter before you start. That way, you won’t have to run around looking for your missing spatula with cheese-covered hands.
Ingredients
Time to raid your pantry! You’ll need just a few basics for this cheesy comfort meal.
Here’s your shopping (or scavenging) list:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 2 cups |
| Canned black beans (rinsed & drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 ¼ cups |
| Salsa (mild or spicy—choose your adventure) | 1 cup |
| Onion (chopped) | ½ medium |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh cilantro (optional, but makes you look fancy) | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
| Lime (for squeezing) | 1 |
Yes, you’re allowed to swap the black beans for pinto beans. You can also try Monterey Jack instead of cheddar if you’re feeling extra cheesy.
Salsa brings a tangy kick, but if you only have canned tomatoes in the house, don’t panic. Use them (and toss in a few more spices if you’re daring).
Don’t forget the lime and cilantro for that zesty, Instagram-ready finish. It’s kind of wild how such a simple list makes a dinner that feels like a fiesta.
Instructions
- Put on your chef hat (real or imaginary). Grab a large skillet and heat up some olive oil over medium heat.
- Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion looks soft and smells amazing—which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add in the drained beans and cooked rice. Remember, resist the urge to eat straight from the pan (it gets better).
- Turn the heat down a bit; add in the salsa or canned tomatoes. Stir it up until everything looks cozy.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir again. Pretend you’re a cooking show host for extra flair.
- Reduce the heat to low and shower the mix with shredded cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid.
- Wait a couple minutes for the cheese to melt and get all gooey. Try not to peek too soon.
- When it’s bubbly and melty, remove from heat. Squeeze in a little fresh lime juice, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if you’re feeling fancy.
- Give everything one last mix and serve warm. High five yourself—you just made dinner!
For photos, ingredient details, and other tips, you can also check out a similar easy recipe for Cheesy Rice and Beans at Crunch Time Kitchen: Easy Cheesy Rice and Beans Recipe.
What You Need To Know
Here’s the scoop—cheesy rice and beans is the definition of easy comfort food, and no one is grading you on your cheese-to-bean ratio.
This dish is all about flexibility, so don’t stress about swapping beans, using up leftover rice, or mixing up the cheese. It’s forgiving, filling, and honestly, kind of addictive.
Cleanup is a breeze, and you get a meal that’s as cozy as it is crowd-pleasing. If you’re after comfort without the chaos, this is your go-to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Upgrading cheesy rice and beans doesn’t require a chef’s hat or a huge budget. The right spices, cheese choices, and little tweaks can help you turn this dish from plain comfort food into a mealtime highlight.
How can I spice up my rice and beans without breaking the bank or my taste buds?
A dash of chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika gives your meal a bold kick. Hot sauce works when you want instant spiciness and drama.
Sauteed onions and peppers add a strong flavor boost for cheap. Even a sprinkle of garlic powder or a bit of lime juice makes a big difference. For other ideas, you can check out what home cooks recommend here.
Which cheese turns my rice and beans into a gooey paradise?
Shredded cheddar is classic and melts into creamy bliss. Monterey Jack makes it extra melty, while pepper jack gives a little heat.
If you’re feeling adventurous, mozzarella offers a stretchy bite, and a handful of crumbled queso fresco on top is perfect for a finishing touch. Just skip the pre-shredded stuff if you want the best melt.
Is my endless love for rice, beans, and cheese a balanced diet or just wishful thinking?
Rice and beans together make a complete protein, which is why so many cultures love this pair. Add some veggies and you’re impressing a nutritionist.
Cheese adds calcium and even more protein, but don’t count on it to cover all your food groups. Keep a veggie or two on the side if you want bonus points for balance.
Can I make beans and rice cheesier than my jokes?
Absolutely. Double up on shredded cheese or add a splash of milk to make it extra creamy and gooey. You can also melt slices of cheese right on top for a golden finish.
Try tossing in cream cheese or even a bit of sour cream if you’re out to create a true cheese masterpiece. If you need some guidance on technique, see this creamy cheesy rice recipe.
How do I transform my basic rice and beans into a fiesta in a casserole dish?
Layer cooked rice and beans with salsa, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese in a baking dish. Top with more cheese, bake until bubbly, and throw on fresh toppings like cilantro or green onions.
This hack turns boring leftovers into a party for your senses. The crispy cheese edges around the dish are your well-earned reward.
Is the rice and beans burrito just a lullaby for my cheese cravings?
Not at all. Wrapping rice, beans, and cheese in a tortilla is basically a portable blanket of happiness.
Want it extra melty? Try grilling the finished burrito in a pan for a golden crust.
With plenty of cheese tucked inside, every bite feels like a cheesy comfort song just for you. If you want more ideas, you can check tips from this easy recipe.
