As I stirred the pot, the inviting aroma of Puerto Rican Rice and Beans wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to sun-kissed islands and festive gatherings. This comforting dish is more than just food; it’s a cherished staple that brings people together with its hearty blend of flavors and textures. With a few simple ingredients, including savory beans, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices, this budget-friendly recipe is not only a delicious weeknight meal but also easily customizable for those looking to enjoy a vegan twist. Imagine gathering your loved ones around the dinner table as they savor this soul-warming comfort food. Ready to elevate your home cooking and create a new family favorite? Let’s dive into the vibrant world of Puerto Rican-style red beans and rice! Why is this Puerto Rican Dish So Loved? Simplicity at Its Best: With just a few affordable ingredients, you can whip up this flavorful dish in no time. Customizable Flavors: Make it your own by switching up beans or spices, like using Avocado Mojo Chicken for added protein. Budget-Friendly Delight: This recipe is easy on the wallet, perfect for those nights when you want comfort without breaking the bank. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Bring everyone to the table with this comforting meal that’s always a hit at family gatherings. Versatile Dish: Whether you’re enjoying it as a standalone or paired with Scrambled Eggs Rice, it’s a great addition to your weekly menu! Puerto Rican Rice And Beans Ingredients For the Base Cooking Oil – Provides fat for sautéing ingredients; substitute with any neutral oil like canola. Sazón Packet – Essential Puerto Rican spice blend for flavor; can be made at home or swapped with recaito for freshness. Salt Pork – Adds depth and umami flavor; optional to use bacon or omit entirely for a vegetarian version. Onion – Introduces sweetness and depth; yellow or white onions work best for this dish. Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses a lovely aroma; adjust quantity based on personal preference. For the Sauce Tomato Sauce – Forms the rich base of the dish; can be substituted with crushed tomatoes for a thicker consistency. Sofrito – A traditional sauce made from herbs and spices that elevates flavor; either homemade or store-bought can be used. Better Than Bouillon – Enhances savory flavor; for a vegan option, replace with vegetable broth. Distilled White Vinegar – Balances flavors with a slight acidity; apple cider vinegar can be a nice alternative. For the Filling Sweet Potato – Adds a hint of sweetness and texture; feel free to swap with pumpkin or butternut squash. Green Bell Pepper – Brings freshness and crunch; any bell pepper variety works, or you can omit it if desired. Kidney Beans – The heart of this Puerto Rican rice and beans dish, providing protein and fiber; any canned beans can be substituted if needed. For the Rice White Medium Grain Rice – Acts as the starch base; respect its cooking time for best results. Boiling Water – Necessary for rice cooking; adjust the amount based on the rice type used. Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; always taste and adjust after cooking. Gather these ingredients, and watch as your kitchen fills with the delightful aromas of Puerto Rican Rice and Beans! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Puerto Rican Rice And Beans Step 1: Sauté the Base In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the salt pork and a sazón packet, cooking until the pork turns golden brown, about 4 minutes. This step creates a flavorful base for your Puerto Rican Rice and Beans. Step 2: Add Aromatics Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the diced onion, cooking for 2 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. This aromatic combination will fill your kitchen with a deliciously inviting scent. Step 3: Create the Sauce Stir in the tomato sauce, sofrito, and Better Than Bouillon (or a vegan substitute), along with the distilled white vinegar. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, which helps meld the flavors together, creating the rich sauce that complements the beans beautifully. Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables Add the diced green bell pepper and sweet potato to the pot. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sweet potato should begin to soften, infusing the sauce with its natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the Puerto Rican Rice and Beans. Step 5: Combine Beans and Simmer Gently fold in the drained kidney beans, then add enough water to cover all ingredients. Season with salt to taste and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato is tender and the sauce thickens slightly. Step 6: Prepare the Rice In another pot, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed white medium-grain rice, toasting it for 1 minute until the grains turn slightly opaque. Next, pour in boiling water along with a pinch of salt, cooking uncovered until steam holes appear in the rice (approximately 5 minutes). Step 7: Finish Cooking the Rice Once the steam holes form, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed. The finish should be fluffy rice that perfectly complements your savory Puerto Rican Rice and Beans. Step 8: Serve with Love To serve, scoop ½ cup of rice onto a plate and top it with ½ cup of the flavorful bean mixture. Optionally, garnish your dish with fresh cilantro and slices of ripe plantain for an extra touch of authenticity, inviting your loved ones to enjoy this wholesome meal together. How to Store and Freeze Puerto Rican Rice And Beans Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful for your next meal. Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 6 months. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water for moisture. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving cooked Puerto Rican Rice and Beans out for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage. What to Serve with Puerto Rican Rice and Beans As you savor the rich flavors of Puerto Rican Rice and Beans, consider rounding out your meal with these delightful accompaniments. Crispy Tostones: Double-fried plantain slices add a crunchy contrast that enhances the creamy texture of the beans. Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado slices drizzled with lime juice bring freshness, balancing out the hearty meal beautifully. Roasted Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred corn provides a delightful burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory beans. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Seasoned chicken adds a protein element, complementing the comforting flavors of the rice and beans. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds both color and a nutritious crunch, making your plate visually appealing and healthy. Mango Salsa: A zesty mango salsa brings a refreshing sweetness that harmonizes with the spices in the Puerto Rican Rice and Beans. Sweet Plantains: Their caramelized sweetness complements the savory notes, making them a perfect side for this dish. Chilled Coconut Water: A refreshing drink that enhances the tropical experience, leaving you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Puerto Rican Rice And Beans Variations Feel free to get creative and personalize this comforting dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs! Vegan Delight: Omit the salt pork and use vegetable stock for a completely plant-based meal that still packs a flavor punch. Healthy Swap: Substitute white rice with brown rice for a fiber boost. Just remember to adjust your water ratio accordingly! Flavorful Beans: Swap kidney beans for black beans or chickpeas to change up the texture and flavor profile. Either choice is sure to elevate your dish! Add-Ins Galore: Toss in some green pigeon peas or corn for an extra pop of color and sweetness, giving your dish a delightful texture twist. Spice It Up: If you’re looking to add some heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to awaken your taste buds. Starch Alternatives: If sweet potatoes aren’t available, don’t hesitate to use pumpkin or butternut squash for a similarly sweet and hearty option. Herb Infusion: Fresh cilantro or parsley can be stirred in before serving for a refreshing burst of flavor. You might even find that it echoes the vibrant taste of a dish like Avocado Mojo Chicken! Comforting Pair: Serve your Puerto Rican Rice and Beans alongside some homemade Scrambled Eggs Rice for an even more satisfying meal perfect for breakfast for dinner! Make Ahead Options These Puerto Rican Rice and Beans are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the flavorful bean mixture up to 3 days in advance, allowing all those robust flavors to meld beautifully. To do this, simply follow the instructions up to the point before simmering, then let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for refrigeration. The rice can also be cooked ahead of time; just reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm the beans on the stove while reheating the rice, and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal that’s just as delightful as when freshly made! Expert Tips for Puerto Rican Rice And Beans Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffy texture in your Puerto Rican Rice and Beans. Sweet Potato Wisely: Add raw sweet potatoes directly into the pot; they soften during cooking, perfectly balancing the flavors. Reheating Tips: When reheating leftover rice, use a non-stick pan and add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. Vegan Adjustment: For a rich vegan version, simply omit the salt pork and replace it with vegetable stock while maintaining the brightness of your homemade sazón. Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dish before serving. Add more salt or spices as needed for that perfect finishing touch to your Puerto Rican Rice And Beans. Puerto Rican Rice And Beans Recipe FAQs How do I select the best ripe sweet potatoes for this dish? Absolutely! Look for sweet potatoes that have smooth skin without any dark spots or blemishes. They should feel firm to the touch. I often prefer smaller ones as they tend to be sweeter. What is the best way to store leftover Puerto Rican Rice and Beans? Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 6 months. Make sure to label the containers, so you know the date and can enjoy them at their best! Can I freeze Puerto Rican Rice and Beans? If so, how? Yes! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water to maintain moisture. My beans turned mushy during cooking. How can I avoid this? Very! To prevent your beans from becoming too soft, be mindful of the cooking time and ensure to only simmer them until they are heated through and tender, around 20 minutes. If you’re using canned beans, you can add them in the last part of cooking just to warm them up. Can I make this dish vegan-friendly? Absolutely! Simply omit the salt pork and use vegetable stock instead of chicken bouillon. For a deliciously rich flavor, make your own homemade sazón. It’s a wonderful way to retain depth in the dish while keeping it entirely plant-based. What should I do if I want to use a different type of rice? If you’d like to swap out the white medium grain rice for brown rice, remember to adjust the water ratio, as brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Generally, for every cup of brown rice, use 2.5 cups of water and allow for about 45 minutes of cooking. Enjoy experimenting! Savory Puerto Rican Rice And Beans for Cozy Family Nights Puerto Rican Rice and Beans is a comforting dish that brings people together with its hearty blend of flavors and textures. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 4 servingsCourse: Best of 2025Cuisine: Puerto RicanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base2 tablespoons Cooking Oil Any neutral oil like canola1 packet Sazón Packet Essential Puerto Rican spice blend4 ounces Salt Pork Optional, can substitute with bacon or omit1 medium Onion Yellow or white works best3 cloves Garlic Fresh, mincedFor the Sauce1 cup Tomato Sauce Can be substituted with crushed tomatoes1 cup Sofrito Traditional sauce made from herbs and spices1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Replace with vegetable broth for vegan option2 tablespoons Distilled White Vinegar Can use apple cider vinegarFor the Filling1 cup Sweet Potato Can swap with pumpkin or butternut squash1 medium Green Bell Pepper Any variety works, or omit2 cans Kidney Beans Drained, can substitute with any canned beansFor the Rice2 cups White Medium Grain Rice4 cups Boiling Water Adjust based on rice type1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste Equipment heavy-bottomed potanother pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the salt pork and a sazón packet, cooking until the pork turns golden brown, about 4 minutes.Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the diced onion, cooking for 2 minutes until it's soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.Stir in the tomato sauce, sofrito, and Better Than Bouillon (or a vegan substitute), along with the distilled white vinegar. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.Add the diced green bell pepper and sweet potato to the pot. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.Gently fold in the drained kidney beans, then add enough water to cover all ingredients. Season with salt to taste and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes.In another pot, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed white medium-grain rice, toasting it for 1 minute.Pour in boiling water along with a pinch of salt, cooking uncovered until steam holes appear in the rice (approximately 5 minutes).Once the steam holes form, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender.To serve, scoop ½ cup of rice onto a plate and top it with ½ cup of the flavorful bean mixture. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 12gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesRinse the rice before cooking. Sweet potatoes soften during cooking, balancing flavors. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze in portions for up to 6 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
