My Cheesy Beans with Rice recipe is one that I make often, especially when I don’t have much time or energy. Beans and rice combined together create a complete protein, so this meal is perfect for vegetarians looking to hit those protein goals. It’s easy to make and you probably already have all the ingredients on hand. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
I feel like I’ve been sharing a lot of brown/orange-colored recipes lately, and that hasn’t been my intention. I guess I’ve just been in the mood for pinto beans and cheese, which makes sense because I could happily eat these Cheesy Beans with Rice every single day. This is a recipe that I usually make for myself and wouldn’t necessarily post on here, but since cheap and easy recipes seem so important these days, I decided to share. I hope you enjoy this easy, pantry-friendly recipe as much as I do.
Why You’ll Love
- Quick and easy – This cheesy bean and rice recipe comes together in just about 15 minutes. There’s minimal preparation required, and you can easily make a single serving or enough for the whole family. Enjoy in tortillas with taco toppings for an effortless weeknight dinner.
- Pantry ingredients – This recipe calls for just a few main ingredients, all of which are everyday pantry staples. It’s one of those recipes I make when I don’t have much on hand, but want something cozy.
- Versatile – These cheesy beans can be enjoyed in various ways. I love pairing them with rice, because it makes a complete protein, but they are also great with tortilla chips or inside of corn tortillas. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy however you like.
Why Your Body Will Love This Easy Recipe
When beans and rice are combined in a meal, they form a complete protein. A complete protein is a source of protein that contains all nine essential amino acids the body does not produce on its own. Other plant-based complete protein sources include quinoa, chia seeds, buckwheat, and hemp seeds. The pairing of beans and rice also creates a meal that’s high in protein and fiber. Your body needs both for normal development, healthy digestion, and heart health. I also like to add some plain, non-fat Greek yogurt and avocado for healthy fats.
Blood Sugar Regulation – Pinto beans are rich in fiber and protein, which contributes to their low glycemic index. This means they digest slowly and don’t cause blood sugar levels to spike or rise too quickly. This makes refried pinto beans a healthy choice for individuals with diabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels more effectively. And because they digest slowly, they keep you feeling full for a longer period.
Cheese Beans with Rice Recipe Ingredients
- Beans – I prefer using pinto beans for this recipe, but any bean will work. Black beans are my second choice. I used one can of the bean liquid, but if you prefer not to use the liquid from the can, you can substitute water or vegetable broth instead (about 1/3-1/2 cup).
- Cheese – I used shredded sharp cheddar cheese because I enjoy its strong flavor. Any meltable cheese can be used, including dairy-free cheese. Use pepperjack for a nice spicy kick.
- Onion – I like to sauté some onion as a flavor base for the beans. I usually keep this recipe pretty straightforward, but feel free to add extra vegetables with the onion if you like.
- Spices – These beans are generously seasoned with cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, and onion powder. A few teaspoons of a fajita or taco seasoning would also work.
- Rice – I like to serve these beans with cooked rice, or another grain I happen to have on hand. You can also enjoy with chips or tortillas.
How To Make Easy Cheesy Beans
- Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Once oil is hot, add in 1/2 cup diced onion, along with a pinch of salt. Cook the onion until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add in the cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the spices with the onions for about 1 minute, then add one can of pinto beans with the liquid included, followed by one can of drained pinto beans. Mix everything well, bring the beans to a simmer, and let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shredded cheese and mix until it is completely melted. Cheesy beans can be served immediately, or you can let them sit off the heat for a few minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly as the cheese cools. I enjoy these beans over rice, which helps form a complete protein, with my favorite toppings.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- This recipe is gluten-free.
- Make this recipe vegan by using your favorite dairy-free cheese.
- What kind of beans are best for this recipe? I used pinto beans here, but any bean can be used. Black beans also work well.
- Can extra veggies be added? Yes, you can easily add in your favorite diced veggies at the same time you’re cooking the onion.
- How can these cheesy beans be enjoyed? You can use them as a dip for chips, mix them with rice, add them to tortillas, or enjoy them with your favorite toppings.
- Are these cheesy beans freezer-friendly? Yes, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months.
- How long do leftovers last? If stored in the refrigerator, in an air-tight container, leftovers should last about 4-5 days. Re-heat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP!
Looking For More Easy Pinto Bean Recipes?
Pumpkin Pinto Bean Taco Skillet
Cheesy Green Chile Pinto Beans
Creamy Pinto Bean Pumpkin Soup
Jackfruit and Pinto Bean Baked Taquitos
Print
Cheesy Beans with Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
My Cheesy Beans with Rice recipe is one that I make often, especially when I don’t have much time or energy. Beans and rice combined together create a complete protein, so this meal is perfect for vegetarians looking to hit those protein goals. It’s easy to make and you probably already have all the ingredients on hand. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, or more if desired
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, one can with the liquid drained out and one can with all the liquid still included)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, or cheese of choice
- Cooked rice (about 3/4 cup rice per person)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh herbs, avocado, hot sauce, salsa, extra cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, etc…
Instructions
- Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once oil is hot, add in 1/2 cup diced onion, along with a pinch of salt. Cook onion until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add in the cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Mix the spices with the onions for about 1 minute and then add in one can of pinto beans with the liquid included and then one can of pinto beans that has been drained. Mix everything together well, bring the beans to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes, stirring a few times.
- Add in the shredded cheese and mix until cheese is completely melted. Cheesy beans can be served immediately, or you can let them sit, off the heat, for a few minutes and they will firm up a little bit, as the cheese cools. I like to enjoy these beans over rice, to form a complete protein, with my favorite toppings.
Notes
These Cheesy Beans can also be served with tortilla chips, in a tortilla, or just by themselves with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner, Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Leave a Reply