Easy Cuban Black Beans and Rice

It’s hard to believe how much flavor you get in this Cuban black beans recipe! Made with humble ingredients that come together in a big way, this meal comes together fast! Use the slow cooker black beans (or canned) and serve these Cuban black beans and rice with sautéed plantains for full meal. If you’ve got leftovers, try the huevos rancheros with salsa next!

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

What are Cuban Black Beans?

Cuban black beans and rice varies, but this version gets extra flavor from the peppers, onions, garlic, and tomato paste. After a short simmer, they turn into a flavorful, saucy black bean mixture that’s delicious over rice and a side of sautéed plantains.

Cuban Black Beans and Rice Ingredients

This Cuban black beans and rice is made with just 10 ingredients:

• Green pepper
• Yellow or orange pepper
• White onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Tomato paste
• Slow cooker black beans
• Broth (chicken or vegetable)
• Rice and plantains for serving

How to Make Cuban Black Beans and Rice

Once the slow cooker black beans are finished cooking, you can make the black beans and rice:

• Make rice. Follow package instructions for rice.
• Saute veggies. Heat oil in 12″ skillet over medium heat. Add peppers and onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute, or until fragrant.

• Mix Cuban black beans. Stir in tomato paste, black beans, sea salt, and chicken broth. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.

• Make plantains. If you’re serving this Cuban black beans recipe with plantains, make them now.
• Assemble bowls. Scoop beans over rice and serve plantains on the side.

Can you make Cuban black beans from scratch?

Yes! It’s easy to make the Cuban black beans from slow cooker black beans or any cooked black beans.

Can you make Cuban black beans from canned black beans?

Yes, you can also use canned black beans in this recipe. Use two cans of black beans. Drain off some of the liquid, but don’t rinse.

How to Serve Cuban Black Beans

Wondering what to serve with cuban black beans and rice? Over rice and with sautéed plantains!

Cuban Black Beans Recipe FAQs

Are Cuban black beans vegetarian?

Yes, these Cuban black beans are vegetarian if the beans and recipe is made with vegetable broth.

Some recipes may not be vegetarian, you’ll need to check the ingredients.

Are Cuban black beans and rice vegan?

Yes, these Cuban black beans are vegan. But be sure to check other recipes and make sure you’re using vegetable broth for cooking.

How to thicken Cuban black beans?

If Cuban black beans are slightly runny, simmer them until they reach the consistency you are looking for.

How many calories in Cuban black beans?

These Cuban black beans have 286 calories per serving. The full nutrition stats can be found below the recipe card. Different recipes will obviously have different nutrition stats.

How to Store Leftover Cuban Black Beans

Store leftover beans in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Reheat in the microwave or a hot skillet until hot.

Can you freeze cuban black beans?

Yes, you can freeze these black beans in a glass storage container for 2-3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve Black Beans and Rice to the Whole Family

As I outline with one family meal, any meal is appropriate for kids, and serving them a variety of foods and flavors is a great way to raise adventurous eaters.

Younger kids may not like their food mixed, so instead of serving it in a bowl, serve the rice, beans, and sauteed plantains separately and serve new foods in small portions.

More Rice Bowl Recipes

If you like this recipe for cuban black beans and rice, you might also like some of these other rice bowl recipes:

• Ground Pork Stir Fry – This 20-minute dinner has all of the meal components you need and it’s all topped with an addicting peanut sauce!
• Trader Joe’s Pollo Asado Quinoa Bowls – Just 6 easy ingredients and some TJ short cuts, this meal is ready in 15 minutes. Fluffy quinoa is topped with marinated chicken, black beans, cabbage, peppers, and onions. YUM.
• Easy Bibimbap Bowls – Crispy rice, tasty beef, fried eggs, and don’t forget the kimchi! So much flavor in one bowl.
• Barbacoa Burrito Bowls – Do you know the secret ingredient that makes the barbacoa tastes just like Chipotle?

Helpful Tools to Make Cuban Black Beans and Rice

• Chef Knife – The BEST knife ever, I use it daily.
• 12″ Skillet – To make sure you don’t lose any beans over the side of the pan, use a large, high-rimmed skillet like this one.
• Glass Storage Containers – Store any leftovers in these containers – they can be refrigerated and frozen.

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