Cuban Dinner Recipes

Cuban Rice and Beans Recipe (Arroz con Frijoles Negro)

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – I love rice. Do you know else I love? Rice with Cuban black beans on top! In my world, this is called arroz con frijoles. Arroz con frijoles [pronounced a·rros kon fri·ho·les] is a Cuban rice and beans recipe that is a simple yet classic…

  • Ready 1 day
  • Serves 4 servings
  • Prep 15 minutes
  • Cook 20 minutes
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Cuban Rice and Beans Recipe (Arroz con Frijoles Negro)
“Easy recipe and prep served with your recipe Cuban Pork chops and Yuca. Awesome meal. Thank you for recipes. We always enjoy!!” —Janice

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – I love rice. Do you know else I love? Rice with Cuban black beans on top! In my world, this is called arroz con frijoles.

Arroz con frijoles [pronounced a·rros kon fri·ho·les] is a Cuban rice and beans recipe that is a simple yet classic dish made with white rice and Cuban black beans.

What’s the difference between Moros y Cristianos/Arroz Congri and Arroz Con Frijoles?

Moros y Cristianos/Arroz Congri is when white rice and black beans are cooked together in the same pot.

Arroz con frijoles is a Cuban rice and beans recipe where the white rice and black beans are cooked separately. They both taste DELICIOUS, but today, we’re focusing solely on arroz con frijoles.

Let me show you how to make it!

Love rice? Me too! When I’m not making white rice with black beans, I’m making Spanish yellow rice!

Saucepan

Perfect for quick meals. I use this 1-quart nonstick, anodized saucepan all the time and love that it has a lid to avoid any splatters. Super easy to clean and long-lasting.

cooked black beans in a saucepan
cooked white rice in a saucepan

I don’t have time to soak beans, can I use canned beans?

If you’re pressed for time, you can absolutely make Cuban black beans using canned beans instead of dried black beans, click here to follow my black beans recipe using canned black beans.

How long do cooked black beans last?

Cooled, cooked black beans last 4-5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Make sure they don’t stay at room temperature after cooking for longer than 1-2 hours to avoid the growth of bacteria.

You can also freeze cooked black beans for up to 4 months.

How long does cooked rice last?

Cooked white rice will last no more than 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container and up to 1 month in the freezer in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container.

What to serve with arroz con frijoles?

You can also serve it as a main dish! Why not? Beans are full of protein after all.

Can’t wait for you to try it!

Recipe

Cuban Rice and Beans Recipe (Arroz con Frijoles Negro)

Arroz con frijoles negro is a classic Cuban rice and beans recipe made with silky, savory black beans served on top of fluffy white rice. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, it will be a delicious meal for any day of the week!

  • Serves 4 servings
  • Prep 15 minutes
  • Cook 20 minutes
  • Total 1 day

Ingredients

For the black beans

  • 1/2 cup diced green pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 12 ounces dried black beans
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf

For the white rice

  • 1 cup White rice (washed and rinsed thoroughly)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1.5 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or more to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak the dried black beans in a pot full of 3 cups of water overnight.

  2. 2

    The next day, drain and then add 5 new cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil and cook them for 60 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to let the beans dry out completely. You can add 1 cup of water if they are absorbing the water too quickly. Make sure to keep an eye on them. After softening them for 60 minutes, drain and transfer to a bowl. Set aside.

  3. 3

    In a saucepan, sauté green pepper, onions, and garlic at medium heat for 5 minutes until softened.

  4. 4

    Next, add the softened black beans, water, olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, oregano, cumin, pepper, and a bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

  5. 5

    Place the lid on top and reduce to low heat. Cook for 20 minutes until you get a thick, silky and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed.

  6. 6

    In the meantime, make the rice. In a large saucepan, add the rice, water, oil, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat but do not open the lid for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. The result is soft, fluffy white rice, not mushy nor wet.

  7. 7

    Serve the white rice with cooked black beans on top. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving1 serving
  • Calories270 kcal
  • Carbohydrates43 g
  • Protein4 g
  • Fat9 g
  • Saturated Fat1 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat2 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat6 g
  • Trans Fat1 g
  • Sodium663 mg
  • Potassium119 mg
  • Fiber1 g
  • Sugar3 g
  • Vitamin A32 IU
  • Vitamin C8 mg
  • Calcium40 mg
  • Iron1 mg