Rice & Beans

Latin Style Rice And Beans

Name: Latin Style Rice And Beans
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried pinto beans, sorted and rinsed; 2 cups long-grain rice; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil

By Silas Underhill · June 19, 2026 · Rice & Beans

Prep30 min

Cook60 min

Total120 min

Serves6

As a second-generation cook from a Guadalajara family in San Antonio, I grew up surrounded by the rich flavors and aromas of traditional Mexican cuisine. One of my favorite dishes that never fails to bring people together is Latin Style Rice And Beans, a hearty and comforting recipe that's both easy to make and packed with flavor.

I remember helping my mother in the kitchen, watching as she carefully prepared each ingredient, from the tender beans to the fluffy rice, and the way she'd combine them with a blend of spices and herbs to create a dish that was truly greater than the sum of its parts. It was a labor of love, and one that I've continued to this day, perfecting my own recipe for Latin Style Rice And Beans that I'm excited to share with you.

This recipe is special because it's a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients, combined with a bit of patience and love. It's a dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether you're cooking for a crowd or just a quiet night in with the family. And the best part? It's incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's the combination of tender, flavorful beans and fluffy, aromatic rice, all cooked to perfection and infused with the deep, rich flavors of traditional Mexican spices. It's a dish that's both comforting and exciting, familiar and new, all at the same time.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little Latin flair to their menu. And don't worry if you're short on time – while it does require a bit of patience, the end result is well worth the wait. So, let's get started and make some delicious Latin Style Rice And Beans!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The combination of beans and rice provides a complete protein, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans.
The dish is highly customizable, so feel free to add your favorite spices, herbs, or other ingredients to make it your own.
Latin Style Rice And Beans is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or special events.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients, making it an excellent option for families or individuals on a tight budget.
The dish is nutritious and filling, providing a good source of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates.
Latin Style Rice And Beans is a versatile recipe that can be served as a main course, side dish, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe's success lies in the combination of simple, high-quality ingredients, careful preparation, and a bit of patience. By taking the time to properly cook the beans and rice, and to blend the spices and herbs just right, you'll end up with a dish that's not only delicious, but also incredibly aromatic and visually appealing.

One of the most important techniques in this recipe is the use of the comal or broiler to char the onions, garlic, and dried chiles. This step adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish that's just impossible to replicate with raw ingredients. And by blending these charred ingredients into the foundation of the sauce, you'll create a rich, complex flavor profile that's just amazing.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of the right type of rice and beans. I prefer to use a combination of long-grain rice and pinto beans, as they hold their texture and flavor beautifully, even after cooking. And by adding a bit of lard or vegetable oil to the pot, you'll help to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and add a richness to the dish that's just incredible.

Finally, it's all about the layers of flavor. By combining the cooked beans and rice with a blend of spices, herbs, and chiles, you'll create a dish that's not only delicious, but also incredibly aromatic and visually appealing. And with a bit of patience and practice, you'll be making Latin Style Rice And Beans like a pro in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Latin Style Rice And Beans, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including dried pinto beans, long-grain rice, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices and herbs. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they'll make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.

When shopping for ingredients, look for dried pinto beans that are fresh and have not been sitting on the shelf for too long. You can also use canned beans if you prefer, but be sure to rinse them well and drain off any excess liquid. For the rice, choose a long-grain variety that holds its texture well, such as jasmine or basmati.

1 cup dried pinto beans, sorted and rinsedDried pinto beans are the base of this recipe, providing a rich, creamy texture and a deep, earthy flavor. Be sure to sort through the beans and remove any debris or stones before rinsing them thoroughly.
2 cups long-grain riceLong-grain rice is the perfect choice for this recipe, as it holds its texture well and provides a light, fluffy base for the beans and spices. Look for a high-quality rice that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
1 large onion, choppedOnions add a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish, and are an essential component of the sauce. Be sure to chop the onion finely, as this will help it cook evenly and prevent it from burning.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental flavor component in Latin cuisine, and adds a deep, rich flavor to the dish. Be sure to mince the garlic finely, as this will help it distribute evenly throughout the sauce.
2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seededAncho chiles provide a deep, slightly sweet flavor to the dish, and are an essential component of the sauce. Be sure to stem and seed the chiles, as this will help remove any bitter or astringent flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cuminCumin is a fundamental spice in Latin cuisine, and adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish. Be sure to use high-quality cumin that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
1 teaspoon smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish, and is an essential component of the sauce. Be sure to use high-quality smoked paprika that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is an essential seasoning in any dish, and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Be sure to use high-quality salt that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the dish, and is an essential component of the sauce. Be sure to use high-quality black pepper that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oilLard or vegetable oil is used to cook the onion and garlic, and helps to add a rich, creamy texture to the dish. Be sure to choose a high-quality oil that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.

Ingredients for Latin Style Rice And Beans

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot with a tight-fitting lidComal or broilerBlender or food processorInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardColander or strainer

How to Make Latin Style Rice And Beans

1
Rinse the dried pinto beans and remove any debris or stones. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
2
Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then place them in a large pot with enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer the beans for about 1 hour, or until they are tender and creamy.
3
While the beans are cooking, heat the lard or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is softened and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take about 20-25 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5
Add the stemmed and seeded ancho chiles to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
6
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, add the cooked onion and garlic mixture to a blender or food processor, along with the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
7
Add the blended sauce to the pot with the cooked beans and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8
While the sauce is cooking, cook the long-grain rice according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves combining the rice with water in a medium saucepan, bringing the water to a boil, then reducing the heat to low and covering the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer the rice for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is tender and fluffy.
9
To serve, place a portion of the cooked rice on a plate or in a bowl, then top it with a portion of the bean and sauce mixture. You can garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro, scallions, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
10
Let the dish rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
11
Serve the Latin Style Rice And Beans hot, garnished with your choice of toppings and garnishes.

Expert Tips

Be sure to sort through the dried pinto beans and remove any debris or stones before rinsing them. This will help to ensure that the beans are clean and free of any impurities.
Use a high-quality lard or oil to cook the onion and garlic, as this will help to add a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
Don't overcook the beans, as this can make them tough and unappetizing. Instead, cook them until they are tender and creamy, then remove them from the heat.
Let the dish rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Consider adding other ingredients to the dish, such as diced bell peppers, chopped fresh cilantro, or crumbled queso fresco. This will help to add texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the dish.
Serve the Latin Style Rice And Beans with your choice of toppings and garnishes, such as sour cream, salsa, or avocado. This will help to add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the dish.
Consider making a large batch of the bean and sauce mixture, then freezing it for later use. This will help to save time and effort in the long run, and will ensure that you always have a delicious and convenient meal option on hand.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings, to find the combination that works best for you. This will help to add depth and complexity to the dish, and will ensure that it is tailored to your unique tastes and preferences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not sorting through the dried pinto beans and removing any debris or stones before rinsing them. This can lead to impurities in the dish and affect the texture and flavor of the beans.
Overcooking the beans, which can make them tough and unappetizing. Instead, cook the beans until they are tender and creamy, then remove them from the heat.
Not letting the dish rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, which can affect the texture and flavor of the sauce. Instead, let the dish rest, then serve it hot, garnished with your choice of toppings and garnishes.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as lard or oil, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Instead, choose high-quality ingredients that are fresh and have not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
Not experimenting with different spices and seasonings, which can lead to a dish that is dull and uninteresting. Instead, try different combinations of spices and seasonings to find the one that works best for you.
Not considering the nutritional content of the dish, which can affect the overall health and well-being of the consumer. Instead, choose ingredients that are nutritious and balanced, and consider the nutritional content of the dish when serving it.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or chopped fresh cilantro to the dish, to add texture and flavor.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese to the dish, to add flavor and texture.
Use different types of oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add diced onions or chopped fresh scallions to the dish, to add texture and flavor.
Use different types of spices and seasonings, such as cumin or smoked paprika, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.
Consider adding other ingredients to the dish, such as cooked sausage or diced ham, to add protein and texture.

What to Serve With Latin Style Rice And Beans

Serve the Latin Style Rice And Beans hot, garnished with your choice of toppings and garnishes. Some ideas include chopped fresh cilantro, scallions, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also serve the dish with a side of tortillas, salsa, or avocado, to add flavor and texture.

Consider serving the dish at a dinner party or special occasion, as it is sure to impress your guests. You can also serve it as a weeknight dinner, as it is easy to make and can be prepared in advance.

Serve the Latin Style Rice And Beans with a side of tortillas, salsa, or avocado.Add diced bell peppers or chopped fresh cilantro to the dish, to add texture and flavor.Use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.Add crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese to the dish, to add flavor and texture.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the Latin Style Rice And Beans, let the dish cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it. Refrigerated, the dish will keep for up to 5 days, while frozen, it will keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat the dish, simply microwave it or heat it in a saucepan on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out. You can also add other ingredients to the dish, such as cooked sausage or diced ham, to add protein and texture.

Consider making a large batch of the bean and sauce mixture, then freezing it for later use. This will help to save time and effort in the long run, and will ensure that you always have a delicious and convenient meal option on hand.

When reheating the dish, be sure to stir it frequently to prevent burning or sticking. You can also add a little oil or butter to the dish, to help prevent drying out and add flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beans should I use for this recipe?

You can use either dried pinto beans or canned pinto beans for this recipe. If using dried beans, be sure to sort through them and remove any debris or stones before rinsing them. If using canned beans, be sure to rinse them well and drain off any excess liquid.

Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of rice for this recipe, such as jasmine or basmati. However, long-grain rice is the traditional choice for Latin Style Rice And Beans, and it holds its texture well and provides a light, fluffy base for the beans and sauce.

How do I know when the beans are cooked?

The beans are cooked when they are tender and creamy. You can check for doneness by tasting the beans or by checking their texture. If they are still hard or crunchy, they need to be cooked for a longer period of time.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the dish, such as diced bell peppers, chopped fresh cilantro, or crumbled queso fresco. This will help to add texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the dish.

How do I store the dish?

To store the dish, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it. Refrigerated, the dish will keep for up to 5 days, while frozen, it will keep for up to 3 months.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time. Simply cook the beans and rice, then combine them with the sauce and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate or freeze the dish, then reheat it when you are ready to serve.

Can I use different types of oil for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of oil for this recipe, such as olive oil or coconut oil. However, lard or vegetable oil is the traditional choice for Latin Style Rice And Beans, and it provides a rich, creamy texture to the dish.

How do I reheat the dish?

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