8 Best Vegetarian Rice and Beans Recipes

By
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
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Updated on 12/29/22
Vegetarian Bean and Rice Burrito

The Spruce

Bored with beans and rice? Here are several ways to make vegetarian rice and beans taste new and fresh again. Rice and beans are a healthy high-fiber choice and are great for vegetarians and vegans on a budget.

  • 01 of 08

    Italian-Seasoned Rice and Beans

    Italian style vegetarian rice and beans

    The Spruce Eats / Anastasiia Tretiak

    With just five ingredients including beans, tomatoes, rice, and Italian seasoning, these white beans with rice are a quick and easy homemade meal. Some fresh basil would go well with this simple recipe. The Italian-seasoned rice and beans recipe calls for instant rice, so this is one dish you really can have on the table in five minutes flat. Add a side green salad or some steamed vegetables, and you've got a completely vegetarian and vegan meal.

  • 02 of 08

    Rice and Bean Burrito

    Vegetarian Bean and Rice Burrito

    The Spruce

    A vegetarian rice and bean burrito is another fun way to vary your rice and beans. Flour tortillas are vegan and super cheap as well. If you're not vegan, you can include a bit of cheese. Add chopped lettuce and a bit of hot sauce and you're good to go.

  • 03 of 08

    Caribbean Rice and Beans

    Black beans and rice with veggies
    artedetimo / Getty Images

    There are as many ways to eat Caribbean rice and beans as there are countries in the Caribbean. This recipe for black beans and rice is a quick, simple and delicious preparation with plenty of seasonings, including onion, pepper, hot sauce, and garlic. An extra squeeze of lime gives it that little kick it needs. This simple rice and bean recipe makes a full vegetarian meal on its own. Add extra hot sauce to make it as fiery as you can possibly stand.

  • 04 of 08

    Mexican Black Beans (Frijoles Negros)

    black beans
    tycoon751 / Getty Images

    These homemade Mexican black beans are cooked from scratch with green bell peppers, cumin, oregano, garlic, and a bit of vinegar. If you thought black beans were bland, this foolproof recipe can change ​your mind. These tasty beans can be used to fill homemade Mexican bean burritos. 

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  • 05 of 08

    Rice and Bean Casserole

    Pot of Baked Beans on a Blue Gingham
    Robert Ingelhart / Getty Images

    This type of recipe is typically prepared on the stove-top, but this rice and beans casserole is baked, along with a few veggies and seasonings. Because this recipe uses ​leftover or pre-cooked rice and canned beans, you can get it in the oven just as soon as you chop up the vegetables.

  • 06 of 08

    Caribbean Yellow Rice and Pink Beans

    Red beans and rice

    Paul Goyette / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0

    The use of canned beans shortens the recipe prep time in this classic Caribbean rice and pink beans dish. The unique flavor of this dish is powered by sofrito, a blend of herbs and spices used to season countless dishes in Latin Caribbean. You can buy sofrito or make your own.

  • 07 of 08

    Black Bean and Rice Salad

    Rice and Black Bean Salad

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Rice and beans don't have to be served warm. Try this black bean and rice salad, perfect as a side dish or light meal for picnics and summer meals. A lime juice dressing gives this salad a wonderful, zesty flavor.

  • 08 of 08

    Dirty Rice

    Rice and beans
    Juanmonino / Getty Images

    Cajun flavors abound in this all-vegan dirty rice dish. Make it with brown rice instead of white rice and include celery, bell peppers, onions, Cajun seasoning, and thyme. It's low in calories and fat, gluten-free, and a great way to use up leftover rice.