What Goes Good with Rice and Beans: 23 Delicious Side Dish Pairings

If you love rice and beans combinations, you’re not alone. These two ingredients are a match made in culinary heaven for more than one reason. They’re affordable, easy to find in most stores, and taste good together. Not to mention, you can prepare them easily for a hearty and nutritious meal.

Rice and beans are a classic combination enjoyed around the world The rice provides satisfying carbohydrates while the beans add fiber, plant-based protein, and important vitamins and minerals Though rice and beans can make a simple and nutritious meal on their own, adding side dishes can take the meal to the next level.

Here are 23 delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with rice and beans

Veggie Sides

Sautéed greens – Collard greens, kale, spinach or chard sautéed with garlic and olive oil add color and nutrition.
Steamed broccoli – Florets of broccoli steamed until crisp-tender match nicely with rice and beans. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
Roasted vegetables – Root veggies like carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully when roasted. Toss in olive oil, salt and pepper.
Sautéed zucchini or squash – Quick-cooking summer squash sautés up fast. Toss with fresh herbs.
Corn on the cob – In summer, grill corn on the cob to serve alongside rice and beans.
Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing.

Grain and Bean Sides

Warm tortillas – Flour or corn tortillas warm nicely on the stove or grill. Use to scoop up rice and beans.
Naan bread – Warm, soft naan is perfect for dipping into bean stews.
Quinoa – Cooked quinoa adds extra protein and nutrition to a rice and bean meal.
Barley – Nutty, chewy barley makes a nice alternative to rice. Cook it in broth for extra flavor.
Bulgur wheat – Try nutty bulgur wheat pilaf as a side dish with rice and beans.
Refried beans – For Mexican-style rice and beans, serve refried beans on the side.

Protein and Dairy

Shredded chicken – Cook chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot to shred over rice and beans.
Hard boiled eggs – Protein-packed sliced eggs add extra nutrition and flavor.
Queso fresco – Sprinkle this mild Mexican cheese over rice and beans for a creamy accent.
Greek yogurt – Dollops of tangy yogurt pair nicely with rice and beans. Mix in minced garlic.
Cheese – Melted cheddar, Monterey Jack or queso quesadilla cheese over the top.
Sour cream – Cool, creamy sour cream cools down spicy rice and beans.

Fresh Add-Ins

Salsa – Fresh pico de gallo, salsa verde or other salsa adds flavor and texture.
Avocado – Diced or sliced avocado provides healthy fats.
Lime wedges – Fresh lime juice brightens up rice and beans splendidly.
Chopped onion – Diced raw onion adds bite and crunch on top.
Cilantro – Fresh chopped cilantro leaves tie everything together.
Jalapeños – For spice, offer sliced or minced fresh jalapeños.

Sauces and Dips

Hot sauce – Louisiana hot sauce or Cholula add a flavorful kick.
Guacamole – Homemade or store-bought guacamole makes a cool, creamy dip.
Salsa verde – The tomatillo-based Mexican green salsa is tangy on rice and beans.
Yogurt sauce – Mix yogurt with minced garlic and lemon juice for a quick sauce.
Mango chutney – The sweet-tart Indian condiment pairs nicely with rice and beans.

Rice and beans offer a canvas for creativity. With fresh produce, whole grains, protein and sauces, you can put together a quick, nutritious and delicious meal for any occasion. What are your favorite sides to serve with rice and beans?

what goes good with rice and beans

Quick Tips for Cooking Beans

This will help cut down on cooking time and make the texture better. Soak the beans overnight (or at least 8 hours).

Before cooking, drain and rinse the beans to get rid of any dirt and lower the sugars.

You can make your beans taste better by adding aromatics like bay leaves, onions, garlic, and spices.

Now, let’s have a look at some of these showstopping dishes you can cook with rice and beans.

Quick Tips for Cooking Rice

Before cooking, rinse rice in cold water to get rid of extra starch and make the texture better.
It works best to use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water, like 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water.
Season the rice with butter, salt, herbs, or other seasonings before cooking to give it more flavor and texture. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.

Make the Perfect Red Beans and Rice

FAQ

Is rice and beans enough for a meal?

Rice and beans form a complementary protein, providing all of the essential amino acids together. You don’t always need all the essential amino acids at one meal—rather, it’s about getting them in throughout the day—but rice and beans are an easy way to cover your bases.

What meat goes with red beans and rice?

Choosing Your Meat Andouille sausage is a must; it lends a spicy, cured flavor and plenty of rich fattiness. In order to maximize its flavor penetration, I like to add the sausage to the stew right from the start, even before I add the vegetables.