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I was in 5th grade when I had my first cheesy black beans and rice. I was having dinner at my friend, Jennifer’s house and while I don’t remember what the main course was I do remember that I totally loved the side dish. I’m sure this is probably nothing like what she made but love this simple side dish and to think that it was inspired by a 5th grade dinner at a friend’s house!
The best part is actually not the cheese. GASP! Can you even believe that I just said that?! But really, it’s the flavorful rice that really carries this dish and it’s all thanks to one easy ingredient, tomatillo salsa. Or you can always use salsa verde if you want. We buy the tomatillo salsa at Costco, but really any of them will do.
Just cook the salsa with the rice and then pile on the beans and cheese and stick it under the broiler to get all melty. Or you could always use this totally awesome rice that my girl friend from Costa Rica taught me to make. Plus you can freeze the mixins so you can dump them in any time. Which is kind of awesome.
Are Black Beans the Same As Kidney Beans?
Kidney beans and black beans are different in color, size,taste and texture.
They are bothย ย excellent sources of fiber and protein.
Kidney beans really can’t be substituted for black beans.
Can You Substitute Quinoa for Rice?
One cup of cookedย quinoaย has about 40 fewer calories than the same amount of whiteย rice.
Whiteย riceย has almost 15 times more grams of carbohydrates, and less fiber than quinoa.
Quinoa is a very good, healthy substitute for rice.
Cheesy Black Beans and Rice
Cheesy Black Beans and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 Cup White Rice
- 1/2 Cup Tomatillo Salsa
- 1 3/4 Cup Water
- Pinch Salt
- 1 15 Ounce Can Black Beans, rinsed and cooked
- 3/4 Cup Colby Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese
Instructions
- Place the rice, salsa, water and salt into a rice cooker or saucepan.1 Cup White Rice, 1/2 Cup Tomatillo Salsa, 1 3/4 Cup Water, Pinch Salt
- Cook according to directions.
- Heat the oven to 500 degrees or to broil.
- Place the rice in a casserole dish, top with beans then cheese and cook until melted.1 15 Ounce Can Black Beans, 3/4 Cup Colby Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese
- Serve immediately
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The secret to making the best rice plus you can freeze it for use any time!ย
Sorry Carrian, but I found this recipe sadly lacking in flavor and eye appeal.
I made it as written using my rice cooker for the long grain white rice, tomato salsa, water and salt. When the rice was cooked I turned it out into a casserole you’d with beans and then the pepper jack cheese.
The dish just didn’t work for me and I’m trying to think of a way to perk up leftover so they are not a total loss.
Hi Karen! Thank you so much for the honest feedback on this recipe! It has been ages since I’ve made this one. I need to circle back to it. You could add more tomatillo salsa to it. Ooh, or make some scrambled eggs and combine everything with some more salsa in a flour tortilla and make a breakfast burrito!
Since my gastric sleeve surgery, I am always looking for sides with a good amt of protein. This delivers! And so yummyyyy! Thank you!
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback Sue!
A great recipe! Easy, fast, no trouble at all. My Hubs kept hinting he was craving black beans in a side or a salad, so I tried this recipe, which I had pinned. This is so easy and tastes so good, and Hubby was in heaven. I used a salsa that I had just discovered from Safeway, it is a Peach-Pineapple Salsa, and it was wonderful in this dish. I will be making this again and again. Thanks!
Hurray! This makes my day! It is a family favorite for sure! So glad you enjoyed it as much as we do!
Peach or Mango salsa is my fave! What a great idea- I’ll try your version next time I make this!
I didn’t read the recipe right and put the beans in the rice cooker too. It worked and was delicious. I served it with tortillas and normal burrito fixings. Everyone loved it!
Ohhhh i didn’t even think about doing that, but I think I will from now on as it just saves a step!
This is really good I put a dollop of sour cream on top yymmy!!!
A dollop is never a bad idea. Thank you!
Could this be done as a freezer meal or would it be to mushy?
Yes, it would make a great freezer meal! Cook it completely as written except don’t add the cheese. Let it cool completely and then freeze it. When you are ready to reheat it, then add the cheese. Enjoy!
This looks awesome. Do you happen to know how many carbs and fiber are in this recipe?
Hi Bette, I’m sorry but I don’t.
OMG! You have the BEST recipes! I’m so thankful to have come across your page!!!! I can’t wait to try this….I’d even top it off with some grilled chicken cubes! YUM!!!
So, so sweet of you!!! You can leave comments like that any day ๐
Oh my goodness – this has my name all over it. I am kind of obsessed with mexican food, and this is so simple & easy. Thank you, thank you!!
This is a favorite of mine also! Love your recipe!