Cumin-Spiced Rice and Bean Bowl
A warm, flavorful bowl featuring rice and beans seasoned with toasted cumin, ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. This latin american-inspired meal prep (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs uncooked long-grain white rice, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop with 2 cups water until fluffy and tender, then let it cool for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add 1 tsp ground cumin to the hot skillet and stir for 30 seconds to toast the spice, then add 1/2 cup diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add the cooked rice and 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans to the skillet, along with 1/4 cup water. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes until heated through and flavors meld, then season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cumin-Spiced Rice and Bean Bowl take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cumin-Spiced Rice and Bean Bowl?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Spiced Rice and Bean Bowl?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cumin-Spiced Rice and Bean Bowl for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cumin-Spiced Rice and Bean Bowl vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the authentic flavor, and it reheats beautifully for lunch.
- ★★★★★
This dish is a game-changer for meal prep! The cumin spice is perfect and it's so easy to make in bulk.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but the rice was a bit too dry. Maybe add a splash of broth next time.
