One-Pot Brazilian Black Bean and Rice Stew

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-06 · Updated 2026-05-06

A hearty and comforting one-pot stew combining black beans, rice, and smoky spices for a rich and flavorful meal. This brazilian-inspired african (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs black beans, long grain white rice, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried, soaked overnight black beans
• 1 cup, rinsed long grain white rice
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp cumin powder, cooking for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.
3. Step 3: Drain 1 cup soaked black beans and add to the pot along with 1 cup rinsed long grain white rice, stirring to combine.
4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and add 1 whole bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
5. Step 5: Simmer gently for 40-45 minutes until the beans and rice are tender and the stew thickens; remove bay leaf.
6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving hot.