Simple Rice and Black Bean Bowl

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A satisfying one-pot meal combining rice, black beans, and corn for a complete protein and fiber boost. This mexican-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs white rice, water, black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place in a medium pot with 2 cups water and bring to a boil.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
  3. Step 3: While rice cooks, combine 15 oz drained black beans, 1/2 cup frozen corn, 1/2 cup salsa, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl.
  4. Step 4: Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and transfer to a serving dish. Top with the bean and corn mixture, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Rice and Black Bean Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Simple Rice and Black 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 white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Rice and Black 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 Simple Rice and Black Bean Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Simple Rice and Black 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

Related recipes