Why You’ll Love these Cuban Rice & Beans
When you’re looking for a comforting meal that delivers big on flavor without breaking the bank, these Cuban Rice & Beans are exactly what you need.
I’m talking about that perfect balance of savory bacon, aromatic spices, and hearty beans that’ll make your kitchen smell divine.
What I love most? The way the beans simmer until they’re slightly mushy, creating this rich sauce that coats each grain of rice.
It’s economical, filling, and honestly, gets better the next day. Can you imagine anything more satisfying than that? Pure comfort food that’s ready in under an hour.
What Ingredients are in Cuban Rice & Beans?
To make authentic Cuban Rice & Beans, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. The beauty of this dish lies in how humble pantry staples transform into a rich, flavorful meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The combination of savory bacon, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned beans creates that signature Cuban flavor profile we all crave.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup red pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans red kidney beans
- 1 1/2 ounces sazon goya (or other similar seasoning)
- Water
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano)
- 2 cups cooked rice (your preferred method)
When shopping for these ingredients, the sazon seasoning is worth seeking out in the international aisle of your grocery store as it provides that authentic flavor that’s hard to replicate. Can’t find it? A mix of cumin, coriander, annatto and garlic powder can work in a pinch. For the beans, while kidney beans are traditional, black beans can be substituted for a slightly different but equally delicious variation. And don’t skip the bacon—it creates that incredible depth of flavor that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
How to Make these Cuban Rice & Beans
Making Cuban Rice & Beans is simpler than you might think, and the process creates the most wonderful aromas in your kitchen. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, then add 4 slices of diced bacon. Let the bacon cook until it begins to render its fat—this is where all that foundational flavor comes from. The smell of bacon cooking is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, isn’t it?
Once your bacon has started to release its fat, add 1/4 cup of chopped onion and 1/4 cup of diced red pepper to the pan. These aromatic vegetables need about 10 minutes to soften and sweeten, so be patient while stirring occasionally.
After they’ve softened, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 3 minutes—garlic burns quickly, which is why it goes in later than the other vegetables. Now comes the heart of the dish: add your 2 cans of red kidney beans, 1 1/2 ounces of sazon seasoning, 6 ounces of tomato paste, salt to taste, and enough water to cover everything. Give it all a good stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
Cover your saucepan and let everything simmer for at least 30 minutes. This is where magic happens—the beans will soften and the flavors will meld together. You can determine how long to cook based on your texture preference; some folks (myself included) prefer the beans a bit mushy so they create an almost creamy sauce. For even more authentic results and better heat distribution, consider using a professional wok set when preparing this flavorful Cuban dish.
During the final 5 minutes of cooking, stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro and 1 teaspoon of chopped oregano to brighten up all those deep flavors. The fresh herbs are like a little wake-up call to the dish. For an interesting culinary experiment, you could also try cooking Cuban-inspired flatbreads using an Italian pizza stone to achieve that perfect crispy-yet-chewy texture.
Serve your beans over 2 cups of cooked rice, or alongside if you prefer to control the ratio of rice to beans with each bite.
Cuban Rice & Beans Substitutions and Variations
Although traditional Cuban Rice & Beans has specific ingredients that give it its authentic flavor, this dish welcomes creative substitutions and regional variations that can accommodate dietary restrictions or simply what you have in your pantry.
Don’t have bacon? Try chorizo or ham instead.
Black beans can replace kidney beans for a different twist.
Vegetarians can skip the meat altogether and use vegetable broth for depth.
No sazon? A mix of cumin, garlic powder, and a touch of annatto or turmeric works well.
I’m particularly fond of adding a dash of hot sauce or diced avocado as toppings.
Can’t find cilantro? Parsley works in a pinch, though the flavor profile shifts slightly.
What to Serve with Cuban Rice & Beans
While Cuban Rice & Beans makes a satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with complementary dishes elevates the dining experience to something truly special. I love serving mine with crispy fried plantains—their sweet caramelized edges contrast beautifully with the savory beans.
Roasted pork (lechón) is another classic pairing, the tender meat soaking up all those flavorful bean juices.
For a lighter option, why not try a simple avocado salad with lime dressing? The creamy coolness balances the heartiness of the rice and beans.
And don’t forget a cooling glass of mojito or fresh lime agua fresca to round out your Cuban feast!
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve explored the perfect pairings for this dish, let’s reflect on what makes Cuban Rice & Beans so special.
This humble combination transforms simple ingredients into something truly magnificent. The slow-cooked beans absorb all those complex flavors—bacon’s smokiness, garlic’s punch, and the aromatic herbs. Much like German potato salad, the savory elements blend beautifully with tangy notes to create a perfectly balanced dish.
What I love most? It’s both comfort food and nutritional powerhouse. Like creamy potato soup, this dish demonstrates how humble ingredients can create something deeply satisfying and comforting.
The beans and rice create a complete protein, making this an affordable meal that satisfies on every level.
And isn’t that what great cooking is about? Creating something greater than the sum of its parts, nourishing both body and soul.
