What To Do With Leftover Beans And Rice? (Quick Ideas)

what to do with leftover beans and rice

There’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal, is there?

But what do you do when you have lots of leftover beans and rice?

Instead of letting them go to waste, why not put them to good use with these quick ideas?

Check out the recipes below for some inspiration.

Make a rice bowl

First, you could make a rice bowl.

To make this dish, simply combine your leftover beans and rice with some chopped veggies, like tomatoes, onions, and peppers.

Then, add your favorite hot sauce or dressing.

This makes for a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

I really like to add a little bit of avocado to my rice bowl for some extra creaminess.

Create a burrito or taco filling

Another great way to use up your leftover beans and rice is to create a burrito or taco filling.

This is a really versatile dish, so feel free to get creative with it.

You could add in some chopped chicken or beef, or keep it vegetarian with some sauteed veggies.

Once you have your filling, just roll it up in a warm tortilla and enjoy.

Serve as a side dish

If you’re looking for something a little more simple, you could always just serve your beans and rice as a side dish.

This goes great with just about anything, from grilled chicken to fish tacos.

It’s an easy way to bulk up a meal and make it more filling.

Add to chili

Another great way to use up your leftover beans and rice is to add them to soup or chili.

This is a great way to stretch out a small amount of food and make it go further.

Plus, the rice will help to thicken up the soup or chili, making it even more filling.

You just need to add in some extra broth or water to make sure the rice doesn’t soak up all the liquid.

Make a black bean burger

Next, you can try using your beans and rice to make a black bean burger.

This is a great vegetarian option that’s actually really easy to make.

Just combine the beans, rice, and some chopped veggies in a food processor and pulse until everything is combined but still chunky.

Then, form the mixture into patties and cook them in a skillet until they’re browned and crispy.

Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings, like avocado, cheese, or salsa.

Stir-fry them up

In addition, you can also stir-fry your beans and rice.

This is a great way to add in some extra veggies and make a quick and easy meal.

Just sautee your favorite veggies in a little oil, then add in the beans and rice.

Cook until everything is heated through, then serve with soy sauce or hot sauce on the side.

Make a soup

Making a soup is another great way to use up your leftover beans and rice.

Just add them to some broth with some chopped veggies and let it all simmer together.

You could also add in some shredded chicken or beef for a heartier soup.

This makes for a warm and comforting meal that’s perfect for a cold day.

Turn into breakfast

Last but not least, you can use your leftover beans and rice to make breakfast.

This is a great way to start your day and get some protein in your system.

Just add an egg to the mix and scramble everything together.

You could also add in some chopped ham or bacon for some extra flavor.

Serve with toast or a tortilla on the side.

How long are leftover rice and beans good for?

If you store your rice and beans in an airtight container in the fridge, they will be good for up to four days.

If you need to keep them for longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to six months.

When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw the rice and beans in the fridge overnight or cook them from frozen.

either way, be sure to give them a good stir before serving (source).

What happens when you mix beans and rice?

If you mix beans and rice together, you will end up with a dish that is full of protein and fiber.

This combination is not only healthy, but it is also delicious.

Beans and rice can be used in a variety of different recipes, so feel free to experiment.

You may even find that you like the taste of this combination better than you thought you would (source).

Is it healthy to eat rice and beans together?

In general, yes, it is healthy to eat rice and beans together.

This combination provides a good source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.

Additionally, this pairing is usually low in fat and calories.

However, as with all foods, there can be variations in nutrition depending on how the rice and beans are prepared.

For example, adding fatty meats or cheeses to this dish can increase the fat and calorie content.

Therefore, it is always important to consider how food is prepared before determining if it is healthy (source).

Are rice and beans a meal?

They are a classic dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world.

While there are many different ways to prepare this dish, it typically consists of rice and beans that are cooked together.

This combination can be a complete meal on its own, or it can be served as a side dish (source).

How much rice and beans should I eat a day?

That really depends on a lot of factors, including your activity level, age, weight, and overall health.

If you’re trying to lose weight, you might want to aim for the lower end of that spectrum.

Otherwise, a good rule of thumb is to try to consume at least 0.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight.

So, if you weigh 150 pounds, you would want to eat at least 75 grams of protein a day.

As for rice and beans, good portion size is about 1/2 cup cooked.

What do you eat with rice and beans?

There are many different ways to enjoy rice and beans, but some of our favorites include:

  • Served with a simple green salad and avocado slices
  • As burrito filling, with lots of cheese and salsa on top
  • Tossed with sautéed veggies, like peppers, onions, and mushrooms
  • As the base for a delicious stir-fry
  • As a filling and satisfying soup
  • Enjoyed plain, with a little bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper sprinkled on top

And many more.

Why do rice and beans make a complete protein?

what to do with leftover beans and rice

One of the reasons rice and beans make a complete protein is because they contain all of the essential amino acids.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and there are 20 of them.

Nine of these amino acids can only be obtained through diet, which is why they’re considered “essential.” Rice and beans both contain all nine of these essential amino acids.

Another reason rice and beans make a complete protein is that they have a good ratio of the different types of amino acids.

Not all amino acids are created equal – some are used more by the body for energy, while others are used to build muscle.

The body needs a balance of both to function properly.

Rice and beans have a pretty good balance of the two, which is another reason why they make a complete protein (source).

What nutrients are missing from rice and beans?

Rice and beans are an excellent sources of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, but they lack some essential vitamins and minerals.

For example, rice and beans are low in vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.

They are also lacking in certain B vitamins like folic acid and niacin.

While these nutrients can be obtained from other food sources, it is important to be aware of their absence in rice and beans in order to make sure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs (source).

Are rice and beans fattening?

No, rice and beans are not fattening.

In fact, they are considered to be two of the most healthful and nutritious foods available.

They are high in fiber and protein and low in fat and calories.

Additionally, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

All of these nutrients work together to keep your body healthy and your weight under control (source).

Do red beans and rice have meat?

Red beans and rice is a dish that is typically made with kidney beans, rice, and a variety of spices.

While the dish can be made with different types of beans, most recipes do not call for meat.

This means that generally speaking, red beans and rice is a vegetarian dishes.

However, some people may add sausage or other meat to their recipe, so it is best to check with the person who made the dish before assuming that it is meat-free.

Are beans healthier than rice?

In general, yes, beans are healthier than rice.

Beans are a good source of fiber, protein, and nutrients, while rice is mostly just carbs.

Beans also tend to be lower on the glycemic index, which means they won’t raise your blood sugar as much as rice will (source).

Conclusion

As you can see, there are lots of different ways to use up your leftover beans and rice.

So the next time you have some extra, don’t let it go to waste.

Try one of these quick and easy recipes and enjoy a delicious meal.

Tamara Pierce

Tamara Pierce is a food writer at Elapasony, passionate about exploring diverse cuisines and sharing recipes and food experiences. From trendy restaurants to local hotspots, she's always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors.

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