RP
RecipePoolDiscover your next favorite recipe
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • About
Search
Browse
IngredientsCuisineDietMethodOccasion

Main Navigation

  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • About

Browse Faster

IngredientsCuisineDietMethodOccasion
Follow RecipePool on Pinterest
RecipePool

1,784+ tested recipes

Thoughtfully tested recipes, seasonal inspiration, and cooking guides to help you make something delicious every day.

Get weekly recipe inspiration

Explore

  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Seasonal
  • Products
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • Ingredients

Browse By

  • Cuisine
  • Diet
  • Method
  • Occasion

Company

  • About
  • Contact
  • Editorial Policy
  • Recipe Testing
  • Privacy
  • Terms

© 2026 RecipePool. All rights reserved.

HomeSearchCollectionsSaved
  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Rice and Beans Meal Prep
Rice and beans meal prep with caramelized plantains and cabbage salad

Classic seasoned rice and beans with plantains

Rice and Beans Meal Prep

Rice and Beans Meal Prep

40 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

40 min

Servings

5

5 meals

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

Be the first to rate this recipe
Share

Rice and Beans Meal Prep

Classic seasoned rice and beans with plantains

Perfectly seasoned rice simmered with sofrito and tender red beans, served with caramelized sweet plantains and a simple cabbage salad. A Caribbean staple that costs pennies per serving.

10m

Prep Time

30m

Cook Time

40m

Total Time

5

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Mexican CuisineMain CourseVeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

December 23, 2024(Updated April 12, 2026)

Rice and beans is the meal-prep original—cultures worldwide have relied on this combination for centuries. It is a complete protein, incredibly affordable, and endlessly customizable.

Why This Recipe Works

Cooking rice in seasoned bean broth gives it flavor throughout, not just on top. Sofrito (onion, garlic, pepper, cilantro) is the secret to Caribbean-style depth of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long-grain rice
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans with their liquid
  • 1 onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 green pepper, all diced (sofrito base)
  • 2 ripe plantains, sliced and pan-fried
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage with lime juice and salt for slaw
  • 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Sauté sofrito (onion, garlic, green pepper) in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add cumin, oregano, and beans with their liquid; stir and bring to a simmer.

  3. 3

    Add rice and enough water to cover by 1 inch; bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook 20 minutes.

  4. 4

    Slice ripe plantains and pan-fry in oil until golden and caramelized on both sides.

  5. 5

    Divide rice and beans among containers with plantains and a side of cabbage slaw.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges

  • Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado

  • Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans

Substitutions

Red kidney beansBlack beans or pinto beans

All work beautifully in this recipe

White riceBrown rice (increase water and cook time)

Adds more fiber and nutrients

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use the liquid from the bean cans—it adds flavor and starch that helps the rice cook perfectly.

  • Plantains should be very ripe (mostly black skin) for the sweetest, most caramelized results.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 5 days. This is one of the best-storing meal preps.

Reheating

Microwave for 2-3 minutes with a splash of water to prevent drying.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (0mg) · 5 servings

Calories420
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein8g
Carbohydrates72g
Fat14g
Fiber460mg
Sugar10g
Sodium14g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried beans?
Yes, soak overnight and cook 1 hour before adding to the rice.
What if I cannot find plantains?
Sliced and pan-fried sweet potato is a reasonable substitute.

Explore More

More Mexican RecipesMore Main CourseVegan RecipesGluten-Free RecipesDairy-Free RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

Related Recipes

Succulent grilled chicken with vibrant peppers on a sizzling plate, perfect for a tasty meal.

Chicken Fajita Meal Prep

30 min

Teriyaki chicken meal prep with glazed thighs, brown rice, and edamame

Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep

40 min

Delicious herb-crusted chicken served with salad and potatoes on a white plate. Perfect for a healthy meal.

Greek Chicken Meal Prep

35 min

Turkey meatball meal prep with marinara sauce and roasted vegetables

Turkey Meatball Meal Prep

40 min

Lentil meal prep bowls with spiced lentils and roasted cauliflower

Lentil Meal Prep

45 min

Top view of tasty rice with stewed broccoli and tomato pieces with chickpeas on black background

Chickpea Meal Prep

40 min

You Might Also Like

Succulent grilled chicken with vibrant peppers on a sizzling plate, perfect for a tasty meal.
Gluten-FreeDairy-Free
Easy

Mexican

Chicken Fajita Meal Prep

30 min5 servings
View Recipe

Chicken Fajita Meal Prep

30 min•Easy
Teriyaki chicken meal prep with glazed thighs, brown rice, and edamame
Dairy-Free
Easy

Japanese

Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep

40 min5 servings
View Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep

40 min•Easy
Delicious herb-crusted chicken served with salad and potatoes on a white plate. Perfect for a healthy meal.
Gluten-Free
Easy

Mediterranean

Greek Chicken Meal Prep

35 min5 servings
View Recipe

Greek Chicken Meal Prep

35 min•Easy
Turkey meatball meal prep with marinara sauce and roasted vegetables
Easy

Italian

Turkey Meatball Meal Prep

40 min5 servings
View Recipe

Turkey Meatball Meal Prep

40 min•Easy
Lentil meal prep bowls with spiced lentils and roasted cauliflower
VeganGluten-Free
Easy

Mediterranean

Lentil Meal Prep

45 min5 servings
View Recipe

Lentil Meal Prep

45 min•Easy
Top view of tasty rice with stewed broccoli and tomato pieces with chickpeas on black background
VeganGluten-Free
Easy

Mediterranean

Chickpea Meal Prep

40 min4 servings
View Recipe

Chickpea Meal Prep

40 min•Easy
See more Mexican recipes →