Rice and beans are a classic combination that’s delicious and a great source of protein and fiber. But what to serve with rice and beans?
Rice and beans are staples in many cultures worldwide, from Latin America to the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.
They are affordable, easy to prepare, and versatile, making them a go-to choice for many families.
However, if you’re tired of serving them the same way every time, there are many options to explore.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, countless dishes can complement rice and beans and take your meal to the next level.
From salads and soups to stews and curries, the possibilities are endless.
In our article, we’ll share some of our favorite recipes and ideas on what to serve with rice and beans for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
1. Meatloaf
Meatloaf is starting our list of what to serve with rice and beans.
It is a classic American dish that is easy to make and delicious. It’s a versatile dish that can be served with various side dishes, but rice and beans are the perfect accompaniment.
Homemade meatloaf is a comfort food perfect for a cozy dinner at home. It’s made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices and baked to perfection.
When served with rice and beans, it creates a complete meal that is filling and satisfying.
The rice is fluffy and absorbs the flavors of the meatloaf, while the beans add a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness.
Together, they make a perfect combination that will leave you feeling full and content.
Meatloaf is a great dish to make ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
You can prepare the meatloaf in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
Once cooked, slice it into portions and serve it with rice and beans for a quick and easy dinner.
The leftovers can be used for sandwiches or as a topping for salads, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
When it comes to what to serve with rice and beans, there are many variations you can try.
For instance, you can use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
You can also add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to the meatloaf mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
As for the beans, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans, depending on your preference.
You can even add some spices like cumin or chili powder to give the beans a little kick. The possibilities are endless, so experiment and find your favorite combination.
2. Baked Pork Chops and Gravy
Baked pork chops and gravy are a delicious and comforting meal that can be what to serve with rice and beans.
This classic dish is easy to prepare and can be made with simple ingredients. Here are three paragraphs on making and serving baked pork chops and gravy with rice and beans.
To make baked pork chops and gravy, season your pork chops with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
Then, brown the pork chops in a skillet over medium-high heat until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
Next, make the gravy by adding flour to the pan drippings and whisking until it forms a paste.
Add chicken broth or water, constantly whisking, until the gravy thickens. Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the gravy over them.
Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked.
To serve baked pork chops and gravy with rice and beans, cook the rice according to package instructions.
For the beans, you can use canned beans or cook your own from scratch. Simply sauté some onions and garlic in a skillet, then add the beans and some chicken broth or water.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the beans are tender. Serve the pork chops and gravy over the rice, with the beans on the side. Enjoy!
3. Kielbasa
Kielbasa, a Polish sausage, is a savory and flavorful addition to any meal. Regarding what to serve with rice and beans, kielbasa can add a delicious smokiness.
To prepare kielbasa for this meal, start by slicing it into bite-sized pieces and cooking it in a skillet until it’s browned on all sides.
Then, add it to the rice and beans mixture and stir to combine. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
4. Jiffy Cornbread with Creamed Corn
Jiffy cornbread with creamed corn is a delicious and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with rice and beans.
Adding creamed corn to the Jiffy mix gives the cornbread a moist and slightly sweet flavor that compliments the savory rice and beans.
To make this dish, prepare the Jiffy mix according to the package instructions and add a can of creamed corn to the batter.
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve warm alongside a heaping bowl of rice and beans for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
5. Fried Cajun Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful what to serve with rice and beans, look no further than fried Cajun chicken tenders.
These crispy, spicy chicken strips are a delicious addition to any plate, but they pair particularly well with rice and beans.
The combination of savory, slightly spicy chicken with the mild, comforting flavors of rice and beans is a classic Southern dish that will satisfy you.
The rice and beans provide a neutral base that allows the bold flavors of the chicken to shine through while also adding a satisfying texture and nutritional balance to the dish.
So, next time you’re looking for a filling and delicious meal, try serving up some fried Cajun chicken tenders alongside a heaping bowl of rice and beans.
6. Southern Cornbread Without Buttermilk
Southern cornbread is a staple in many households across the southern United States.
While traditional recipes call for buttermilk, it is possible to make delicious cornbread without it.
Simply substitute regular milk for buttermilk or use a mixture of milk and yogurt to achieve the same tangy flavor.
Cornbread pairs perfectly with rice and beans, a classic southern dish.
The soft and fluffy texture of the cornbread contrasts with the hearty and savory flavors of the rice and beans.
It also adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the spices in the dish.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or a family gathering, Southern cornbread without buttermilk is a delicious and easy addition to any meal.
7. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that can be used as what to serve with rice and beans.
The tangy and slightly tart flavor of the tomatoes complements the earthy and hearty flavor of the rice and beans.
To make fried green tomatoes, slice them into thick rounds and coat them in cornmeal, flour, and spices before frying them in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
Serve them with a steaming rice and beans bowl for a delicious and satisfying meal.
This combination is delicious and provides a balanced meal that is both filling and nutritious.
8. Dirty Rice
Rice and beans are a staple dish in many cultures, but sometimes you want to switch things up and add a little extra flavor to your plate.
Enter dirty rice, a dish that originated in the southern United States and is made with rice, ground meat, vegetables, and spices.
Dirty rice adds an extra layer of flavor to your plate. The combination of meat, vegetables, and spices creates a savory and spicy taste that complements the mild flavor of rice and beans.
The dish gets its name from the brownish color that the rice takes on after being cooked with the other ingredients, which also adds visual appeal to your plate.
Secondly, dirty rice is a filling and satisfying addition to your meal. The meat and vegetables in the dish provide protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied for longer.
This makes it a great option for those looking for a more substantial meal or for those trying to stretch their budget by making a little bit of food go a long way.
Adding dirty rice to your rice and beans meal is a simple and delicious way to elevate your dining experience.
9. Collard Greens
This is the next on our list of what to serve with rice and beans. Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, making the perfect what to serve with rice and beans.
They are a nutritious alternative to traditional greens, packed with vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy diet.
To prepare collard greens, simply wash and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté them in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and onions until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve alongside your rice and beans for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Collard greens are the perfect complement to the hearty flavors of rice and beans and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your dinner table.
10. Salad
Rice and beans are a classic dish that is enjoyed in many cultures around the world. This dish is not only delicious, but it is also very nutritious.
However, if you’re looking for what to serve with rice and beans to add some extra flavor and nutrition, consider serving it with a side salad.
A salad is a great addition to any meal, but it is especially perfect when served with rice and beans.
A salad adds some extra flavor and texture to the meal and provides a variety of nutrients that complement the rice and beans.
For example, a salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots is packed with vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy.
In addition to being nutritious, a salad also helps balance out the dishes’ flavors.
The rice and beans can be quite filling and heavy, but a light and refreshing salad can help cut through the dish’s richness.
A salad is a great way to add some color to your plate and make the meal look more appetizing.
So next time you’re serving rice and beans, consider adding a side salad to make the meal more enjoyable.
11. Pork Chops
Pork chops are a delicious and versatile protein that can be paired with various sides, including rice and beans.
Pork chops can be juicy and tender when cooked properly, making them the perfect addition to any meal.
Season the chops with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices to prepare pork chops to serve alongside rice and beans.
Then, either grill or pan-fry the pork chops until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Serve the pork chops alongside a heaping helping of rice and beans, seasoned with garlic, cumin, and other spices to add flavor and depth to the dish.
The result is a satisfying and filling meal that will please even the pickiest eaters.
12. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that is simple and elegant to serve with rice and beans.
The dish consists of succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter and then tossed with white wine, lemon juice, and parsley.
The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal to serve with rice and beans, shrimp scampi is a perfect choice.
The shrimp’s rich buttery flavor pairs beautifully with the earthy and nutty flavors of the rice and beans.
Plus, the dish is quick and easy to make so that you can have a satisfying and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
So the next time you’re looking for a tasty and satisfying meal to serve with rice and beans, try shrimp scampi!
13. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with rice and beans.
The crisp and refreshing flavors of the coleslaw complement the hearty and savory flavors of the rice and beans.
Additionally, the creamy dressing of the coleslaw helps to balance out the spiciness of the beans, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
To make coleslaw, shred cabbage and carrots, and mix them with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt.
To add more flavor and texture, you can also add other ingredients, such as diced onion, celery, or bell pepper.
Serve the coleslaw with a steaming bowl of rice and beans for a delicious and satisfying meal.
14. Ham Hocks
This is the next on our list of what to serve with rice and beans. Ham hocks are a flavorful and versatile meat that can be used in various dishes.
One popular way to use hacks is for what to serve with rice and beans for a hearty and delicious meal.
Ham hocks add a rich and savory flavor to rice and beans, making them a perfect complement.
The meat from the ham hocks is tender and falls off the bone, creating a delicious texture that blends well with the rice and beans.
Additionally, ham hocks are high in collagen, which adds thickness to the broth and gives the dish a satisfying mouthfeel.
When cooked with rice and beans, ham hocks create a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
In addition to their delicious taste, ham hocks are an affordable and easy-to-find ingredient.
You can purchase them at most grocery stores or meat markets, and they are often sold in packages of two or three, making them a great option for feeding a crowd.
Plus, ham hocks are versatile enough for other dishes, such as soups, stews, and casseroles so that you can get multiple uses out of them.
Ham hocks are a great addition to rice and beans and will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
15. Homemade Cornbread
This is the last on our list of what to serve with rice and beans. Homemade cornbread is a classic Southern staple that pairs perfectly with rice and beans.
This traditional bread is easy to make and can be customized to fit your taste buds.
Homemade cornbread is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that compliments rice and beans perfectly.
To make cornbread, you’ll need cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and butter.
Mix the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients, and stir until combined.
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake in the oven until golden brown. Serve warm with butter and honey for a sweet and savory treat.
Cornbread adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish when serving rice and beans.
The cornbread’s soft and pillowy texture perfectly contrasts the hearty and savory flavors of the rice and beans.
Plus, the sweetness of the cornbread helps balance out the spiciness of the beans.
It’s a classic Southern combination that will satisfy any comfort food craving.
So, next time you’re cooking up a pot of rice and beans, don’t forget to whip up a batch of homemade cornbread to complete the meal.
Conclusion
There are many options for what to serve with rice and beans. Some popular choices include grilled meats such as chicken or steak, sautéed vegetables like peppers and onions, and fresh avocado or salsa.
It depends on your personal preference and the flavors you want to complement the dish.
You can also experiment with spices and seasonings to add depth and variety to your meal.
Whatever you choose, rice and beans are a versatile and satisfying base that can be paired with a variety of delicious and nutritious sides.
