How to Meal Prep - Ep. 57 - RICE AND BEANS

How to Meal Prep - Ep. 57 - RICE AND BEANS is a easy Mexican-American recipe that serves 4. 540 calories per serving. Recipe by Easy Meal Prep Recipes on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min

Cost: $5.69 total, $1.42 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.75 cup Brown Rice (long grain, rinsed)
  • 2 cup Water (for cooking rice)
  • 2 tablespoon Coconut Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing beans and flavoring rice)
  • 2 clove Garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
  • 2 can Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 0.25 cup Water (for bean simmer)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 handful Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
  • 0.5 medium Red Onion (about 100 g, diced (half for salsa, half optional))
  • 2 medium Tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 each Jalapeño (seeded if less heat; half for garnish, half for salsa)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for salsa dressing)
  • 1 each Lime (juice for guacamole, sliced wedges for garnish)
  • 2 each Avocado (ripe, mashed)

Instructions

  1. Measure Rice and Water

    Measure 3/4 cup brown rice and 2 cups water. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Cook Brown Rice

    Add the rinsed rice and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium‑high heat, then cover with a lid, reduce to low, and simmer until all water is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20‑25 minutes.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: medium-high then low

  3. Dice Garlic and Onion

    Finely mince 2 garlic cloves and dice the yellow onion.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium-high

  5. Simmer Black Beans

    Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet, pour in 1/4 cup water, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and the chopped cilantro. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: low

  6. Prepare Fresh Salsa

    Dice half a red onion (≈100 g), 2 tomatoes, and the jalapeño (seeded if less heat). In a mixing bowl combine the vegetables, add 1 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and toss gently.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Make Guacamole

    Halve the avocados, remove pits, and scoop the flesh into a small container. Mash with a fork, add juice of half a lime, a pinch of salt and pepper, and optionally 1 tsp olive oil. Mix until smooth but still slightly chunky.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Assemble Meal‑Prep Bowls

    Divide the cooked rice evenly among four airtight containers. Top each with an equal portion of the seasoned black beans, a spoonful of salsa, and a dollop of guacamole. Add sliced jalapeño and lime wedges for garnish if desired.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Cool and Seal

    Allow the assembled containers to cool to room temperature (about 10 minutes) before sealing and refrigerating.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
540
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
65 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
12 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, High-Fiber, Dairy-Free

Allergens: Coconut

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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How to Meal Prep - Ep. 57 - RICE AND BEANS

Recipe by Easy Meal Prep Recipes

A nutritious, high‑fiber Mexican‑American meal‑prep bowl featuring fluffy coconut‑oil‑enhanced brown rice, seasoned black beans, fresh tomato‑onion‑jalapeño salsa, and creamy lime‑guacamole. Perfect for post‑workout lunches, easy to make in bulk, and budget‑friendly.

EasyMexican-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
35m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 25m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.69
Total cost
$1.42
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the brown rice until all water is absorbed
  • Sautéing garlic and onion without burning
  • Simmering the black beans just enough to meld flavors
  • Preventing guacamole from browning by limiting oxygen exposure
  • Cooling the bowls before sealing to avoid condensation

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a lid nearby and use a splatter guard.
  • Use a stable cutting board and keep fingertips curled when chopping.
  • Handle hot containers with oven mitts to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of brown rice and black bean meal prep bowls in Mexican‑American cuisine?

A

Rice and beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, symbolizing sustenance and community. The combination traveled to the United States with Mexican immigrants and evolved into convenient meal‑prep bowls that blend traditional flavors with modern health trends.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of rice and beans in Mexican cuisine?

A

In central Mexico, white rice is often cooked with tomato sauce, while in the south, black beans are seasoned with epazote and chilies. Coastal regions may add seafood, and northern versions sometimes use brown rice for added nutrition.

cultural
Q

How is a traditional Mexican rice and beans dish served in Mexico?

A

It is typically served hot on a plate or in a tortilla, accompanied by fresh salsa, lime wedges, and sometimes avocado slices, eaten with a fork or hand‑rolled in a tortilla.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is rice and beans traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Rice and beans appear at everyday family meals, street‑food stalls, and festive gatherings such as Día de los Muertos or birthday celebrations, where they provide a hearty base for other dishes.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a Mexican‑style black bean and rice bowl versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include long‑grain white or brown rice, black or pinto beans, fresh cilantro, lime, and jalapeño. Substitutes can be quinoa for rice, kidney beans for black beans, and parsley for cilantro without losing the overall flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with this brown rice and black bean meal prep bowl?

A

It pairs nicely with grilled chicken or tofu, roasted vegetables, a side of queso fresco, or a simple corn tortilla. Adding a splash of hot sauce or a side of pickled carrots enhances the meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this brown rice and black bean meal prep bowl?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the rice, burning the garlic, adding too much water to the beans, and letting the guacamole sit uncovered, which causes browning. Follow the critical steps and keep the guacamole sealed.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use coconut oil in the rice and beans instead of regular vegetable oil?

A

Coconut oil adds a subtle nutty flavor and a higher smoke point, which helps prevent the rice from sticking and gives the beans a richer mouthfeel while keeping the dish dairy‑free.

technical
Q

Can I make this brown rice and black bean meal prep bowl ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook the rice and beans, prepare salsa and guacamole, then store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat rice and beans before serving and add fresh salsa and guacamole on top.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the beans are done cooking?

A

The beans should be heated through, glossy from the oil, and slightly thickened with the added water evaporated. They should retain their shape and have a fragrant aroma from the garlic, onion, and cilantro.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Easy Meal Prep Recipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Easy Meal Prep Recipes focuses on quick, budget‑friendly, and nutritious meals that can be prepared in bulk for the workweek, emphasizing simple techniques and minimal equipment.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Easy Meal Prep Recipes' approach to Mexican‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Easy Meal Prep Recipes emphasizes meal‑prep efficiency, using pantry staples and straightforward flavor combos, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate plating or specialty ingredients. The channel keeps recipes adaptable for dietary needs like vegan or gluten‑free.

channel

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