Beans & Rice Will Keep You From Going Hungry
Beans & Rice Will Keep You From Going Hungry is a easy Southern American recipe that serves 4. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by SouthernFrugalMomma on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 10 min | Cook: 1 hr 55 min | Total: 3 hrs 35 min
Cost: $58.00 total, $14.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 lb Dry Black Beans (rinsed and sorted)
- 2 lb Dry Pinto Beans (rinsed and sorted)
- 2 lb Dry Kidney Beans (rinsed and sorted)
- 2 lb Dry Great Northern Beans (rinsed and sorted)
- 12 qt Water (for soaking and cooking beans)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing)
- 1 medium Red Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp Tomato Paste (regular tomato paste)
- 14 oz Crushed Tomatoes (canned)
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt (or regular salt)
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (dried blend)
- 2 cup Fresh Spinach (roughly chopped; can use frozen)
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream (or whole milk)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 pint Kidney Beans (pre‑cooked) (with cooking liquid retained)
- 1 pint Pinto Beans (pre‑cooked) (with cooking liquid retained)
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned)
- 1 packet Chili Seasoning Mix (store‑bought)
- 2 cup Cooked White Rice (leftover or freshly cooked)
- 1 cup Water (for chili rice broth)
- 1 tsp Beef Bouillon Powder (optional for extra flavor)
- ½ cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, for topping)
- 1 pint Black Beans (pre‑cooked) (drained and rinsed)
- 1 small Serrano Pepper (halved, seeds removed if less heat)
- 1 cup Jasmine Rice (uncooked)
- 1 tbsp Tomato Bouillon Powder (or 1 tsp tomato paste diluted in water)
Instructions
Sort and Wash Dry Beans
Spread the dry beans on a clean surface, pick out any discolored or damaged beans, then place beans in a large bowl. Fill with water, stir with your hands, and rinse. Repeat rinsing three times until the water runs clear.
Time: PT15M
Pressure‑Cook Beans
Divide beans into batches (e.g., black, pinto, kidney, great northern). For each batch, add beans to the Instant Pot with enough water to cover by 2 inches. Do NOT add salt or oil. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 65 minutes. When time is up, perform a quick release.
Time: PT65M
Cool Beans Completely
Transfer cooked beans to a large colander and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel. Allow to cool to room temperature before bagging.
Time: PT30M
Bag and Freeze Beans
Portion cooled beans into 1‑pint (≈2‑cup) freezer bags. Label each bag with bean type and date. Lay flat in the freezer for quick storage.
Time: PT10M
Italian White Beans – Sauté Aromatics
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and sauté 3‑4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Italian White Beans – Build Sauce
Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, then add 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp garlic salt, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Cook 3‑4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Italian White Beans – Finish
Add 1 pint pre‑cooked great northern beans (drained), ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk), and ½ cup grated Parmesan. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until creamy. Drizzle a little olive oil on top before serving.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low
Chili Rice – Combine Ingredients
In a saucepan, combine 1 pint pre‑cooked kidney beans (with liquid), 1 pint pre‑cooked pinto beans, 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, 1 packet chili seasoning, 2 cups cooked rice, 1 cup water, and 1 tsp beef bouillon. Stir well.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Chili Rice – Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10‑15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and rice is heated through.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Low
Chili Rice – Finish
Turn off heat, top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover, and let sit 2 minutes for cheese to melt.
Time: PT2M
Black Beans & Rice – Sauté Base
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and sliced serrano pepper; sauté 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Black Beans & Rice – Toast Rice
Add 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice to the skillet and stir for 3 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Black Beans & Rice – Add Liquids & Simmer
Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp tomato bouillon (or 1 tsp tomato paste diluted), 2 cups water, and 1 pint pre‑cooked black beans (drained). Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer 12‑15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Low
Black Beans & Rice – Finish
Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover for 2 minutes to melt cheese, then serve.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 70 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 12 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free (if bouillon is gluten‑free), High‑Protein
Allergens: Dairy
Last updated: April 16, 2026








