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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. Chili Rice – Finish

    Turn off heat, top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover, and let sit 2 minutes for cheese to melt.

    Time: PT2M

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

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Beans & Rice Will Keep You From Going Hungry

Recipe by SouthernFrugalMomma

Learn how to bulk‑cook dry beans, freeze them for future meals, and transform them into three tasty dishes – Italian White Beans, Chili Rice, and Black Beans & Rice. This budget‑friendly, protein‑packed guide from SouthernFrugalMomma shows you step‑by‑step how to save money, reduce waste, and serve flavorful meals for the whole family.

EasySouthern AmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
29m
Prep
2h 33m
Cook
22m
Cleanup
3h 24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$58.00
Total cost
$14.50
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sorting and washing beans to remove debris.
  • Ensuring beans are fully cooked (soft but not mushy).
  • Cooling beans completely before freezing to avoid condensation.
  • Keeping water level above beans during cooking to prevent burning.
  • Not adding salt or fat during bulk cooking to keep beans versatile.

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot Instant Pot lid.
  • Hot beans and steam can cause burns; allow steam to release fully before opening.
  • Sharp knives required for chopping onions and peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of beans and rice in Southern American cuisine?

A

Beans and rice have long been a staple in Southern kitchens, especially among low‑income families, because they are inexpensive, nutritious, and provide a complete protein when paired. Historically, they were a cornerstone of soul food and rural cooking, sustaining families through tough economic times.

cultural
Q

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

A

In the South, you’ll find red beans and rice in Louisiana, black-eyed peas with rice in Georgia, and cowboy beans (pinto beans with barbecue sauce) in Texas. Each variation reflects local ingredients and spice preferences.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve Italian white beans in Southern cooking?

A

While Italian white beans are not originally Southern, many Southern families serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice, topped with a drizzle of olive oil and grated Parmesan, making the dish hearty and familiar.

cultural
Q

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

A

Beans and rice are often served at potlucks, church gatherings, and family reunions because they can be made in large batches, are budget‑friendly, and feed crowds without much fuss.

cultural
Q

What makes beans and rice special or unique in Southern American cuisine?

A

The combination offers a complete protein, high fiber, and comforting flavors while being one of the most affordable meals. Its versatility lets cooks flavor it with everything from Creole spices to Mexican chilies.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making beans and rice using the SouthernFrugalMomma method?

A

Common errors include not rinsing beans thoroughly, letting beans dry out during cooking, adding salt too early (which can toughen beans), and freezing beans before they are completely cooled, which creates ice crystals.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use pressure cooking for beans instead of a slow cooker?

A

Pressure cooking reduces the active cooking time to about an hour while still yielding tender beans, whereas a slow cooker requires 6‑8 hours. This fits busy schedules and still produces beans that freeze well.

technical
Q

Can I make the Italian White Beans ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Store the cooked beans and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making the Chili Rice?

A

The rice should be fluffy and fully coated with a thick, reddish‑brown sauce. The beans should be plump and visible, and the dish should have a glossy sheen from the bean liquid.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Black Beans and Rice is done cooking?

A

When the rice is tender, the liquid is fully absorbed, and the beans are heated through. A quick taste of the rice should reveal no crunch, and the bottom of the pan may show a light golden crust.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel SouthernFrugalMomma specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel SouthernFrugalMomma focuses on budget‑friendly Southern cooking, meal‑prep strategies, and tips for feeding families on a tight budget while still delivering flavorful, home‑cooked meals.

channel
Q

How does the cooking philosophy of SouthernFrugalMomma differ from other Southern cooking channels?

A

SouthernFrugalMomma emphasizes extreme cost‑saving techniques—like bulk‑dry‑bean cooking, freezer‑bag portioning, and using pantry staples—while many other Southern channels focus more on indulgent or restaurant‑style dishes.

channel

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