Dress up your favorite Spanish rice by mixing in corn and black beans. Enhance the flavor with fresh cilantro and garnish with some fresh tomatoes for a delicious side. As my kids are getting older (2 have already moved out) big dinners are not as frequent as they used to be.
It’s not uncommon for my teenage boys to head out after school to hang out or study with friends and eat over at someone else’s house. My husband and I have found that we are dining alone at least once a week these days, so I’ve started looking at quick solutions to feed just him and I. I emphasize the word quick because as much as I love to cook, sometimes there just isn’t enough time in a day.
The fun folks at General Mills asked me to create a tasty pairing to Old El Paso Enchiladas that can be made in under 30 minutes. It didn’t take long for me to decide what was on the menu.
I love Spanish rice and it makes a great side dish all on its own, but making it from scratch is sometimes not as convenient as I would like. There are several different rice brands on the market now that offer a Spanish rice variety. I chose one of my favorites and paired it with just a few more ingredients to make a wonderful side dish to these enchiladas.
The fresh cilantro mixed into this rice really makes it pop and the beans add protein and other great nutrients. Corn is tasty of course, but it also adds a pretty element of color!
Hint: Before considering bean substitutions, read my article called Quick and Easy Bean Swaps.
This rice is easy to throw together and tastes great. Leftovers are marvelous too! Perfect for lunch the next day.
Prepare the Spanish rice. While it’s cooking, drain the corn and drain and rinse the black beans.
When the rice is done and still hot, mix in the beans and corn.
Add in some chopped cilantro and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Spanish Rice with Black Beans & Corn
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Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 7 ounce box Spanish rice
- 15 oz can black beans drained
- 15 oz can whole kernel corn
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp chopped tomato optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Spanish rice as box directs.
- While rice is cooking, drain the corn and drain and rinse the beans.
- When rice is done and still hot, stir in the corn and black beans. Add cilantro and ross. Serve!
- Garnish with additional cilantro and chopped tomato if desired.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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Vonda says
Love this dish. We always make to go with Fajitas,
Perfect pair!
Judy Bradfield says
HELLO MY NAME IS JUDY I MAKE A RICE DISHLIKE U HAVE ON HEAR BUT THERE IS NOW ONE IN. MY FAM THAT WOULD EAT THE ONE U MADE WE DO NOT PUT CARN BEANS IN IT
Gwen says
Just a suggestion with the rice cooking – anyone out there sub the juices from the veggies for the water it calls for? Learned that trick from mom many many years ago. Thanks for the recipe . Can’t wait to fix it – think I’ll make enough to share with daughter & her hubby.
Lisa Cahoon says
Great idea! I noticed the plate that you have it on, and I have the same dishes from my grandmother. Do you know anything about them?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Lisa. I’m afraid I don’t. I often grab single dishes from garage sales and thrift stores and that’s how I got this one.
Sandra :) says
I make Spanish rice frequently – our whole family loves it. I just bought 4 boxes of that flavour of Rice a Roni for our oldest son who is moving out this weekend – it’s something he can easily make for himself :D I’m definitely trying this version, though – I usually add hamburger and peppers to ours, but beans and corn sounds like a perfect combo as well … and very filling! Thanks for a great idea :)
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Sandra, I hope you like it!
Maria says
I could eat this for my whole meal!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Maria!
Kelly says
YUM! I love me some Mexican dishes… thanks for sharing, Amanda! xo
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Kelly!
Mique says
Yum! I cook with rice A LOT for dinner. I’ll definitely be giving this recipe a try. Thanks Amanda!
Amanda Formaro says
It’s so simple, thanks Mique!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
Love this idea Amanda! I totally agree that some days there’s just not enough time (or energy) to cook a full meal from scratch. I have no problem taking a shortcut – especially one as delicious as this!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks lana! it’s an easy way to dress up a meal :)
Doris Bartlett says
I can’t find my crab soup recipe do you have one?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Doris. I’m sorry but I don’t have a crab soup recipe. Hope you find one!