Looking for a healthy, hands-off meal packed with flavor and nutrients? This Rice Cooker Black Bean and Brown Rice recipe is a weeknight game-changer. It’s vegan, budget-friendly, and requires just one appliance—your rice cooker! Whether your meal-prepping or need a quick family dinner, this dish checks all the boxes.
I am not a big fan of brown rice. I prefer white rice in everything, but I have to switch to brown rice per the doctor’s advice. I am not sure if adding all of the spices and salt will be the doctor’s approval, but boy, this Rice Cooker Black Bean and Brown Rice Recipe took the cake for me. This has been the recipe I have been using since my family loves it too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-pot meal – Easy cleanup
- ✅ High-protein – Thanks to black beans and brown rice
- ✅ Great for meal prep – Keeps well for up to 5 days
- ✅ Customizable – Add veggies, spices, or proteins
Ingredients
Rice Cooker Black Bean and Brown rice Recipe Easy and Filling It is seasoned with garlic and onion powder and sesame oil are added to make it tastier. Add all the ingredients and let the rice cooker do its magic.
- Black beans
- Brown rice
- Water
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Rinse the brown rice under cold water.
- Add to Rice Cooker: Add the rice, black beans, water, toasted sesame oil, onion and garlic powder and salt to your rice cooker. Stir to combine.
- Set It and Forget It: Close the lid and start your rice cooker using the “brown rice” setting if available. If not, the regular “cook” setting works fine (just check around the 40-minute mark).
- Check and Fluff: Once the rice cooker finishes, let it sit for 10 minutes. Then open, fluff with a fork, and stir in any optional veggies or herbs.
- Serve and Enjoy: Top with avocado, hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor!
CAN YOU COOK BROWN RICE IN A RICE COOKER?
There ae different types of rice cooker and some settings have “brown rice” setting in it; so you can just push that button and let the rice cooker do the cooking. If your rice cooker doesn’t have the brown rice setting, just add 4 cups of water per 2 cups of brown rice. Note that this has extra water, to accommodate the black beans too. If you are not adding beans, add 3 cups water for 1 cup of rice.
COOKING BROWN RICE STOVETOP
When I was in the Philippines, we did not have a rice cooker at all, so we cook our rice stovetop. And it did not even occur to me to measure the water using cups.
I was just taught to measure the water using my finger.
I was actually surprised that after 23 years of marriage, I saw my husband last month, using cup to measure the water. 🙂 There is still so much to learn from a spouse.
But to make sure, when you are cooking Brown Rice stovetop:
1 cup of rice plus 4 cups water —- NOTE THAT YOU STILL HAVE TO WATCH IT
Make sure that you cook the rice in medium-low
When the brown rice is dry and the grains are still not cooked, set fire to low and add 1/4 cup water. Add more if needed.
Pro Tips
- Use Canned Bean or precooked beans as they are easily cooked with the brown rice
- Add a kick: Try jalapeños or chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Bulk it up: Add greens like spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in meal-size portions for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of water.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead?
Yes, but reduce the liquid to 2 cups and adjust cooking time (white rice cooks faster).
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just double-check that your broth and spices are certified gluten-free.
Can I add meat?
Totally. Shredded chicken, ground turkey, or sausage work well—just pre-cook and stir in at the end.
Final Thoughts
This Rice Cooker Black Bean and Brown Rice recipe is proof that healthy doesn’t have to be hard. It’s the perfect combo of ease, flavor, and nourishment. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just trying to eat more plants—this one’s a keeper.
FOR CHEAPER AND BUDGET-FRIENDLY MEALS:
- Chicken Leg Oven Bake
- Budget-Friendly Meal Plan # 1
- Homemade chicken Gyros
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Velveeta Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
FOR MORE RICE RECIPE:
Rice Cooker Black Bean and Brown Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans
- 2 cups brown rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Put rice in the rice cooker and wash twice. Drain water and add in 4 cups of water.
- Drain liquid from the beans and add with the rice.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix to distribute the beans in the bowl.
- Put bowl in the rice cooker and close.
- Push the brown rice setting and let cook.
WHEN COOKING THE BROWN RICE AND BEANS STOVE TOP:
- Place the rice in a big pot and follow the instruction above. Make sure that you cook the rice in medium low. Add let cook for 45 minutes. Start checking 35 minutes.
- When the brown rice is dry and water fully absorb, and the grains are still not cook, set fire to low and add 1/4 cup water. Fluff rice using spoon and add more water if needed.
Welcome!
Hi, my name is Shobee. Welcome to The Skinny Pot, where we cook Easy Recipes from the available ingredients from our pantry and fridge! We’re your go-to source for simple and delicious recipes that make the most of what you already have at home. Talk about the pantry challenge. Read more...
Shobelyn Dayrit says
Hi! I used measuring cups.
Christi says
Is this measuring cups or rice cups?
Shobelyn Dayrit says
Thank you!
Anonymous says
The best rice and beans recipe I’ve come across! This is my new go-to site.