20 Minute Rice & Beans!

The Easiest Pantry Dinner That Never Fails

You don’t need much to make something deeply satisfying. A pot of fluffy rice (we love jasmine) and a can of beans can carry you through any weeknight dinner dilemma. This is one of those meals that’s not just good for pantry cooking—it’s one you’ll actually crave.

At The Culinary Studio, we’re obsessed with jasmine rice. The fragrance, the texture, the way it plays so nicely with just about everything… it’s our go-to. Want to make it perfectly every time? Check out our Rice Blog →

And the beans? We’re all about La Costeña Whole Pinto Beans. So flavourful, so easy. DO NOT DRAIN & RINSE! There’s so much flavour in the aquafaba! You can find them right here on Amazon.

Simple Rice & Beans

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked jasmine rice

1 tbsp. neutral oil

1 onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

½ tsp. ground cumin

1 can La Costeña Whole Pinto Beans (do not drain)

Salt, to taste

Optional: lime wedges, avocado, cilantro, fried egg for topping

Method:

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.

Add diced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and lightly golden.

Stir in garlic and cumin; cook 1 more minute until fragrant.

Pour in the whole can of pinto beans (liquid and all). Stir and bring to a simmer. Add 1/2 cup of water or stock if you want the beans even saucier/soupier.

Let it bubble gently for 5–7 minutes, until thickened slightly. Taste and season with salt.

Spoon beans over warm jasmine rice and garnish with any extras you love.

That’s it. No fuss, no stress—just a comforting bowl of rice & beans that tastes way better than it should.

Cook With Us!

Like this recipe? You should try cooking with us! Start with an on-demand pre-recorded class, or jump in to the best experience with our live classes!

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William Natter

14:37 30 Apr 25

We have taken many classes over several years, and they never disappoint! Kristie & team always have great pointers and tricks to learn in the video. We love the Japanese burgers, and they are always a hit with guests. That's the thing: you make the recipe at home, it doesn't take a long time, and the result is so good that you want to make it again and again. Just try one, you'll see. 🙂

James Blashill

12:54 29 Apr 25

I had such a fantastic experience at the cooking class! My daughter and I had an amazing time — our Bao Buns and Crispy Chicken turned out delicious, and we learned so much throughout the session. It was a fun, inspiring, and rewarding evening. I can’t wait to come back for another class. Highly recommend!

ABM Janzen

12:00 26 Apr 25

Our virtual cooking class experience was top notch! Well organized, wonderfully communicated, and entertaining! A delicious outcome which boosted our confidence to try more challenging recipes in the future. Highly recommend!

lori letts

16:52 22 Apr 25

I have taken a few classes in the past - always find the products delicious, and I enjoy the challenge of trying to keep up 🙂

I subscribe the updates and get links to recipes - I recently made the Olive Oil Lemon cake. It turned out delicious – as you said in the description, very moist! My daughter has a birthday in strawberry season and typically she asks for strawberry shortcake with a traditional shortcake recipe… I served the lemon came this weekend with a bit of whipping cream and fresh strawberries (your picture was quite enticing) and her comment was that her birthday request this year would be to replace the traditional shortcake with this recipe!

Kat Garrod

15:06 12 Apr 25

I've taken several on-line cooking classes from The Culinary Studio and have really enjoyed each one. The recipes are delicious and the instructions are very well laid out. I always learn new cooking tips and skills.

Cyn Vavasour

17:52 07 Apr 25

It has been most likely a year and a half since I’ve made moussaka. Having the recording available was a godsend. So good and lots of leftovers! Having the recording is priceless!
I made Dan Dan noodles last month and again referred to the recording as it has been awhile. I was grateful for the reminders, tips and tricks. Not to mention, I love to cook with Kirstie and Jody. They make it so much fun!
Most of the meals I make are from your repertoire. I think I have close to 60!

Donna Turner

20:41 06 Mar 25

Love these ladies! Classes are easy to follow, informative, filled with all kinds of tricks & tips and best of all DELICIOUS!! This is our "night out" dining adventure that we can re-do & show off to our family & friends.

Linda Brodrecht

01:22 17 Feb 25

My husband and I joined the Valentine's Day Date Night cooking class. Very enjoyable experience full of informative tips and thorough explanations followed by a delectable meal. Thank you Kirstie & Jodie. We'll be back!

Jeff Eitel

00:48 31 Jan 25

Lots of fun and food turned out great.

John H

21:46 30 Jan 25

I recently did an online Lamb Briyani class. It used some cooking techniques I wasn't familiar with and produced a dish that was as tasty as the best Indian food I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.

R S

23:12 27 Jan 25

I have done a few classes with the Culinary Studio and always enjoy the classes and the fabulous meals. They deliver the food to my door all prepped for the class if I like (which I do!). Highly recommended.

Bruce White

01:16 24 Jan 25

We did a virtual zoom cooking class. It was better than cooking classes we have done in a actual class. We really enjoyed our ourselves. We have made the meal a couple of times since the class. We have friends over for the session and have great restaurant quality meals

Iain Peck

00:46 25 Nov 24

The Culinary Studio is an wonderful online chef duo!

You will learn delicious recipes taught in real time from start to end by two good friends who want nothing more than to teach you how to cook and and have fun doing it. Class presentation is practical and encouraging with one chef starting and one playing 'catch up' so you do not miss anything and no question will go unanswered!

The recipe with food pack is perfectly packaged and always arrives on time to make it easy so you do not have to shop!

Several recipes from the Culinary Studio are in our regular rotation!

Excited to keep cooking with you Kirstie and Jody!

Liana Kinzie

03:10 20 Nov 24

Online classes have allowed me the convenience to open my computer and learn in the comfort of my home and to do the class on my own schedule rather than missing out due to life's interruptions. Classes are paced well and the chef's are ready to answer your cooking questions even if they are unrelated to the class. I have used the recipes frequently in my day to day life and recently at an event where I overhead participants raving about the soup and cookies I had prepared, which were from Culinary Studio class recipes.

I was at the Studio for the very first class they held and I have continued to take classes for the past 13 years. While some things have changed over the years, the quality, knowledge and skills Jody and Kirstie bring to each class has not.The skills I learned through the their instruction have been used daily.

B Ellert

02:13 20 Nov 24

To Chefs Kirstie & Jody! My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed the recipes and techniques we have acquired by following your live sessions and on-demand courses available on your website. You have a casual and an informative style that is very appealing. Most importantly both of you thrive on good food and beverage as much as we do! Bravo - we hope your future includes many more years of teaching and developing new dishes. Thank you. 🙂

How to Serve It

Pile the rice in a bowl, spoon those glossy beans over top, and garnish with whatever you’ve got: a squeeze of lime, your favourite hot sauce (we LOVE Valentina’s!) a fried egg, chopped cilantro, grated cheese or a few slices of avocado.

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