Rice and Beans Using Shelf-Stable Ingredients

Are you looking to get the most out of your emergency food storage? This recipe takes the classic rice and beans combo so far beyond boring that you might actually look forward to the day when it’s all you have left in the pantry! Here’s how to make Rice and Beans with a Bam, including suggestions for using 100% shelf-stable ingredients.

I came across this recipe for rice and beans in a recipe exchange over at Lucianne.com. I wish I knew who posted it because I’d love to thank them personally. Pay attention to the various spices and herbs used. They’re the key to the recipe, and a good reminder that part of our food storage needs to be a variety of spices and herbs. Enjoy!

Rice and Beans With a Bam!

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp dried coriander
• ¼ tsp ground red pepper
• 1-15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 3-4 cups cooked, hot long-grain rice
• 1 oz. or more cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oil in non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper, and cook five minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Add garlic and cook one minute more.
4. Add water and remaining ingredients, except for the rice and cheese. Bring to a boil.
5. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer ten minutes or until thoroughly heated.
6. Serve rice on plates and top with the bean mixture and cheese

Tips for Swapping Ingredients

• Swap the olive oil for ghee. Unopened, store-bought ghee in a jar can be good for months past the expiration date when properly stored. Once opened, it’s still good for about six months.
• Use dehydrated or freeze-dried onion; they’re also a great space-saving alternative.
• Dehydrated bell peppers are also space-savers and one of my favorite things to dehydrate. However, you can also buy commercially freeze-dried bell peppers.
• Garlic powder is a good alternative to fresh garlic. Or keep small jars of minced garlic in your pantry. They must be stored in the refrigerator after opening, but I find I go through the small ones rather quickly.
• Dried black beans are a great long-term storage option, though cook time will increase. To cut down on the cook time, you could try “instant black beans.” Read my review of Thrive Life Instant Black Beans.
• Consider pre-cooked rice packets for a no-cook option. Converted/parboiled rick is another possibility, however it takes more time to cook than white rice, although less time than brown rice. Here’s why parboiled rice is the best long-term storage option for rice.
• Freeze-dried cheese! Freeze-dried cheese! Freeze-dried cheese! Can you tell I’m a fan? I always have some of ThriveLife three varieties of cheese on hand. It’s super handy! Here’s my review of freeze-dried cheddar cheese with a video of me using it. For a vegan option, substitute with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Or even if you’re not vegan. Read this post for reasons to add nutritional yeast to your pantry; popcorn, anyone?

Why This Recipe is Perfect For Your Pantry

• Shelf-stable ingredients: This recipe relies on pantry staples you can easily store long-term. No fresh produce needed!
• Flavor boost: Spices and herbs are key to making this dish exciting. Remember, a well-stocked spice cabinet adds tons of variety to emergency meals.
• Customizable: Easily switch things up by adding canned or freeze-dried vegetables, canned diced tomatoes, freeze-dried meats or even a can of tuna or chicken for extra protein. Experiment with different types of beans like kidney beans or pinto beans to change up the flavor.

Print the Recipe Card

Rice and Beans with Bam!

Take simple black beans and rice so far beyond boring that you might actually look forward to the day when it’s all you have left in the pantry! Incredibly, my kids love this recipe, and I always double it.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground red pepper
• 15 oz black beans rinsed and drained
• 3-4 cups long-grain rice cooked
• 1 oz cheddar cheese or more

• Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

• Add onion and bell pepper (or dehydrated versions) and cook for five minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally.

• Add garlic (or garlic powder) and cook for one minute more.

• Add water and all remaining ingredients except the rice and cheese. Bring to a boil.

• Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for ten minutes or until thoroughly heated.

• Serve rice on plates and top with the bean mixture and cheese (or nutritional yeast).

Double the recipe: This dish reheats well, so consider making a larger batch for leftovers.
Get creative: This recipe is a great base to build on. Leftover cooked vegetables, canned diced tomatoes, or even a can of tuna can be added to the simmering bean mixture for additional flavor and protein.

Related Food Storage Content

Create a 30-Day Emergency Food Supply FAST!

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Join me, Lisa Bedford, The Survival Mom, for the Quick & Ready Pantry workshop and learn how to build a 30-day emergency food pantry using affordable, shelf-stable canned goods. Get instant access to her expert guidance, including:

• A comprehensive 30-day checklist inventory
• A spreadsheet for calculating food costs
• Simple meal ideas using canned food
• Checklists for spices and herbs

Start building your emergency food pantry today and feel confident about your family’s preparedness.

Final Thoughts

This recipe offers a delicious and versatile way to use your emergency food storage. The combination of spices and herbs adds a depth of flavor that makes it a satisfying meal. I hope you enjoy this recipe and encourage you to share your thoughts and variations in the comments below. Let’s continue to inspire each other with creative ways to use our emergency supplies!