Instant Pot Arroz Con Habichuelas / Puerto Rican Rice and Beans

If you have been looking for a delicious, flavorful Hispanic-style dish in your Instant Pot, look no further! Arroz con Habichuelas is the perfect solution. This savory combination of rice, beans, and spices combines traditional Latin flavors with the ease of modern convenience. 

This simple yet delicious recipe only takes 25 minutes to make! The easy prep time allows you to enjoy the meal with family and friends more. Plus, since it cooks in just one pot, there's less mess to clean up afterward – making it ideal for busy families or those short on kitchen space. 

Ingredients needed:

The ingredients for cooking Instant Pot Arroz Con Habichuelas or Puerto Rican Rice and Beans that the whole family will enjoy are listed below. Please scroll down to view our printable recipe card with detailed steps and measurements.

• White rice
• Sofrito
• Red beans
• Sazon: You can make your own
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Olives
• Salt and pepper: To taste

How to cook Instant Pot Arroz Con Habichuelas or Puerto Rican Rice and Beans from scratch? 

1. Saute the ingredients: Hit the Sauté button and add olive oil, sofrito, olives, tomato sauce, sazon, and diced tomatoes and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until everything is blended. Then add the beans and sauté for another minute or two. Also, add the chicken broth and rice and stir. After that, hit Cancel Sauté.
2. Cook the rice: Hit the Rice button for 12 minutes. New Instant Pot, all you have to press is the Rice button, which automatically cooks the rice for you. Finally, serve.

How to serve:

A freshly prepared salad is a great choice with Instant Pot Arroz Con Habichuelas. A simple combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing perfectly accompanies the rice and bean dish. The crunchy vegetables will help cut through the richness of the beans and balance out the flavors. 

Plantains are also often found in Puerto Rican cuisine, so adding them as a side dish adds even more Caribbean flair to your meal. 

Enjoy a side of meat, such as pernil, chuletas fritas and pollo frito.

Frequently asked questions

What is arroz con Habichuelas made of?

Arroz con Habichuelas consists of rice, beans, tomato sauce, sofrito, spices, and olives. The combination of these ingredients produces a unique flavor that is savored by many. 

This classic dish includes bacon, ham, or sausage to add a smoky flavor. Onions, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro can be added for extra flavor as well as lard or olive oil for moisture. Spices such as oregano, cumin, and bay leaves complete the recipe giving the dish its distinct aroma and taste. 

What does arroz con habichuela mean?

Arroz con habichuela is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that translates to “rice with beans.” It consists of rice cooked with red or pink beans, ham or bacon, sofrito (a mixture of herbs and spices), tomato sauce, and seasonings. It's usually served as a side dish but can also be served as a main course.

What country is Arroz con Habichuelas from?

Arroz con Habichuelas is a highly popular dish from Latin America that has spread globally. The exact origins of arroz con habichuelas are unknown, though they likely come from the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, as both countries make up a large part of the Caribbean food culture. The combination of rice and beans has been present in these regions since pre-Columbian times when indigenous people would cook them together as one filling dish.

How to store leftovers:

To store leftover arroz con habichuela and keep them fresh and flavorful, ensure they are completely cool before placing them into the containers. Store both components separately in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

When ready to enjoy your leftover arroz con habichuela, place the cooked rice and beans into a pot and heat them over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and add a splash of broth or water if needed.

Recipe tips: 

One of the most important parts of making an excellent arroz con habichuela is choosing your ingredients wisely. Start off by selecting the best type of rice for your dish; long-grain white rice works best due to its light texture and lack of stickiness when cooked. Selecting high-quality dried beans will also give you a more flavorful dish as they tend to be more flavorful than canned varieties.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Arroz con Gandules Instant Pot Recipe
• Instant Pot Carne Guisada / Puerto Rican Beef Stew Recipe
• Instant Pot Spanish Rice with Chicken / Arroz Junto con Pollo