Can You Freeze Rice And Beans?

Last updated on August 19th, 2022 at 03:50 am

Rice and beans has many variations and it is simply what its name entails. The dish is made up of rice and beans along with whatever other ingredients you want to include. 

Rice and beans is one of those staple meals that you can customize for a healthy dinner. If this food is eaten a lot in your household then you may make a lot at one time. 

To store rice and beans for longer so it won’t go bad, can you freeze it?

You can freeze rice and beans for meals in the future. If you make a lot of the dish, then try freezing portions to save for later. Then, when you want to eat the rice and beans, just thaw, heat and enjoy!

It is helpful to cook meals in large batches and then freeze the leftovers. Freezing preserves the food so you can use it later without much effort. 

If you make too much food and don’t want it to go bad, freezing it can come in handy. Rice and beans are one of those meals that goes a long way and is easy to thaw and reheat to eat later. 

Whether you have leftovers or are making a large batch to save, there are a few steps to follow when freezing the dish. These tips will help keep the rice and beans good for weeks and even months.

The article,I Learned You Can Freeze Cooked Rice, and It’s Saved Me So Much Time, talks about freezing rice and beans and how it is simple and easy to do. they state, “..you’ll need to set aside a little time to cook a few batches in advance. But that time is virtually hands off. And you’ll need some room in the freezer. But again, not too much because these can be almost flat packages. Carve out a little time on a Sunday for this process and you’ll thank yourself for weeks to come.”

Does Cooked Rice And Beans Freeze Well?

Rice and beans makes for a good meal that is healthy for you and fills you up. You can customize what you add in to your rice and beans for a dish that tastes good. 

It is easy and simple to make and it can be frozen to use for meals later on. If you are wanting to freeze extra rice and beans but want it to taste good after being thawed and reheated, you are probably asking the question, does it freeze well?

Rice and beans that has been cooked does freeze well if it is stored properly. The dish can be frozen for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to eat the rice and beans, defrost and reheat them at the same time so the rice doesn’t become mushy and the dish tastes better.

If you thaw the rice and beans in your fridge, at room temperature, or even in cold water, the rice will become mushy and won’t taste good. So, the best way to defrost it is to do so at the same time that you reheat it. 

Put the frozen rice and beans into a pan, add a couple tablespoons of water and place it over low heat. Slowly stir the rice and beans until they are defrosted and heated all the way through. 

Or another method that is faster is to microwave the rice and beans with a glass of water to help the dish not lose moisture. Just make sure to check on it every minute and stir the rice and beans until it is reheated all the way. 

Now, you can have rice beans later by freezing them knowing that they will still taste good when it comes time to eat them.

What Is The Best Way To Freeze Cooked Rice And Beans?

Rice and beans contain a complete source of protein. They are a staple dish that tastes good and can be made in different ways. 

You can add so many things to rice and beans for a delicious meal. 

So, you made a large batch of the dish and decided to freeze it for later. You want it to stay as good as possible so you are wondering what the best way to freeze the cooked rice and beans is.

The best way to freeze cooked rice and beans is to properly portion and store the dish in freezer bags or freezer-safe airtight containers. By following the steps on how to freeze rice and beans, it will stay good for up to 6 months.

First, after cooking the rice and beans, let it cool down. This can take about half an hour and it may help to lay the dish out on a baking sheet or cool in the fridge. 

So the rice doesn’t stick to the baking sheet, you can run some water over it before placing the dish on it. Next, portion the rice and place in freezer bags or airtight freezer containers. Then, label the freezer bag or freezer container with what it is and the current date so you know when you put it into the freezer. 

Lastly, put the bag or containers of rice and beans in the freezer and save it for up to 6 months. If you have frozen them properly and tightly seal the bag or container they are in, the rice and beans will last for this amount of time. 

Remember that over time they will lose quality so it is best to use them up within this time. Freezing rice and beans will help you to save them for meals later on and they will still taste good.

Final Thoughts

The staple dish of rice and beans is enjoyed all over the world in a variety of ways. If you cook this dish at home and have leftovers or even if you like to make a lot of it at once, you can freeze it. 

Rice and beans can be frozen to use for future meals. By freezing rice and beans, you can preserve it and it will still taste good when it is time to eat it. 

The dish freezes well when it is stored in the freezer properly. Follow the simple steps mentioned in this article on how to correctly freeze rice and beans so you can enjoy them for meals in upcoming weeks and months.