10 Meats that Go Well with Black Beans and Rice

If you’ve been looking for some new ways to spice up your black beans and rice, you’ve come to the right place.

The thing is, whenever you’re making black beans and rice, it’s important to consider the meat.

The right type of meat can make all the difference in your dish.

So, what meat goes with black beans and rice?

The best meat to go with black beans and rice is chicken. Chicken is a great source of protein, which will help you feel fuller longer, and it’s also low in fat and carbs.

If you’re looking for something other than chicken, try turkey or beef. Both offer similar benefits as chicken but have a different flavor profile.

Below, I’m going to share 10 different meats that pair well with black beans and rice.

After reading this post, you’ll know exactly what meats to look for in the grocery store or butcher shop.

10 Meats that Go Well with Black Beans and Rice

Here are 10 types of meat that go great with black beans and rice:

1. Beef

One of the most popular meats to use in a black bean and rice dish is beef.

This works great because beef is so full-flavored and hearty—it pairs well with all sorts of spices and flavors, including garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, and more!

2. Pork

Pork pairs great with black beans (see also these canned black beans recipes) and rice because it has a milder flavor than beef or chicken—which means it won’t overpower the other ingredients in your dish!

That makes pork perfect for pairing with other spicy ingredients like paprika and cumin.

3. Bacon

Bacon goes great with black beans and rice because it adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

If you’re looking for something spicy, try adding hot sauce or chilies to give your dish an extra kick!

You can also use bacon grease as a substitute for vegetable oil when frying your onions and peppers.

4. Chicken

Chicken is one of the most versatile forms of meat.

It’s good with just about anything!

Chicken works well when paired with black beans and rice because it adds a lot of protein to your dish without taking away from the flavor of the other ingredients.

5. Sausage Links

Sausage links are a classic pairing with this dish because they provide texture as well as flavor—plus they look great on top of the dish!

Try adding some sliced jalapenos if you want to add some heat, or golemano cheese if you’re looking for something creamy.

6. Turkey

Turkey is one of the most versatile meats out there—it’s lean, healthy, and tastes great!

You can use turkey in virtually any recipe, so it’s a great option for an everyday cook.

When paired with black beans and rice, turkey has a subtle flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.

If you want something more traditional, try roasting your turkey breast until it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside—then slice it up and top your bowl of black beans and rice with this delicious meaty treat!

But if you want something more unconventional (and delicious!), try making fajitas out of your turkey breast instead!

Just slice up some peppers into strips and toss them on the grill alongside your turkey slices; once they’re charred just right, add them both into a tortilla shell along with some sour cream or guacamole for an unforgettable fajita experience!

7. Steak

Steak is another great choice for black beans and rice because it’s easy to cook quickly on the stovetop—just season it with salt and pepper before pan-frying until medium-rare (or however done you like it).

It’s also a great source of protein if you’re trying to get more protein into your diet by eating less red meat while still enjoying its rich flavor.

8. Lamb chops

Lamb has a bolder flavor than most other meats, so it’s perfect for those who like to get a little adventurous when they eat.

It goes well with the earthy taste of black beans and rice.

1. To get started, you’ll need about four pounds of lamb shoulder chops. You can buy these from your local grocery store or butcher shop, or you can ask your butcher to cut them up into smaller pieces if preferred.
2. Then all you have to do is put them in a slow cooker on low heat overnight with some spices and vegetables!

9. Fish

Fish is a great option for adding some protein to your meal.

It’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Try to find wild-caught fish that has been sustainably harvested if possible.

Some great choices for black bean and rice include salmon, cod, tilapia, tuna, trout, mackerel and mahi-mahi.

10. Seafood

Seafood is another excellent choice for adding flavor to your black bean and rice dish.

Shrimp are one of the most popular seafood options when cooking with black beans because they cook quickly and have a light flavor that doesn’t overpower other ingredients in the dish like crabmeat might do!

Scallops have an elegant taste that lends itself well to this type of dish because they’re mild enough not to overpower the other flavors, but still add a lot of depth to the mix.

If you want to go for something more exotic, mussels are another option worth considering.

They have a meaty texture that pairs perfectly with creamy black beans, and their mild flavor won’t compete with anything else you decide to put in your bowl!

Tips for Meat-Cooking with Black Beans and Rice

Black beans and rice is a great way to get a hearty meal on the table with minimal effort.

It’s also a great way to use up leftovers, so if you’re looking for some ideas on how to do it right, consider these tips:

1. Pick Your Protein Wisely

Black bean and rice dishes can be made with any kind of protein, but it’s important that your choice goes well with the rest of the ingredients in the dish.

For example, if you’re using tomatoes or bell peppers in your dish, consider pairing them with a grilled chicken breast or pork chop instead of ground beef or sausage.

2. Use Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs are delicious and add tons of flavor to any dish—and they’re really easy to grow right in your own backyard! If you don’t have access to fresh herbs, try using dried ones instead (but remember that they’ll need to be rehydrated first).

I love cilantro and parsley as garnishes for black bean and rice dishes because they go so well with cumin and chili powder.

3. Don’t Forget About Seasonings

In addition to adding flavor through herbs and spices like cumin and oregano, don’t forget about salt!

You’ll want to add enough seasoning at the beginning of cooking so that it gets evenly distributed throughout your dish.

But don’t go overboard: too much salt will leave you with bland food—and nobody likes bland food!

4. Try to Add Cheese

Cheese is always a good idea when cooking black beans and rice—it helps add creaminess and flavor without adding too much fat (and since most cheese is made from milk, it’s actually quite healthy).

Some good options include feta or Cotija.

5. Add Some Color With Bell Peppers or Tomatoes

You’ll want to add some color to your black beans and rice dish by using bell peppers or tomatoes—and don’t be afraid of mixing them up!

Try pairing green bell peppers with red tomatoes for an eye-catching presentation that will make your dinner guests feel like royalty when they eat it!

6. Swap Out Rice For Quinoa or Corn Tortillas To Make it Lower-Carb

If you want to make your black bean and rice dish more nutritious and lower-carb at the same time, consider swapping out some of that white rice for quinoa or corn tortillas!

This switch also makes it easier to make your dish gluten-free if you need it.