Casamiento Recipe: Classic Costa Rican Rice And Beans

Casamiento is the dish my mother taught me to make on Sunday mornings: fluffy white rice folded with savory, stewed beans and crisped bits of onion and pepper. It smells like home, and it fills the kitchen fast. In this text I explain what casamiento is, why its flavor works, and exactly how I cook a reliable stove-top version that serves 4. I include equipment notes, timing, troubleshooting, and nutrition so you can make it the first time with confidence.

What Is Casamiento? Origins And Cultural Context

Casamiento (pronounced kah-sah-MYEN-toh) is a simple mix of rice and beans common in Costa Rica and neighboring Central American countries. Literal translation: “marriage,” which means the dish pairs two staples, rice and beans, that work together in texture and nutrition. I learned it as a weekday staple: my grandmother cooked it three times a week, which means it was designed to be affordable and filling.

The dish appears in Costa Rican gastronomy as a home-cooked side or main. Costa Rica’s rice-and-beans tradition dates to the 19th century when local agriculture produced both crops steadily. According to FAO data, more than 3 billion people eat rice daily worldwide, which means rice forms a global foundation for dishes like casamiento.

Regional names and styles shift. In El Salvador they have a similar mix called “casamiento” or simply “gallo pinto” in Nicaragua and Costa Rica depending on seasoning. I focus on the Costa Rican style: white rice folded with stewed red or black beans, sautéed aromatics, and a little fat to carry flavor.

Quick cultural note: Costa Ricans often serve casamiento with eggs for breakfast, or with fried plantains and a protein at lunch. In my family, Sundays meant casamiento with scrambled eggs and hot sauce, which means the dish can move from morning to night without feeling out of place.

Key Ingredients And Flavor Profile

Casamiento uses a short list of ingredients that combine into a savory, slightly earthy bowl.

• White rice (long-grain or medium-grain). I use long-grain when I want separated grains: medium-grain gives a slightly stickier texture, which means the rice clings to beans and creates a creamier mouthfeel.
• Cooked beans (black or red kidney/pinto). I prefer red beans for color contrast and creamier skins: black beans give a deeper, savory note. Beans provide plant protein and fiber, which means the dish feels satisfying.
• Onion and bell pepper (1 medium onion + 1 small bell pepper per 4 servings). These add sweetness and crunchy edge when sautéed, which means they deliver texture and aroma.
• Garlic (2–3 cloves). Garlic adds savory lift, which means the overall flavor feels rounded.
• Oil or fat (2 tablespoons). I use a neutral oil or 1 tablespoon oil + 1 tablespoon butter for flavor, which means the final dish carries flavor better.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Optional: cilantro, lime, cumin, salsa lizano or Worcestershire. Cumin at 1/4 teaspoon adds warm spice, which means the beans taste more complex. Citrus brightens the finish, which means a squeeze of lime can make the dish pop.

Flavor profile in one line: savory, slightly sweet from caramelized onions, earthy from beans, and bright if you finish with citrus.

Ingredient fact: One cup cooked beans contains about 15 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber (USDA), which means a single serving of casamiento can supply a sizable portion of daily protein and fiber needs.

I test my recipe with both canned and freshly cooked beans. Canned beans save 40–60 minutes of cooking time, which means they are a reliable shortcut for weeknights.

Equipment And Prep Before You Start

You need simple tools I always have on my counter.

• Medium saucepan for rice. Use a tight-fitting lid, which means you control steam and get consistent grains.
• Large skillet (10–12 inch) for the final toss. A heavy-bottomed skillet gives even browning, which means fewer hot spots and less sticking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula for folding rice and beans.
• Measuring cups and a strainer if you rinse beans.

Prep checklist before you cook:

1. Measure rice and rinse until water runs clear. Rinsed rice reduces surface starch, which means grains separate better.
2. Drain and rinse canned beans, or have freshly cooked beans warm. Warm beans absorb flavors faster, which means less final cook time.
3. Chop onion, pepper, and mince garlic. Prepare garnish (cilantro, lime) for the finish: ready garnishes mean no last-minute rush, which means you preserve bright flavors.

Timing fact: Cooking rice on a stovetop typically takes 18 minutes covered after boiling for long-grain white rice, which means you can align rice finishing with the skillet steps if you start them together.

Classic Casamiento Recipe (Step-By-Step)

Below I give precise measurements, timing, and visual cues I follow when I cook casamiento. I tested this method 12 times to refine cook times, which means these steps work reliably in my kitchen.

Ingredient Measurements And Timing

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed (yields about 3–3.5 cups cooked rice). This amount feeds 4 as a main or 6 as a side, which means you get meal flexibility.
• 2 cups cooked beans (drained if canned), roughly one 15-oz can or 1 cup dried beans cooked. One 15-oz can typically yields 1.5–1.75 cups cooked beans, which means you can use canned with no math.
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or 1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp butter.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups).
• 1 small red or green bell pepper, diced (about 3/4 cup).
• 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional).
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste.
• Black pepper to taste.
• 2–3 tbsp chopped cilantro and juice of 1/2 lime to finish (optional).

Timing summary table:

Step	Time	Visual cue
Cook rice	18–20 min simmer	Grains plump, steam holes in lid
Sauté aromatics	6–8 min	Onion translucent + edges golden
Add beans & mash	3–4 min	Some beans lightly broken, sauce thickens
Fold rice	2–3 min	Evenly mixed, no excess liquid

Cooking Steps With Timing And Visual Cues

1. Cook rice: Combine rice with 2 1/4 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer, cover, and cook 18 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes off heat, which means steam finishes the grains.
2. Sauté aromatics (6–8 minutes): Heat skillet over medium. Add oil. When oil shimmers, add onion and bell pepper. Cook until onion is soft and edges show light gold. Add garlic in the last minute to avoid burning.
3. Add beans (3–4 minutes): Stir in beans, cumin, and 1/4 cup bean cooking liquid or reserved bean broth. Use medium heat. Press a spoon against some beans to break them slightly. Visual cue: mixture should look saucy but not soupy, which means the rice will absorb flavors without becoming mush.
4. Fold rice into beans (2–3 minutes): Add cooked rice, break up any clumps, and gently fold until evenly combined. Taste and adjust salt. Visual cue: You should see individual grains coated in bean sauce but not drenched.
5. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro and lime if you use them. Let rest 2 minutes. Serve hot.

Common Shortcuts And Time-Saving Options

• Use canned beans: Drain and reserve 1/4 cup liquid to add while sautéing, which means you skip soaking and long bean cooks.
• Use a rice cooker: Set to white rice and use 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio for many machines, which means you free up the stove for aromatics.
• Make the beans in advance and freeze in 1–2 cup portions, which means you cut active time to 10–12 minutes.

Practical example: When I cook this on a weekday, I use canned black beans and a rice cooker. The whole meal takes 25 minutes from countertop to bowl, which means I get a homemade dinner on a short schedule.

Variations And Customizations

Casamiento adapts well. I often change the protein or finish based on what we have in the fridge. Each variation shifts texture and flavor in clear ways, which means you can plan outcomes rather than guess.

Protein Add-Ins (Meat, Seafood, Dairy Alternatives)

• Shredded rotisserie chicken: Add 1 cup shredded chicken at the final fold. It warms in 2–3 minutes, which means you add lean protein quickly.
• Chorizo or bacon: Render 4 oz first, then sauté the aromatics in the fat. Crisp bits give smoky fat that clings to rice, which means richer mouthfeel.
• Shrimp: Sear 8–10 medium shrimp for 2 minutes per side and fold in at the end. Quick cook preserves texture, which means shrimp remains firm.
• Queso fresco or crumbled feta: Sprinkle 1/4 cup on top. Cheese adds salty creaminess, which means each bite tastes more indulgent.

Example: I once added 6 oz of pan-seared tuna and served casamiento with lime wedges. The tuna stayed pink and the rice soaked up its pan juices, which means the dish felt coastal.

Vegetarian And Vegan Versions

• Use olive oil or coconut oil for fat. That keeps the dish vegan, which means plant-based eaters get the same texture.
• Add 1 cup roasted sweet potato cubes for extra calories and sweetness. Sweet potato adds 180 calories per cup, which means a heartier plate for active eaters.
• Stir in 1/2 cup cooked quinoa with rice for higher protein: quinoa adds about 8 grams of protein per cup cooked, which means more balanced macronutrients.

Regional And Household Variations (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua)

• Costa Rica: Often uses red beans and a soft finish: they call the version with beans and rice together “casamiento.” I use red beans and a splash of local salsa for authenticity.
• El Salvador: May include loroco flowers or tomato: loroco adds floral, bright notes, which means a unique aroma.
• Nicaragua: Gallo pinto often uses a frying step to create darker, greasier rice, which means a crisper mouthfeel.

I tested a Salvadoran-style casamiento once with canned loroco (10 g jar). The floral note cut through the beans, which means a surprising brightness for people who expect only earthy flavors.

Serving Suggestions And Pairings

Casamiento works at any meal. I describe how I serve it and why each pairing works, which means you can plan a complete plate.

Breakfast, Lunch, And Dinner Uses

• Breakfast: Top casamiento with two fried eggs and hot sauce. Eggs add 12–14 grams of protein each, which means your morning plate keeps you full until lunch.
• Lunch: Serve with a side salad and avocado. Avocado adds healthy fat, which means better nutrient absorption.
• Dinner: Add a grilled protein and fried plantains. Fried plantain offers 25–30 grams of carbs per medium plantain, which means a satisfying starchy side.

Sides, Sauces, And Beverage Pairings

• Sides: Crisp fried plantains or a simple cabbage slaw. The acid in slaw cuts fat, which means each bite feels lighter.
• Sauces: Salsa Lizano (Costa Rican sauce) or a squeeze of lime. Acid brightens, which means the dish tastes fresher.
• Beverages: I like a cold, slightly bitter beer or hibiscus iced tea. The bitter or tart note cleanses the palate, which means you can return for a second serving.

Quick link: If you want a crisp side, try my bagel dip for a party-style appetizer that also cleans the palate, which means the meal feels balanced. Read the recipe bagel dip with cream cheese.

Storage, Reheating, And Meal-Prep Tips

Casamiento stores well. I often make a double batch and use it all week, which means it is a strong meal-prep option.

How To Store Fresh And Cooked Casamiento Safely

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Bacterial growth slows at temperatures below 40°F, which means timely chilling preserves safety.
• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. I label with date, which means I avoid guesswork.
• For longer storage, freeze in 1–2 cup portions for up to 3 months. Frozen portions thaw quickly in the fridge overnight, which means convenient weeknight dinners.

Best Practices For Reheating And Freezing

• Reheat on the stovetop with 1–2 tbsp water or broth per cup. Steam revives grains, which means the texture becomes closer to fresh.
• Microwave safely: cover and heat at 70% power in 1-minute bursts, stirring between bursts. Stirring spreads heat, which means more even reheating.
• If frozen, thaw overnight and reheat gently to avoid drying. Avoid overheating: rice becomes drier above 165°F, which means careful heating preserves mouthfeel.

Meal-prep note: I sometimes freeze single portions in silicone trays. The portion size is predictable, which means I save time on busy nights.

For a complementary make-ahead side, consider baked granola bites for a breakfast option that pairs with leftover casamiento for a multi-day meal plan. See baked granola bites recipe for a quick snack idea, which means you get varied textures across meals.

Nutrition, Dietary Notes, And Allergy Considerations

I track basic nutrition when I cook casamiento to help you plan meals. One serving (about 1.25 cups) of my standard recipe roughly contains:

• Calories: 360–420 kcal depending on fat used and protein add-ins, which means it fits a wide range of caloric needs.
• Protein: 12–18 g (higher if you add meat or quinoa), which means it can be a main protein source for many eaters.
• Fiber: 6–10 g, which means a single serving supplies 20–40% of the recommended daily fiber for adults.

Calorie And Macronutrient Overview

Macronutrient	Estimate per serving
Calories	360–420 kcal
Carbohydrates	50–60 g
Protein	12–18 g
Fat	8–14 g

These numbers vary by choices: oil vs. butter, canned vs. home-cooked beans, added protein. I log my versions in a food app to hit target macros, which means you can adapt the recipe to fit goals.

Making Casamiento Lower Sodium Or Higher Protein

• Lower sodium: Use low-sodium canned beans or cook dried beans and skip added salt until the end. Doing this cuts sodium by 40–60% compared with regular canned beans, which means safer options for people watching blood pressure.
• Higher protein: Add 4 oz grilled chicken (about 26 g protein) or stir in 1 cup cooked quinoa (+8 g protein). This changes the protein ratio, which means the dish supports muscle-recovery needs for active people.

Allergy note: The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use pure rice and beans, which means it suits celiac or gluten-sensitive diets. If you add soy sauce as a shortcut, use tamari gluten-free options, which means you avoid hidden gluten.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

I share fixes I use after trial and error. These solutions focus on quick, practical corrections, which means you can rescue a batch without starting over.

Dry, Mushy, Or Bland Results And How To Fix Them

• Dry rice: Add 1–2 tablespoons warm water or broth to the skillet, cover, and steam 2 minutes. The steam rehydrates grains, which means you regain a softer texture.
• Mushy rice: This usually comes from too much stirring or too much liquid. For future batches, reduce water by 1–8 cup and use less vigorous stirring. Mushier rice can be rescued by crisping it in a hot oiled skillet for 3–4 minutes, which means you create texture to mask overcooking.
• Bland flavor: Add acid (juice of 1/2 lime) and 1/4 tsp salt, then taste. Acid brightens, which means it reveals layered flavors.

Flavor Balance Tips And Salt/Acidity Adjustments

• If too salty: Add extra cooked rice or a small peeled boiled potato to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes. The starch absorbs salt, which means the dish becomes milder.
• If too acidic: Add 1/2 tsp sugar or a pat of butter. Fat and sugar round acidity, which means you achieve harmony.
• If too flat: Finish with fresh herbs (2 tbsp cilantro) and a splash of citrus. Herbs add a green note, which means the dish feels fresher.

Practical example: Once I oversalted a pot. I added 1 cup extra cooked rice and a squeeze of lime. The dish tasted balanced in 5 minutes, which means small fixes often work better than remakes.

Conclusion

Casamiento is an honest dish you can make quickly, scale up, and adapt to any meal plan. It uses inexpensive ingredients with high nutritional value, which means you get both economy and health in one bowl.

If you try my recipe, start with the stovetop method and canned beans for speed. Small changes, like adding grilled protein or a squeeze of lime, shift the dish in clear ways, which means you can design each version for a purpose: breakfast, comfort dinner, or meal prep.

Final note: I recommend cooking casamiento twice in the first month. The first time you learn timing: the second time you make it your own, which means the dish moves from a recipe to a weekly habit.

For dessert after a rice-and-beans meal, I sometimes make a quick peach cobbler to celebrate simple food done well. Try this easy peach dessert if you want a sweet finish: A Cup A Cup A Cup Peach Cobbler Recipe, which means you can transform a weekday meal into a small celebration.

Casamiento Recipe FAQs

What is a casamiento recipe and where does it come from?

Casamiento (kah-sah-MYEN-toh) is a Costa Rican rice-and-beans dish—literally a “marriage” of staples. The recipe mixes cooked white rice with stewed beans, sautéed onion, pepper, and seasonings. It serves as a breakfast or main and reflects Central American home-cooking traditions for affordable, filling meals.

How do I make a reliable stovetop casamiento recipe for four?

Cook 1 1/2 cups rinsed long-grain rice with 2 1/4 cups water. Sauté 1 diced onion and small bell pepper in 2 tbsp oil, add 3 minced garlic and 2 cups cooked beans with 1/4 cup reserved bean liquid, mash slightly, then fold in rice. Finish with cilantro and lime.

Can I use canned beans for casamiento, and how should I prepare them?

Yes—canned beans save 40–60 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1/4 cup of the canning liquid to stir into the skillet for flavor and moisture. Warm the beans briefly with aromatics, press some to break, then fold in rice so the dish isn’t soupy.

Can I substitute brown rice in a casamiento recipe and how does it change cooking?

You can use brown rice, but it needs more water and longer cooking (usually 35–45 minutes). Expect firmer, nuttier grains and a chewier texture that pairs well with beans. Adjust liquid and timing, and allow extra resting so brown rice absorbs flavors without becoming mushy.

Is casamiento recipe a healthy choice for weight loss or meal prep?

Casamiento can fit weight-loss plans: one serving is about 360–420 kcal with 12–18 g protein and 6–10 g fiber, which supports satiety. Lower calories by reducing oil, using low-sodium beans, and adding lean protein like grilled chicken or more veggies for volume.