Name: Arroz Mamposteao
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked white rice (use leftovers or make fresh ); 1 cup of Puerto Rican stewed red beans (use leftover beans or make a fresh batch (can also use a can of seasoned beans)); 1 green or red bell pepper (chopped); 1 small onion (chopped); 2-3 garlic cloves (finely minced); 4-5 slices of bacon (cooked and cut into small pieces); 2 tbsp soy sauce; handful fresh cilantro (rinsed and chopped (more for topping)); 2-3 scallions (rinsed and chopped (more for topping))

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Arroz Mamposteao is a beloved Puerto Rican rice dish that will soon become a favorite in your home! A delicious blend of white rice, stewed beans, bacon, onions, peppers, and spices that creates the most flavorful rice. Perfect side dish for pork chops, steak, and chicken.

On our beautiful island of Puerto Rico, rice is a staple and consumed at almost every meal. It is one of the staples that truly defines Puerto Rican cuisine.

With that said, we have countless rice dishes, but of them all, this rice dish is by far one of my favorites!of them all.

What is Arroz Mamposteao?

Mamposteao basically translates to “mixed.”

In this case, we take white rice and stewed beans and mix them together.

I like to refer to it as a sort of Puerto Rican “dirty rice” dish.

History

This iconic Puerto Rican rice dish originated from the need and want to make a different dish with leftover white rice and stewed beans that were made the night before.

47 Puerto Rican Recipes Free Guide Image

Arroz Mamposteao served on top of a plantain leaf with a side of tomato slices, mayoketchup and a pot of rice beside it all.

Different Types of Puerto Rican Rice

Puerto Rico has countless rice dishes, but of course, we always have our favorites.

Some of these include:

of course this rice dish!
Arroz Blanco (White Rice)
Arroz con Gandules (Pigeon Peas and Rice)
Puerto Rican Rice and Beans (Arroz con Habichuelas)
Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice (Arroz con Pollo)
Yellow Rice with Corn (Arroz Amarillo con Maiz)
Arroz con Mariscos (Seafood Rice)
Arroz con Camarones (Shrimp Rice)

How is Arroz Mamposteao Normally Prepared

Although it is common practice to use leftover rice and beans, this rice has become so popular throughout the island that restaurants will purposefully make white rice and stewed beans just to make Arroz Mamposteao for their patrons.

In addition, the rice is brought together with other ingredients such as chopped onions, peppers, garlic, bacon or ham and additional Puerto Rican spices.

The flavor and texture of the beans and rice are transformed into a different dish that is moist, creamy, and all kinds of delicious!

Must I Make Homemade Stewed Beans?

Luckily no!

Although it is preferred to use homemade stewed beans, it is not required!

Luckily for all of us, whenever we do not have leftover stewed beans or do not feel in the mood to make a fresh batch just to make this recipe, we can buy a pre-seasoned can of red beans.

You can usually find premade seasoned canned red beans in the Latin section of your supermarket.

Note: Below, in the recipe card, you will find our recipe for stewed beans (habichuelas guisadas) and a recipe for arroz blanco (white rice) for your convenience if you do not have any leftovers.

A close up of arroz mamposteao served on a plantain leaf.

Mamposteao Bowl

Keep in mind, that although the main components of this typical rice are rice and beans, all Puerto Rican homes and chefs have their own way of making it!

Some homes and restaurants add ripe plantain pieces that are mixed in, while others add yummy pieces of skirt or cube steak.

While others make this amazing concoction and simply serve it in a bowl.

Ingredients You Will Need

cooked white rice
cooked red beans
green or red pepper
red or white onions
garlic
fresh cilantro
scallions
soy sauce

How to Make Arroz Mamposteao

Cutting all the vegetables that will be included in the arroz mamposteao. Red, green peppers, onions and garlic on a wooden cutting board.

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it for a few minutes until golden and crispy.
Rinse and chop all the vegetables while the bacon is cooking.
Once the bacon is cooked, turn off stove and remove the bacon from the pan.
Drain the bacon on paper towels.
Drain some of the bacon grease out of the skillet but keep some in for flavor. About 2-3 tablespoons.

Add the peppers and onions to the skillet and saute until onions are translucent.
While the peppers and onions are cooking, chop the bacon into small pieces.

Add the chopped bacon, garlic and the scallions.
Add the soy sauce and stir.
Top with the beans.

Add the rice to the skillet.
Start mixing the rice with the beans.

Continue mixing the rice with the beans until all the rice grains are fully coated and all ingredients are well combined.
Top with the cilantro and stir well to combine.

For a creamy texture, cook the rice for about 10-15 minutes over medium heat stirring in between.
If you would like your rice slightly drier, cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Rice is done. Serve immediately.

What to Serve with Arroz Mamposteao

This amazing rice dish can be served all on its own or accompanied with a protein or salad.

Grilled steak, fried pork chops or chicken work well with this rice dish.

Avocado slices, garlic tostones (fried garlic plantains), platanos fritos (ripe plantains) tomato slices or tossed salad are also excellent ideas.

How to Store and Reheat

To store leftovers, simply place in a container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, add your desired serving to a bowl or plate and microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through.

If you would like to reheat on your stovetop, add your desired amount to a greased skillet or pan and cook over medium heat, stirring every 20 seconds until rice is heated through.