Latin-Inspired Beans for Babies & Toddlers (15 minutes only)

If you’re looking for more savory-style beans for babies packed with vegetables, this recipe is for you.

It’s Latin-inspired with the addition of Sazon as an ingredient. 

This easy beans recipe can be paired with rice for a heartier meal. 

It’s great for babies and toddlers of all ages. 

It was one of my go-to easy meals when my babies were doing baby-led weaning. 

I’ve been making it for the whole family ever since. 

Why I Love Making Red Beans For Babies

Easy to make

This recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make and 5 minutes to prep. 

It’s savory and delicious without too much hassle. 

A bonus is that I can make it with my toddler who loves to help in the kitchen. 

Great to pack in a lunch bag 

If you want a healthy lunch box meal that isn’t the usual sandwich recipe, then this is a great option. 

You won’t need to pack a side dish for these beans and rice because it is already a balanced diet.

It’s a complete and balanced diet 

This red bean and rice recipe contains protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, fat, and oils. 

That’s why I say that it’s a complete and balanced diet. 

This makes it a great meal to feed babies and toddlers. 

Important Recipe Notes on Beans for BLW

Use diced tomatoes and bell peppers 

This will make it easier for your baby and toddler to eat the vegetables.

You can also puree them for very young babies. 

Dicing the vegetables helps give them some texture so that kids can practice eating veggies in their normal form. 

Ingredients For Red Beans for Babies & toddlers 

Cilantro – gives the beans a distinct flavor. I suggest not skipping it in this recipe.

Tomatoes – you can dice them yourself from fresh tomatoes or used canned ones to make things quicker.

Bell peppers – use any color you prefer. I love using red bell peppers. 

Onion and garlic – add flavor to the dish. Use fresh ones for the best flavor.

Sazon – this is optional but adding it will make your beans taste great. Gives it a Puerto Rican flavor. 

Red beans – you can use small or large red beans or any other type of beans you prefer. I use red beans because it works the best with this recipe. 

Jump to Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Why Beans Are Good For Babies and Toddlers

Beans have a ton of nutrients that babies and toddlers need to grow. They contain fiber that aids in the digestion of food. 

Beans are also high in proteins, iron, and fiber which are needed for kids to grow (source).

What To Pair With Beans For Baby & Toddlers 

Serve with brown rice 

Brown rice is rich in B vitamins and is delicious when served with beans. 

Serve with hearty bread 

Another way I love serving beans to my baby and toddler is with a side of bread.

We love eating rye bread, pumpernickel, and whole grain bread because they’re much healthier.

How To Serve Beans For Baby-led Weaning

6-9 Months old

Babies between 6 and 9 months old can be served soft beans in a bowl for them to scoop with their hands.

To avoid frustration, serve them beans that aren’t too liquidy so that it’s easier to scoop. 

9-12 months old

Babies and toddlers between 9 and 12 months old can be fed beans using a preloaded spoon. 

This will help reduce frustration and allow them to feed themselves independently.

12-24 months and older

Toddlers older than 12 months can begin practicing using a spoon independently. If they become frustrated, allow them to use whatever feeding method they prefer. 

Cooking Directions For Baby-friendly Beans Recipe 

• Heat a medium-sized skillet on medium heat. Pour in the oil and let it heat up.
• Saute the onion, garlic, and cilantro until fragrant. 
• Add in the bell pepper, tomatoes, and Sazon. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes uncovered.
• Add the beans with their juices into the pan. Mix to combine all ingredients. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes or until the beans are soft enough. 
• Remove from the heat and serve!

Storage Tips for Baby-friendly Red Beans 

Can I refrigerate these red beans?

You can refrigerate these baby-friendly red beans for up to a week. 

I suggest storing it in the freezer if you won’t eat it all before the end of the week. 

Can I freeze beans for baby-led weaning?

You can freeze these beans for as long as you want. 

Place them in individually portioned containers so you can defrost what you need when you need it. 

Reheating BLW sweet potato tots For Baby

To reheat these beans, place them in the fridge to defrost overnight if frozen. Then heat in the microwave or a pan.

Related recipes 

• Timesaver Butternut Squash Risotto For Baby & Toddlers (No Stirring required)

Did you make this baby-led weaning dinner recipe? 

Let me know in the comments how it turned out!