This is one our favorite slow cooker recipes (and its vegetarian!). It’s great on its own, but can be the base for taco salads, burritos, tacos, or as a side dish to a grilled meat. I cook my rice in a rice cooker 40 minutes before we are set to eat. If I know I will be out right up ‘til dinner time, then I make it at the same time as when I prepare the beans, only needing to heat it up at mealtime. You will have extras- perfect for lunch the next day!