Fiesta Rice and Beans Skillet

$This Fiesta Rice and Beans Skillet is a colorful, tasty, and easy meal. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook. You can serve four hungry people with this dish. The best part? You can cook it all in one skillet. This saves time on clean-up and gives you more time to enjoy your food. - 1 cup long-grain brown rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small red onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Juice of 1 lime Each ingredient adds flavor and nutrition. Long-grain brown rice is hearty and fills you up. Vegetable broth gives the rice a rich taste. Black beans are full of protein and fiber. Corn adds sweetness and color. Fresh veggies like bell pepper, onion, and garlic brighten the dish. Spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika bring warmth. Olive oil adds richness, while lime juice and cilantro finish it off with freshness. Enjoy this blend of flavors and colors on your table! Sautéing the onion and garlic First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The garlic should become fragrant. Adding bell pepper Next, add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir it in with the onion and garlic. Cook for a few more minutes. You want the peppers to soften a bit, adding color and flavor. Toasting the rice and spices Now, it’s time to add the brown rice. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes. This step helps toast the rice and spices, enhancing their flavors. Bringing the mixture to a boil Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet. Stir well to combine everything. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Simmering the rice Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer. This will take about 30 minutes. Check the rice to see if it’s tender and the liquid is absorbed. Folding in beans and corn After the rice is cooked, gently fold in the black beans and corn. Stir everything together and cook for 5 more minutes. This heats everything through. Adding lime juice and cilantro Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your Fiesta Rice and Beans Skillet is ready to enjoy! To make perfect rice, choose long-grain brown rice. It gives a fluffy texture. Rinse the rice before cooking. This helps remove excess starch. Use two cups of vegetable broth for flavor. If you prefer softer rice, add a bit more broth. To adjust spice levels, start with the suggested amounts. Taste as you go. Add more cumin or chili powder for heat. If it's too spicy, add a bit of sugar or more corn to balance the flavors. For a fun presentation, serve the skillet right in the pan. This looks rustic and inviting. You can also use colorful bowls. Top each serving with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Pair this meal with sliced avocado or fresh salsa. The creamy avocado adds richness. Salsa gives a nice kick and freshness. You can also serve tortilla chips on the side for crunch. Enjoy your vibrant meal! {{image_2}} You can easily change up this dish by swapping ingredients. For beans, try pinto or kidney beans. They add different flavors and textures. You can also use chickpeas for a unique twist. If you're looking to switch the grain, consider quinoa or white rice. Quinoa cooks faster and adds protein. White rice has a lighter texture, making it a great option as well. To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It keeps all the flavors while being plant-based. For added protein, you can include tofu or tempeh. Both are great sources of protein and will soak up the dish's flavors. Just cube them and cook them in the skillet before adding the rice. To store leftovers, let the skillet cool down first. Then, place the rice and beans in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. For best results when reheating, use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low until warmed through. In the microwave, cover the dish with a lid or a microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. For longer storage, you can freeze the Fiesta Rice and Beans Skillet. First, ensure the dish is completely cool. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use a skillet or the microwave. If using the skillet, add a little broth or water to help it heat evenly. Cook on low heat, stirring often. If using the microwave, heat in intervals, stirring as needed. Enjoy your tasty meal! How long does it take to cook brown rice? It usually takes about 30-40 minutes to cook brown rice. You want it to be soft but not mushy. In our Fiesta Rice and Beans Skillet, we cook it for about 30 minutes in vegetable broth. This method adds flavor and helps keep the rice fluffy. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the skillet and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove. You might want to add a splash of broth to keep it moist. What can I serve with Fiesta Rice and Beans Skillet? This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with many sides. Try adding sliced avocado for creaminess. A side of fresh salsa adds a zesty kick. You can also serve it with corn tortillas for a fun twist. Enjoy mixing and matching! This blog post guides you through making a Fiesta Rice and Beans Skillet. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips to enhance your dish. Remember, you can adjust spices and ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you want a quick meal or to impress guests, this recipe fits the bill. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and don’t forget to get creative with your variations and pairings! Cooking is fun, so have fun with it!$

Spice up your dinner with this delicious Fiesta Rice and Beans Skillet! Packed with savory flavors from black beans, corn, and vibrant veggies, this one-pan meal is perfect for easy weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and quick prep, you can enjoy a wholesome dish in just 45 minutes. Ready to bring those fiesta flavors to your table?

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Ingredients

1 cup long-grain brown rice

2 cups vegetable broth

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small red onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.

Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften.

Stir in the brown rice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the rice and spices.

Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the black beans and corn. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through.

Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the skillet directly in the pan for a rustic look, or portion into bowls and top with additional cilantro and lime wedges for a colorful touch. Enjoy your fiesta flavors!