Hearty & Flavorful Southwest Rice and Beans

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When I need a quick, filling, and flavor-packed meal, this Southwest Rice and Beans always comes to the rescue! It’s a vibrant, one-pot wonder loaded with fluffy rice, black beans, sweet corn, and colorful bell peppers, bringing bold Tex-Mex flavors right to your table.

I love this recipe because it’s ridiculously easy to make, yet the combination of zesty spices, smoky seasonings, and fresh ingredients makes it taste like something you’d get at a Mexican restaurant. It’s also nutritious, protein-packed, and meal-prep friendly, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week!

Serve it on its own, in burritos, as a taco filling, or alongside grilled meats—it’s the ultimate flexible dish that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ One-Pot Meal – Fewer dishes, more flavor!
✅ Protein-Packed & Hearty – Black beans make this super satisfying.
✅ Zesty & Flavorful – A perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh.
✅ Versatile – Serve as a main dish, side, or burrito filling!
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Stays delicious for days!

📝 Ingredients

🔹 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati work great!)
🔹 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
🔹 1 tablespoon olive oil
🔹 ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
🔹 ½ cup sweet corn
🔹 ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
🔹 ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
🔹 1 teaspoon chili powder
🔹 ½ teaspoon cumin
🔹 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
🔹 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
🔹 ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
🔹 Juice of 1 lime
🔹 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

🌶️ Want more heat? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper!

📌 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables

✔️ In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
✔️ Add diced bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

2️⃣ Toast the Rice & Spices

✔️ Stir in rinsed rice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
✔️ Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to enhance the flavors.

3️⃣ Simmer Everything Together

✔️ Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
✔️ Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

4️⃣ Add Beans, Corn & Lime

✔️ Stir in black beans, sweet corn, and lime juice.
✔️ Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

✔️ Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
✔️ Serve warm as a main dish, burrito filling, or side for tacos, grilled chicken, or fajitas!

🍽️ For an extra finishing touch, top with avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream!

🌿 Tips & Variations

✅ Make it a meal – Add shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or tofu for extra protein.
✅ Cheesy twist – Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a creamy finish.
✅ Crunchy upgrade – Garnish with toasted tortilla strips for added texture.
✅ Switch up the beans – Try pinto beans or kidney beans instead of black beans.

🛍️ Storage & Reheating

🧊 To Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 To Reheat – Microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
❄️ To Freeze – Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months.

🌟 Tried This Recipe?

Let me know how you liked it in the comments below! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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