Fiesta Black Beans And Rice
A vibrant, hearty dish combining black beans, rice, roasted peppers, and corn, infused with fresh cilantro—perfect for a quick, flavorful vegetarian meal with bold southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
- 13 3/4 oz. can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 12 oz. jar roasted red peppers, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 4 oz. can green chilies, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans or 15 oz. can, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups quick cooking brown rice ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart Dutch oven, bring 1/4 cup chicken broth to a boil.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in remaining chicken broth, roasted red peppers, green chilies, black beans, brown rice, and corn.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with minced fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cumin or chili powder to the mix. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider using fresh jalapeños or swapping in spicy black beans. This dish can also be enhanced with a squeeze of lime juice before serving for brightness. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice or even leftover rice from a previous meal.
Serving Suggestions
Fiesta Black Beans and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with Tex-Mex Chicken Tenders for a heartier feast. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some warm tortillas to scoop up the beans and rice. For an extra indulgent touch, top with shredded cheese or avocado slices.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or heat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. This dish freezes well too, lasting up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Black Beans And Rice contains roughly 623 calories, with 20g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 929mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular rice instead of quick cooking brown rice?
Yes, you can use regular brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Regular brown rice usually takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so make sure to add enough broth and extend the simmering time accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! This dish is naturally vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The beans and corn provide plenty of protein and texture, making it a satisfying meal for vegetarians.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy canned green chilies instead of mild ones, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper to taste. Adjust according to your heat preference!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).