Hearty Rice Skillet
A hearty and flavorful rice skillet packed with beans, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for a quick, wholesome meal that appeals to vegetarians and busy families alike.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz.) can black, garbanzo or kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, cut up
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 3/4 cup quick-cooking brown rice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or dill weed, crushed ⓘ
- several dashes bottled hot pepper sauce (optional) ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, stir together beans, undrained tomatoes, vegetables, water, uncooked rice, thyme or dill weed, and hot pepper sauce if desired.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Stir in condensed tomato soup; heat through.
- Before serving, stir in toasted slivered almonds and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water. You can substitute the brown rice with quinoa or white rice, adjusting cooking times as necessary. For a heartier meal, add diced cooked chicken or sausage. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or add some chopped jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
This Hearty Rice Skillet can be served as a main dish or a side. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled vegetables or a light soup. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or avocado for extra creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if the rice seems dry. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Rice Skillet contains roughly 578 calories, with 36g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1179mg per serving (51% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can use any canned beans you have on hand, such as black, garbanzo, or kidney beans. Each type will add its unique flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to mix and match according to your taste preferences.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this Hearty Rice Skillet can easily be made vegan by ensuring that the cheese and any optional toppings are plant-based. You can use vegan cheese or simply omit the cheese altogether. The dish is already packed with nutritious veggies and beans, making it a satisfying vegan meal.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To spice things up, you can add more hot pepper sauce or incorporate diced jalapeños or serrano peppers into the skillet. Additionally, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Adjust the spice level according to your taste for the perfect kick!
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).