Southwest Rice
A flavorful, hearty rice dish with black beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive or canola oil ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can reduced-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground turmeric ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen corn, thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large nonstick skillet, sauté the green pepper, onion, and garlic in oil for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken broth, rice, cumin, and turmeric. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and thawed corn.
- Heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. You could also substitute quinoa for the rice for a healthier option. Adding fresh cilantro or lime juice right before serving can enhance the dish. If you prefer a spicier kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Southwest Tomatillo Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southwest Rice as a standalone dish or as a hearty side with grilled meats. It complements well with a fresh salad, such as Southwestern Chicken Salad Spirals, or topped with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Mexican recipes like Mexican Green Chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet and warm over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Rice contains roughly 355 calories, with 14g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (114% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensuring the black beans are certified vegan. This makes it a great option for meatless meals while still being filling and nutritious.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken or turkey, or even shredded beef. Tofu can also be a great vegetarian option. Just stir it in along with the black beans for a heartier meal.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! If using brown rice, you will need to adjust the cooking time, as it typically takes longer to cook. Allow about 40-45 minutes of simmering after bringing it to a boil, and check for tenderness before serving.
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).