Very Veggie Rice and Beans

PinSaveJUMP to RECIPE

This post may contain affiliate links.

Very Veggie Rice and Beans — EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and amps up rice and beans with an abundance of vegetables!! Healthy, Mexican-inspired food that tastes like comfort food and keeps you satisfied for hours!!

Very Veggie Rice and Beans - EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and amps up rice and beans with an abundance of vegetables!! Healthy, Mexican-inspired food that tastes like comfort food and keeps you satisfied for hours!!

Healthy Mexican Rice and Beans 

Many people this time of year are dieting and really watching every morsel they put in their mouth, and this is a healthy meal that tastes like comfort food. This one-skillet black beans and rice recipe is so easy, ready in 15 minutes, naturally vegan and gluten-free, and tastes like a million bucks. When your body craves more than a cold salad but also needs a bit of a reset, this is perfect.

There’s an abundance of vegetables, hence the very veggie title. There’s sweet Vidalia onion, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, frozen peas and corn, green onions, cilantro, and of course rice and beans. I also added cumin, a pinch of cayenne, and lime juice so that the dish would have plenty of Mexican-inspired flavor. 

I think this easy rice and beans dish tastes incredible and I love all the different textures from the vegetables. The naturally sweet red peppers, carrots, peas, and corn are pleasant little surprises in an otherwise savory dish. The cilantro and lime juice at the end are great touches and really bring everything together.

Make it for a quick and easy lunch, a meatless dinner, or as a hearty side to go along your favorite Mexican recipes.

The rice and beans recipe beats the pants off what Trader Joe’s sells in their freezer case called ‘Vegetable Fried Rice.’ That’s a staple for my daughter that I always have on hand, but my homemade version tastes way better and skews more Mexican while theirs has more of an Asian flair.

If you’re looking for an Asian fried rice recipe that’s better than takeout, look no further than either this Chicken Fried Rice or this Shrimp Fried Rice recipe. Both of them are in the Top 10 recipes I’ve ever published and continue to be reader favorites.

Very Veggie Rice and Beans - EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and amps up rice and beans with an abundance of vegetables!! Healthy, Mexican-inspired food that tastes like comfort food and keeps you satisfied for hours!!

What’s in Healthy Rice and Beans?

To make this easy rice and beans recipe, you’ll need:

  • Olive oil
  • Sweet Vidalia onion
  • Red bell pepper
  • Shredded carrots
  • Corn
  • Peas
  • Black beans
  • Pre-cooked White Rice
  • Spices
  • Green onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime juice

How to Make Rice and Beans 

The key to making really good rice and beans is to cook all the veggies in stages. First, sauté the onions in an oiled skillet until softened. Then, add in the bell peppers and carrots and cook just until crisp-tender.

Throw in the corn, peas, beans, rice, and spices and cook until warmed through. Finish everything off with some green onions, cilantro, lime juice, then stir and serve! 

Very Veggie Rice and Beans - EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and amps up rice and beans with an abundance of vegetables!! Healthy, Mexican-inspired food that tastes like comfort food and keeps you satisfied for hours!!

Can I Use Different Veggies in This Recipe? 

Most definitely. The nice thing about this healthy rice and beans recipe is that it’s a very flexible recipe and you can toss in the veggies you have on hand. Mushrooms, other kinds of peppers, cooked sweet potato cubes, or whatever you have laying around. I made this when I had a fridge full of random produce I needed to use, pronto.

Can I Add Chicken to Rice and Beans? 

Yes, leftover cooked chicken would be a nice addition to Mexican rice and beans (use shredded, cubed, or rotisserie chicken — whatever is on hand!). 

Can I Use Another Type of Rice? 

Of course! I used an 8-ounce package of precooked white rice to save time. You can use your favorite rice and make it from scratch if desired. Just make sure whatever rice you’re using is cooked before adding it to the skillet.

Very Veggie Rice and Beans - EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and amps up rice and beans with an abundance of vegetables!! Healthy, Mexican-inspired food that tastes like comfort food and keeps you satisfied for hours!!

Tips for Making Black Beans and Rice

Note that the cayenne doesn’t make the rice and beans super hot but rather just adds flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer.

I also wanted to caution you not to overcook the veggies. I made sure not to overcook the vegetables because I wanted them to be crisp-tender rather than mushy.

If you’re in need of an easy freezer meal, this recipe fits the bill! I divided the Mexican rice and beans into five plastic containers, froze them, and we pulled them out as needed. The tasted just as good after being frozen and reheated as they did fresh. Perfect.

Very Veggie Rice and Beans — EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and amps up rice and beans with an abundance of vegetables!! Healthy, Mexican-inspired food that tastes like comfort food and keeps you satisfied for hours!!

Pin This Recipe

4.47 from 115 votes

Very Veggie Rice and Beans

By Averie Sunshine
EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and amps up rice and beans with an abundance of vegetables!! Healthy, Mexican-inspired food that tastes like comfort food and keeps you satisfied for hours!!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 5
Save this recipe to your email
Enter your email and we’ll send it to you!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients  

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large sweet Vidalia onion, diced small
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced small
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
  • 1 to ½ cups corn, I used frozen and added it straight from the freezer
  • 1 cup peas, I used frozen and added it straight from the freezer
  • one 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed (I use no-salt added)
  • one 8-ounce package precooked white rice, another cooked rice may be substituted
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • pinch cayenne pepper, optional and to taste
  • 2 to 3 green onions, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions 

  • To a large skillet, add the olive oil, onion, and cook over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes, or until it begins to soften; stir occasionally.
  • Add the bell pepper, carrots, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until vegetables are crisp-tender; stir occasionally.
  • Add the corn, peas, beans, rice, cumin, salt, pepper, optional cayenne, stir to combine, and cook for about 2 minutes or until warmed through; stir occasionally.
  • Add the green onions, cilantro, lime juice, stir to combine, taste and check for seasoning balance and add additional salt, pepper, cumin, etc. if desired.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Dish will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1, Calories: 332kcal, Carbohydrates: 52g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Sodium: 742mg, Fiber: 12g, Sugar: 9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

More Healthy Mexican Recipes:

FAVORITE MEXICAN RECIPES – ALL HERE

15-Minute Salsa and Black Bean Chicken Skillet â€“ Fast, easy, family-friendly, healthy yet hearty, naturally gluten-free, Mexican-inspired meal! The perfect recipe to jazz up your usual weeknight chicken dinner!

15-Minute Salsa and Black Bean Chicken Skillet - Fast, EASY, family-friendly, healthy yet hearty, naturally gluten-free, Mexican-inspired meal!! The PERECT recipe to jazz up your usual weeknight chicken dinner!!

15-Minute Mango Lime Chicken with Rice and Beans – Easy, healthy, and the mango sauce spiked with lime juice is so tasty! You can’t go wrong with Mexican-inspired flavors, juicy chicken, and rice and beans!

15-Minute Mango Lime Chicken with Rice and Beans - EASY, healthy, and the mango sauce spiked with lime juice is SO tasty!! You can’t go wrong with Mexican-inspired flavors, JUICY chicken, and rice and beans!!

20-Minute Cilantro Chicken with Rice and Beans â€“ Easy, healthy, and the fresh cilantro sauce is so good! The chicken is juicy, loaded with flavor, and along with the rice and beans and you’ll be satisfied for hours!

20-Minute Cilantro Chicken with Rice and Beans - EASY, healthy, and the fresh cilantro sauce is SO good!! The chicken is juicy, loaded with flavor, and along with the rice and beans and you'll be SATISFIED for hours!!

15-Minute Cheesy Chicken Taco Skillet â€“ Craving tacos minus all the empty carbs? This easy taco skillet without tortillas is perfect! Fast, easy, loaded with awesome Mexican-inspired flavors and it’s super cheesy!

Overhead shot of 15-Minute Cheesy Chicken Taco Skillet

Easy 30-Minute Chicken Enchilada Chili – Don’t have all day for chili to simmer? No problem! This easy, hearty, healthier chili full of Mexican-inspired flavors is ready in 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights!

Easy 30-Minute Chicken Enchilada Chili - Don't have all day for chili to simmer? No problem! This EASY, hearty, healthier chili full of Mexican-inspired flavors is ready in 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights!!

Skinny Mexican Bean and Corn Salad â€” This Mexican bean salad is such a fast and easy recipe to make! Two kinds of beans, juicy corn and tomatoes, crisp peppers, and green onions are tossed in a lime-chili-cumin vinaigrette that’s perfectly light.

Skinny Mexican Bean and Corn Salad in a white bowl with a fork

Taco-Stuffed Avocados — Like avocados? Then you are going to LOVE these taco STUFFED avocados with ground beef, CHEESE, and more!! EASY, ready in 15 minutes, a family favorite, and perfect for busy weeknights!!

Overhead shot of taco stuffed avocados on a white plate

Chicken Tortilla Lettuce Wraps — I worked some Mexican flair into what’s normally an Asian dish. Soft butter lettuce (or romaine) cradles taco-seasoned chicken, juicy tomatoes and corn, crisp red peppers, and cheese.

Chicken Tortilla Lettuce Wraps on a white plate

About the Author

Welcome to AverieCooks! Here you’ll find fast and easy recipes that taste amazing and are geared for real life. Nothing fussy or complicated, just awesome tasting dishes everyone loves!

Get the latest recipes via email!

Leave a Comment

Please note: I have only made the recipe as written, and cannot give advice or predict what will happen if you change something. If you have a question regarding changing, altering, or making substitutions to the recipe, please check out the FAQ page for more info.

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. I’m going to make this tonight! I have an instant pot and dry rice. Can I cook the rice in there beforehand and then just add it? It says 8oz package, but how many cups of cooked rice would that be? Thank you! 

    1. 8 oz cooked is approximately 2 cups of cooked rice.

      I am sure there are many ways to tackle this. I don’t use my IP very much but if you’ve got the rice cooking in that, then I would just add the veggies and remaining items to the already cooked rice once it gets done.

  2. 5 stars
    Made this last night and it was AMAZING! Easy to cook, beautiful presentation, tastes as good as it looks! I added avocado and tomato for a fresh kick and couldn’t believe how good it was! Thank you for this recipe. Ill be making this weekly!

    1. Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad it was amazing! I agree that the presentation is beautiful- for such a simple dish it just looks so pretty. The avocado and tomato sound like great additions too!

  3. 5 stars
    Delicious! I prepped everything ahead and it was quick to throw together at dinner time. I added leftover shredded chicken. It made a LOT and I thought I would reheat for lunch for the rest of the week, but accidentally ate all the rest today, it was so good!

  4. This was delicious and I will be making it again nice change from fried rice loved it plus used up leftover black and kidney beans this is so easy I’m a fan forever thank you

  5. 5 stars
    This is another fabulous recipe! We loved the flavor and all the veggies. The leftovers came in handy tonight for a quick dinner.

    1. Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you loved the flavor and all the veggies and that the leftovers even came in handy!

  6. I’m going to try this recipe and use cauliflower rice instead of regular. I’ll let you know if it works as good as it sounds.