Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a healthy twist on classic rice and beans, featuring a rainbow of veggies like bell peppers, carrots, corn, and peas. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, budget-friendly, and perfect for using up any leftover produce. Enjoy it as a main, side dish, or meal prep staple.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Sweet Vidalia onion, diced
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Shredded carrots
- Frozen corn
- Frozen peas
- Cooked black beans
- Cooked white rice
- Cumin
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Fresh lime juice
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft.
- Stir in bell peppers and carrots; cook until crisp-tender.
- Add corn, peas, black beans, and cooked rice.
- Season with cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well and heat through.
- Remove from heat and mix in green onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-5
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, tofu, or scrambled eggs for extra protein.
- Swap veggies: Use mushrooms, zucchini, or sweet potato for variety.
- Change rice: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if preferred.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in meal prep containers for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned vegetables?
Yes, just drain them well before adding.
2. Is this spicy?
Only mildly—cayenne adds flavor, but you can omit or increase for heat.
3. Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
Yes, just cook them first according to package instructions.
4. Can I make it oil-free?
Use a splash of water or broth to sauté instead of oil.
5. Can I serve it cold?
It works well cold or at room temperature as a salad.
6. What type of rice works best?
Precooked white rice is easiest, but any type will work as long as it’s fully cooked.
7. Can I add cheese?
Yes, sprinkle cheese on top before serving for a cheesy twist.
8. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s colorful, tasty, and easy to adapt for milder palates.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a large enough skillet or cook in batches.
10. What can I serve it with?
Serve with tortillas, avocado slices, salsa, or as a side to grilled meats.
Conclusion
Very Veggie Rice and Beans is the ultimate quick and nourishing meal that’s packed with flavor, loaded with veggies, and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this wholesome dish is a delicious go-to option!
Print
Very Veggie Rice and Beans
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Very Veggie Rice and Beans is a colorful, one-skillet vegan dish made with rice, black beans, and a rainbow of vegetables. Packed with flavor and ready in 15 minutes, it’s a wholesome meal perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or healthy sides.
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 Sweet Vidalia onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 can (15 oz) cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups cooked white rice
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in bell peppers and shredded carrots; cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
- Add frozen corn, peas, black beans, and cooked rice.
- Season with cumin, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 3–5 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in green onions, cilantro, and fresh lime juice.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Customize with your favorite vegetables or protein.
Great for using up leftover rice and produce.
To make oil-free, sauté veggies in vegetable broth or water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
