Black Beans and Brown Rice

Elevate your weeknight meals with this hearty and flavorful Black Beans and Brown Rice recipe—a wholesome combination of nutty, tender brown rice and protein-rich black beans, perfectly seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and paprika. This simple, one-skillet dish is packed with fresh aromatics like sautéed onion, garlic, and a bright pop of cilantro and lime for a zesty finish. Ready in under an hour, this budget-friendly recipe is ideal as a nutritious main course or satisfying side dish. Customize it with optional toppings like creamy avocado, tangy salsa, or melted cheese for a personal touch. Perfect for vegetarian and gluten-free diets, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown rice
• 2 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups Black beans, cooked or canned (drained and rinsed)
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 0 Optional toppings: diced avocado, salsa, shredded cheese

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold water.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside, keeping it covered.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 6

Add the cooked or canned black beans to the skillet, followed by the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the seasoned black beans. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to mix the flavors.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice.

Step 9

Serve warm as a main dish or side. Optionally, top with diced avocado, salsa, or shredded cheese for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1292.1 grams (1292.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1022

Total Fat 39.90g	51%
Saturated Fat 6.30g	32%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3325mg	145%
Total Carbohydrate 135.50g	49%
Dietary Fiber 37.10g	133%
Total Sugars 2.90g
Protein 35.80g	72%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 280mg	22%
Iron 12mg	66%
Potassium 1614mg	34%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.4%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 51.9%