Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly combines comfort and flavor—Cheesy Rice and Beans! This Mexican-inspired recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a breeze to whip up, making it the ideal weeknight dinner or a delightful side for your next fiesta. In just 40 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a cheesy, hearty meal that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will have you feeling like a culinary superstar. Dive in and discover how to create this cheesy delight that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rice with vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- While rice is cooking, drain and rinse the black beans in a colander, ensuring they are well-drained.
- When rice is fully cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to steam and become fluffy.
- Gently fold the black beans into the cooked rice, mixing them evenly throughout.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot rice and beans, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat.
- Stir the cheese into the rice and beans until it is evenly distributed and mostly melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. This step ensures that your rice cooks up fluffy and not sticky.
- Use High-Quality Broth: For the best flavor, opt for a high-quality vegetable broth. Homemade broth can elevate the taste even more!
- Season to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning. Taste your rice and beans before serving, and feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of chili powder for an extra kick.
- Let it Steam: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the grains to steam and become even fluffier.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese! While shredded cheese works great, consider trying pepper jack for a spicy twist or a blend of cheeses for complex flavors.
- Garnish Creatively: Enhance your dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, or add a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for added creaminess.
- Make it a Meal: To turn this side dish into a complete meal, consider adding sautéed vegetables or grilled chicken for extra protein and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
