Brown Rice and Beans with Cheese and Chilies

Savor the vibrant flavors of this hearty and satisfying Brown Rice and Beans with Cheese and Chilies recipe—an easy one-pan dish perfect for busy weeknights or meatless Monday dinners. Featuring nutty brown rice, protein-packed black beans, and smoky spices like cumin and paprika, this dish gets a zesty kick from diced green chilies and a comforting finish with gooey melted cheddar cheese. A quick sauté of onion and garlic lends depth, while fresh cilantro and lime wedges add a bright, refreshing touch. Ready in under an hour and packed with wholesome, nutritious ingredients, this budget-friendly meal is as delicious as it is simple. Serve it as a flavorful main or a side dish at your next gathering!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 ounces diced green chilies (canned)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 4 pieces lime wedges (for serving, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water and drain well.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 35 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the black beans, diced green chilies (with their liquid), ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to heat through.

Step 7

Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the bean mixture. Stir to combine and allow the flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes over low heat.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve warm with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1437.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1211.1

Total Fat 54.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 121.1mg	0%
Sodium 2511.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 129.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.9g	0%
Total Sugars 9.8g
Protein 57.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1009.8mg	0%
Iron 9.7mg	0%
Potassium 1325.1mg	0%

*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: 39.6%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 41.8%