Tight Budget Healthy Dinner Mexican or Italian
Discover the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and affordability with this Tight Budget Healthy Dinner recipe, offering both Mexican and Italian-inspired options. Packed with hearty black beans, fluffy brown rice, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder, this one-pot wonder assembles into a delicious, protein-rich meal in just 40 minutes. Fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, cilantro, and a zing of lime juice elevate the dish, while optional additions like cheddar cheese and sour cream provide extra indulgence. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a versatile, budget-friendly choice that brings vibrant flavors to your table without breaking the bank. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a family of four, this quick, healthy dinner keeps things simple, satisfying, and wallet-friendly.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown rice
- 2 cups Water
- 1 can (15 oz) Canned black beans
- 1 tablespoon Cooking oil (olive or vegetable)
- 1 medium, diced Yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 medium, diced Tomato
- 0.25 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 1 juiced Lime
- 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 0.25 cup Sour cream (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then add it to a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
Step 2
While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and salt to the skillet with the onion. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the spices' aroma.
Step 4
Drain and rinse the canned black beans, then add them to the skillet. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the beans are heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 5
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and divide it evenly among the serving bowls.
Step 6
Top each bowl with a portion of the seasoned black bean mixture.
Step 7
Garnish each serving with diced tomato, chopped cilantro, a drizzle of freshly squeezed lime juice, and any optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese or sour cream.
Step 8
Serve the black bean and rice bowls warm and enjoy this budget-friendly, flavorful meal!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1529.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1382.7 |
| Total Fat 46.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 20.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.9g | |
| Cholesterol 90mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4294.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 184.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 52.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 19.9g | |
| Protein 62.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 12IU | 0% |
| Calcium 833.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 16.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2650.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories