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Weeknight • Vegetarian

Cheesy Bean and Rice Skillet

This comforting one-pan skillet combines seasoned rice, hearty beans, and gooey cheese for an easy family favorite.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Cheesy Bean and Rice Skillet

When comfort food cravings hit, but you're short on time, this Cheesy Bean and Rice Skillet is your answer! It's a delightful medley of fluffy rice, savory beans, and melted cheese, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. Super satisfying and budget-friendly, it’s a brilliant choice for a busy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

  2. Step 2

    Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes, toasting it lightly.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in rinsed black beans, undrained diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

  4. Step 4

    Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often.

  5. Step 5

    Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

  6. Step 6

    Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado if desired.

Tips

  • Letting the pan sit off the heat after cooking helps the rice finish steaming and prevents it from being mushy.
  • For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the chili powder.

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