Spicy Southwest Black Bean & Rice Fiesta
Experience a burst of flavor with this Spicy Southwest Black Bean & Rice Fiesta! This vibrant and versatile dish combines hearty black beans, wholesome brown rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all seasoned with a zesty Cajun flair. Perfect as a filling for burritos, a savory dip for tortilla chips, or a delightful stand-alone entree, this recipe caters to all tastes. Easy to prepare in your trusty Crock-Pot, simply set it and let the slow cooking bring out the rich flavors, ensuring a nutritious meal that’s hearty and satisfying. Serve it warm garnished with a dollop of sour cream or fresh guacamole for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy this healthy and delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried black beans
16 ounces (Rinse and sort)
Brown rice
16 ounces (Uncooked)
Red onion
1 (Chopped)
Jalapeno peppers
3 (Seeded and chopped)
Water
7 cups (N/A)
Lime juice (or lemon)
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Cilantro
1 cup (Chopped)
Diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 (8 ounce) cans (N/A)
Frozen corn
16 ounces (N/A)
Four-cheese Mexican blend cheese
16 ounces (Shredded)
Cajun seasoning
1/3 cup (To taste)
Instructions
1
Rinse the black beans thoroughly and sort through to remove any debris or damaged beans.
2
In the Crock-Pot, combine the rinsed black beans, brown rice, chopped red onion, and diced jalapeno peppers. Pour in the 7 cups of water and stir to incorporate.
3
Set the Crock-Pot to low heat and cook for 8.5 hours, allowing the beans and rice to become tender and absorb the flavors.
4
After 8.5 hours, add the lime juice, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes with green chilies, frozen corn, and four-cheese Mexican blend cheese.
5
At this point, stir in 1/3 cup of your preferred Cajun seasoning (like Tony's, Emeril's, or Luzianne, which I recommend for its lower sodium content).
6
Cover and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.
7
Serve the dish warm; enjoy it by itself, as a filling in warm flour tortillas, or with tortilla chips as a dip. Don’t forget to add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor and presentation!
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
50g
Carbs
15g
Protein
10g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Southwest Black Bean & Rice Fiesta?
It is a vibrant slow cooker dish combining black beans, brown rice, and vegetables with Cajun seasoning.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include dried black beans, brown rice, red onion, jalapeno peppers, corn, and Mexican blend cheese.
How should the black beans be prepared?
The black beans should be rinsed thoroughly and sorted to remove any debris or damaged beans before cooking.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
The recipe calls for brown rice which holds up well during long slow cooking; white rice may become too soft.
What is the total cooking time for this recipe?
The total cooking time is approximately 9 hours on low heat in a slow cooker.
Is this Spicy Southwest Black Bean & Rice Fiesta vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses beans, rice, vegetables, and cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using one chopped red onion.
How many jalapeno peppers are needed?
You will need 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped, for this recipe.
How much water is added to the Crock-Pot?
You need to pour in 7 cups of water at the start of the cooking process.
When do I add the lime juice and cilantro?
Add the lime juice and chopped cilantro after the initial 8.5 hours of cooking.
Which Cajun seasonings are recommended?
Recommended brands include Tony's, Emeril's, or Luzianne Cajun seasoning.
Is there a lower sodium seasoning option?
Yes, Luzianne Cajun seasoning is recommended for those looking for a lower sodium content.
When should the cheese be added to the dish?
The cheese should be stirred in after the first 8.5 hours of cooking, then cooked for another 30 minutes to melt.
How can I serve the finished dish?
It can be served warm as a stand-alone entree, a burrito filling, or a dip with tortilla chips.
Can this be used as a filling for burritos?
Yes, it is perfect as a hearty and flavorful filling for warm flour tortillas.
Is this recipe suitable for a party dip?
Absolutely, it works great as a savory dip when served with tortilla chips.
What are some suggested garnishes for this meal?
You can garnish the dish with a dollop of sour cream or fresh guacamole.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 15 grams of protein.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
This dish is high in fiber, containing 10 grams per serving.
Can I substitute lemon juice for lime juice?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either lime or lemon juice.
What type of canned tomatoes are used?
The recipe requires two 8-ounce cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Do I need to thaw the frozen corn before adding it?
No, you can add the 16 ounces of frozen corn directly into the Crock-Pot during the final stage.
What Crock-Pot setting should I use?
Set your Crock-Pot to the low heat setting for the entire cooking duration.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious meal featuring wholesome rice, beans, and vegetables with only 2.5g of fat.
How much cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of shredded four-cheese Mexican blend.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While a Mexican blend is recommended, you can use any preferred shredded melting cheese.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal prepared entirely in a slow cooker.
How much Cajun seasoning should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/3 cup of Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust it to taste.
Is the Spicy Southwest Black Bean & Rice Fiesta very spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the jalapenos and Cajun seasoning, but the spice level can be adjusted to your preference.