Zesty Mexican Red Beans and Rice Bowl
This vibrant Zesty Mexican Red Beans and Rice Bowl is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Mexican cuisine to your table. With a base of fluffy brown rice topped with protein-rich red kidney beans, savory onions, and zesty salsa, this one-dish meal is not only delicious but also healthy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, the creamy topping of sour cream adds a delightful touch of richness. Gather your friends and family to enjoy this colorful and satisfying recipe that is as nutritious as it is scrumptious!
4
Servings
363
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
onions
2 large (chopped)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
red kidney beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (rinsed and drained)
salsa
1 cup (none)
hot water
1/4 cup (none)
sour cream
2/3 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the brown rice according to the package instructions. Once done, fluff with a fork and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 10 minutes or until they become tender and translucent.
3
Sprinkle the chili powder over the onions and cook for an additional minute while stirring frequently to release the spice's flavor.
4
Add the rinsed and drained red kidney beans, salsa, and hot water to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine and let it cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
To serve, place a generous scoop of the bean mixture over a bed of brown rice. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess and extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
60g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Mexican Red Beans and Rice Bowl?
It is a hearty, flavorful vegetarian one-dish meal featuring brown rice, red kidney beans, and a zesty salsa-based sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 363 calories.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses beans and rice as the primary protein sources.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of uncooked brown rice.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep and is tagged as such in the recipe information.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of beans are used in this dish?
The recipe uses two 15-ounce cans of red kidney beans.
Do I need to drain the beans?
Yes, the red kidney beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the skillet.
How many onions are required?
You will need 2 large onions, chopped.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 60 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What gives the dish its 'zesty' flavor?
The zesty flavor comes from the combination of chili powder and one cup of salsa.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 10 minutes or until they are tender and translucent.
When do I add the chili powder?
Sprinkle the chili powder over the onions after they have softened and cook for one additional minute.
Why is hot water added to the recipe?
A 1/4 cup of hot water is added to help the flavors meld together while cooking on medium heat.
What is the recommended topping?
The dish is topped with a dollop of sour cream (2/3 cup total for the recipe).
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
How long does the bean mixture cook in the skillet?
Once all ingredients are combined, the mixture cooks for about 5 minutes.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and is easy to assemble once the rice is cooked.
What type of cuisine is this?
It is inspired by Mexican cuisine.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
While not specified in the data, the use of brown rice and kidney beans makes it a high-fiber meal.
Should I fluff the rice?
Yes, after cooking the brown rice, you should fluff it with a fork before serving.
What is the main spice used?
The primary spice used is 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
While the recipe specifies brown rice for its health benefits, white rice could be used as a substitute.
How is the dish served?
Place a generous scoop of the bean mixture over a bed of brown rice and top with sour cream.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and nutritious recipe with a good balance of protein and complex carbs.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can easily add bell peppers or corn to the sautéing stage for extra nutrients.