Bean Rice Veggie Recipe for a Healthy, Flavorful Meal

Welcome to a vibrant and wholesome culinary experience with our Bean Rice Veggie Recipe! This dish is a celebration of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor, bringing together hearty beans, fluffy rice, and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables.

Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is not only easy to make but packed with essential nutrients to keep you energized and satisfied. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe offers a balanced and delicious option that everyone will enjoy.

Beans and rice together form a complete protein, making this dish a powerhouse of plant-based nutrition. The added vegetables bring crunch, vitamins, and a burst of color that makes the meal visually appealing and incredibly tasty.

Plus, it’s adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a flexible and budget-friendly option.

Let’s dive in and discover why this bean rice veggie recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and health. It’s:

• Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from beans, rice, and fresh vegetables.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences by swapping veggies or beans.
• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and seasonal vegetables to keep costs low.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, ideal for busy lifestyles.
• Delicious: A wonderful balance of textures and flavors enhanced by simple spices and herbs.

This recipe also fits beautifully into meal planning, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking or leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid (for cooking rice)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander (for rinsing beans)
• Mixing bowl (optional, for combining ingredients)

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: In a medium saucepan, add the rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes (or according to package instructions) until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered.
2. Cook the vegetables: While the rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add fresh veggies: Toss in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Combine beans and corn: Add the drained black beans and corn kernels to the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat through for 3-4 minutes.
6. Mix rice with veggies: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and add it directly to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly.
7. Season and finish: Add salt and pepper to taste, then squeeze the lime juice over the mixture. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh, bright flavor.
8. Serve hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

“To make this dish your own, don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach. Using brown rice adds extra fiber and a nuttier flavor, while quinoa can be a protein-packed alternative.”

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Use different beans: Pinto, kidney, or chickpeas can be great substitutes for black beans.
• Enhance flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for umami depth.
• Meal prep friendly: This recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free broth.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This bean rice veggie dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to round out your meal:

• Fresh green salad: Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette.
• Guacamole or sliced avocado: Adds creamy richness and healthy fats.
• Warm tortillas or flatbread: Great for scooping or wrapping the mixture.
• Salsa or pico de gallo: For an extra punch of fresh, zesty flavor.
• Pickled jalapeños or hot sauce: To add heat and tang.

For a more substantial meal, serve alongside Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal or complement it with Asian Vegetarian Rice Bowl Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals for more rice-based delights.

Conclusion

This Bean Rice Veggie Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a nutritious, satisfying, and delicious meal. It’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome plant-based dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

The balance of protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables ensures you get a meal that fuels your body and delights your taste buds.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe fits effortlessly into any lifestyle or occasion. Plus, it’s a great gateway to exploring more vegetarian meals — check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or discover how ancient grains can elevate your cooking with Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Give this recipe a try today and enjoy the wholesome goodness of beans, rice, and fresh vegetables all in one hearty bowl!

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