Rice and Bean Skillet with Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, one-pan meal combining rice, beans, and fresh salsa for a quick, budget-friendly dinner. This mexican-inspired indian (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown rice, black beans, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 diced onion for 3 minutes until softened. Add 1 diced bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Add 1 can black beans and 1 can diced tomatoes. Cook for 10 minutes until heated through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup cooked brown rice and 1 cup salsa. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rice and Bean Skillet with Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Rice and Bean Skillet with Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rice and Bean Skillet with Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rice and Bean Skillet with Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Rice and Bean Skillet with Salsa vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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