Southwestern Rice Pilaf with Tequila Lime Beans

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-10 · Updated 2026-07-10

Fluffy rice pilaf infused with southwestern spices paired with tequila-laced beans for a vibrant side dish inspired by cowboy flavors. This American-inspired rice and grain recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs long grain white rice, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup, finely diced yellow onion
• 2, minced garlic cloves
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup, rinsed canned pinto beans
• 3 tbsp tequila
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup long grain white rice to the pan and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until rice is lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
5. Step 5: While rice cooks, in a small saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed pinto beans with 3 tbsp tequila, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
6. Step 6: When rice is done, fluff with a fork and gently fold in tequila-lime beans and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
7. Step 7: Serve this southwestern rice pilaf alongside grilled meats or as a flavorful vegetarian option.