Description
This Easy Rice and Bean Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining sautéed vegetables, seasoned pinto beans, and rice with a blend of aromatic spices, this dish delivers a satisfying crispy texture and vibrant taste. Served with fresh toppings such as avocado, cilantro, cheese, and salsa, it’s a versatile and wholesome recipe that can be customized to your liking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons Olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1/2 medium Onion (diced)
- 1 small Red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small Green pepper (diced)
- 2-3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1-2 tablespoons Jalapeño (chopped)
- 2-3 cups Cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 15 oz can Pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
Spices
- 2 teaspoons Cumin
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Toppings (optional)
- Avocado (sliced)
- Cilantro (chopped)
- Cheese (feta or cheddar)
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Tomato (diced)
- Salsa (your favorite)
- Hot sauce (to taste)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather and prepare all ingredients by dicing the onion, red and green bell peppers, mincing the garlic, and chopping the jalapeño. Drain and rinse the pinto beans and have cooked rice ready.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion, green pepper, and red pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Then add minced garlic and chopped jalapeño, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Combine and Crisp Rice Mixture: Add the cooked rice, drained pinto beans, cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Add an additional tablespoon of olive oil and mix thoroughly. Press the rice mixture down in the pan and cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to crisp. Flip the mixture and repeat on the other side until slightly crispy and heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice (if available). Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot topped with your choice of sliced avocado, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, diced tomato, salsa, and hot sauce to suit your preferences.
Notes
- Use white or brown rice according to your preference.
- For more heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or add extra hot sauce while serving.
- To make this dish vegan, omit the cheese and sour cream or replace with plant-based alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding a squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors and adds freshness.
