Description

This Easy Chili Beans and Rice Recipe is a hearty and comforting vegan meal featuring tender white rice paired with a flavorful chili bean medley simmered with spices and diced tomatoes. Perfect for a quick and budget-friendly dinner, it combines protein-rich beans and aromatic seasonings for a satisfying dish that can be garnished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Base

1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups water

Chili Beans Mixture

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15-ounce) chili beans, undrained
1 can (15-ounce) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes with juices
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish (optional)

Chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Cook the rice: Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, stir, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and the water has been fully absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
Sauté the aromatics: While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Add beans and seasonings: Add the undrained chili beans, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients well.
Simmer the chili mixture: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the chili bean mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly, ensuring everything is heated through.
Serve: Spoon the chili beans over the cooked rice on plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired for added freshness and aroma.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño to the chili mixture while it simmers.
This recipe can be made heartier by stirring in cooked ground beef or turkey for additional protein.