About This Recipe
Mexican rice bowls are customizable one-dish meals featuring seasoned rice, protein, beans, vegetables, and toppings. Preparation involves cooking components separately before assembly.
Yield: 4 servings | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Components can be prepared ahead for quick assembly
Naturally adaptable to dietary preferences
Provides balanced nutrition in a single dish
Leftover-friendly components minimize waste
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 lb chicken breast, diced (or plant-based protein alternative)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 avocado, sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Step by Step Instructions
Cook rice: Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium heat. Sauté half the chopped onion until translucent (3 minutes). Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder; cook 1 minute. Stir in rice, tomato paste, and broth. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
Prepare protein: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in skillet over medium-high heat 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Set aside. For vegetarian option, skip or use plant-based protein.
Cook vegetables: In same skillet, add remaining onion and bell pepper. Sauté 5 minutes until softened. Add corn and cook 2 more minutes. Stir in black beans until heated through.
Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice among bowls. Top with bean-vegetable mixture, cooked protein, and avocado slices.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
FAQ
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes. Increase broth to 2½ cups and cooking time to 40-45 minutes.
Q: Are there alternative protein options?
A: Use ground beef, shrimp, tofu, or omit protein for vegetarian version.
Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Add diced jalapeños to vegetables or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to rice seasoning.
You Must Know
Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch
Allow rice to rest after cooking for optimal texture
Thoroughly drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium
Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning
Storage Tips
Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Reheat rice and protein separately before assembling
Add fresh ingredients (avocado, cilantro) only when serving
Assembled bowls with avocado should be consumed immediately
Enjoy!