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Home » Main course

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

Published: Jan 12, 2020 · Modified: Dec 17, 2020 by Vandana Chauhan. This post may contain affiliate links.

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This easy Mexican rice recipe has all the delicious ingredients like beans, rice, corn, bell peppers, lots of fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Refreshing and flavorful this vegan black bean and rice recipe is a must-try one-pot meal.

Mexican rice garnished with lime wedges, coriander leaves, and chopped jalapeno served in a white bowl with another plate, lime, and coriander leaves in the background

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases without any extra cost to you.

There is something very comforting about the rice and bean combination. That’s why a lot of countries have their own version of a rice and bean dish. Like India’s Rajma chawal  & Chole chawal, Jamaican Rice and Peas, Persian Lubia Polo, or today’s recipe-Mexican black bean and rice.

Mexican food is loved by everyone in my family and this recipe is one of my favorites. Not only because it’s delicious but also because it’s very easy to make, doesn’t need any fancy ingredient and is a one-pot meal.

What type of beans to use

It’s a black bean and rice recipe so of course, the black bean has to be used. However, if you don’t have black beans, a similar recipe can be created by using other beans like red beans or kidney beans.

You can also use a mixture of different beans to make Mexican bean rice.

If you follow my blog then you must be knowing by now that I prefer soaking dried beans and then cooking them in a pressure cooker. However, this Mexican rice and beans recipe can also be made using canned beans. You can choose whatever you prefer.

Type of rice to use

Use long or medium-sized grain to make this  Vegan Mexican rice recipe. Using short grains will make this dish mushy which we don’t want.

Mexican rice served in a white bowl, another plate of rice and lime in the background

Can it be made without cilantro

Some of my readers hate cilantro and don’t like me using it in my recipes. Personally, I love cilantro and believe that it adds freshness and flavor to every dish. I love almost everything that has cilantro in it. The presence of cilantro is one of the reasons why I love Indian, Mexican, and Thai food.

However, I also understand those who hate cilantro as now we know that it’s a genetic thing which makes it smell or taste soapy for the people who hate it. So, if you also hate cilantro either skip it or use another herb like parsley in the dish.

What to serve with it

I think that Mexican black bean and rice is so filling and flavorful that it becomes a complete meal in itself. You really don’t need anything else with it.

However, if you want- just serve some salsa or avocado salad on the side. You can also serve it with a refreshing yogurt dip or a fresh crunchy salad.

Can it be made with leftover rice

Yes, this Mexican rice dish can be made with leftover rice too. Just follow the step till sautéing the vegetables and beans and then add leftover rice and cilantro. Stir fry for a few minutes and your Mexican fried rice is ready.

More, easy vegan and vegetarian Mexican recipes

If you also love the freshness of Mexican food and looking for ideas, don’t miss to check the following recipes on my blog:

  1. Vegetable Quesadilla
  2. Black bean and cilantro lime rice burrito
  3. Burritos with bean rice and mushrooms
  4. Vegan Black Bean Soup
  5. Guacamole

More easy vegan one-pot rice meal ideas

I love one-pot meals. They make life in the kitchen so easy. If you are looking for vegan one-pot meal recipe ideas then the following recipes may be useful for you:

  1. Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach rice)
  2. Minestrone Soup
  3. Chole Pulao
  4. Moong dal Khichdi
  5. Mushroom rice

If you try any of my recipes then please don’t miss to rate it in the comments section below.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Step by step photo instructions

Collage of 4 photos showing step by step process of Easy Mexican rice recipe
Mexican rice garnished with lime wedges, coriander leaves, and chopped jalapeno served in a white bowl with a lime in the background

Recipe

Mexican rice garnished with lime wedges, coriander leaves, and chopped jalapeno served in a white bowl with another plate, lime, and coriander leaves in the background

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

This easy Mexican rice recipe has all the delicious ingredients like beans, rice, corn, bell peppers, lots of fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Refreshing and flavorful this vegan black bean and rice recipe is a must try one-pot meal.
4.80 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Calories: 378kcal
Author: Vandana Chauhan

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked rice long or medium-sized grains
  • 1.5 cups boiled/ canned black beans
  • ½ cup sweet corn kernels
  • 1 medium-sized onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium-sized red bell pepper finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon chopped jalapeno adjust as per taste
  • ¼ cup cilantro roughly chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 bouillon cube
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Juice of 1 lime adjust as per taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil/ any cooking oil of your choice
  • 4 cups water
  • Salt as per taste

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a pot and add chopped onion to it. Saute till it becomes translucent.
  • Next, add the chopped bell pepper and jalapeno. Saute for a few minutes or till the bell pepper is cooked but still crunchy.
  • Add garlic powder, tomato paste, salt, and bouillon cube. Mix and saute for about a minute before adding the beans. Allow the beans to cook without water for about 2 minutes and then add rice and chopped cilantro. Mix and stir fry for 1-2 minutes.
  • Finally add the water, mix and cover the pot. Cook till rice is done.
  • Squeeze fresh lime juice and serve hot.

Notes

  1. Both canned and home-cooked beans can be used in this recipe.
  2. Instead of using just black beans, you can also use a combination of different beans.
  3. It's best to use long or medium-sized rice grains in Mexican bean rice

Nutrition

Calories: 378kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 462mg | Potassium: 381mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 848IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Tag me on instagram #greenbowl2soul


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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey

    January 24, 2020 at 1:18 pm

    We are a great fan of Mexican food, so similar cuisine to our desi one. This easy Mexican rice is indeed easy and simple to make. Loaded with veggies and flavourful.

    Reply
    • Vandana Chauhan

      January 24, 2020 at 5:01 pm

      Thanks Jagruti.

      Reply
  2. Anshu

    January 23, 2020 at 12:35 pm

    Such a lovely, colourful and hearty dish...loving the clicks - so vibrant and popping out of the screen....

    Reply
    • Vandana Chauhan

      January 23, 2020 at 5:40 pm

      Thanks Anshu.

      Reply
  3. amrita

    January 23, 2020 at 10:36 am

    We prefer Mexican dishes... This rice recipe is really easy and quick and you don't need any sides...

    Reply
    • Vandana Chauhan

      January 23, 2020 at 5:40 pm

      Thanks.

      Reply
  4. Sandhya Nadkarni

    January 23, 2020 at 12:48 am

    5 stars
    This Mexican rice is my favorite too. So many layers of flavor in this and your photos look superb too!

    Reply
    • Vandana Chauhan

      January 23, 2020 at 5:41 pm

      Thank you Sandhya.

      Reply
  5. Usha

    January 22, 2020 at 8:55 pm

    5 stars
    It is a colorful rice and prefer it as it is or as a side with grilled meats or paneer/tofu.

    Reply
    • Vandana Chauhan

      January 22, 2020 at 9:46 pm

      Thanks Usha.

      Reply
  6. Sandhya Ramakrishnan

    January 22, 2020 at 8:41 pm

    5 stars
    Mexican rice is a staple at my house anytime I make Mexican food for dinner. What a beautiful recipe and love the bright color of the rice. Such a simple rice recipe and so flavorful!

    Reply
    • Vandana Chauhan

      January 22, 2020 at 9:46 pm

      Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  7. Jayashree T.Rao

    January 22, 2020 at 12:36 pm

    Love this for dinner, it is tasty and filling. There is no need of any accompaniment too with it, yummy share.

    Reply
    • Vandana Chauhan

      January 22, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      Thanks Jayashree.

      Reply
  8. Ruchi

    January 20, 2020 at 10:53 am

    5 stars
    Mexican rice looks so colourful and inviting. Easy to make yet so delicious. Best option to use leftovers as well as to please the family. Beautiful share dear

    Reply
    • Vandana Chauhan

      January 20, 2020 at 11:03 am

      Thanks a lot, Ruchi.

      Reply
  9. Vanitha Bhat

    January 19, 2020 at 5:24 pm

    5 stars
    One of my favorite Mexican dishes; wholesome, colorful and chock full of veggies. I especially liked the beans part; I normally do not but will do so from here on! Super delicious share!

    Reply
    • Vandana Chauhan

      January 19, 2020 at 7:53 pm

      Thank you Vanitha.

      Reply
  10. Mayuri Patel

    January 18, 2020 at 9:17 pm

    5 stars
    Mexican rice full of vegetables and flavors is a favorite rice dish with my family. Love the colour of the rice. I usually don't add lime juice but will add it when I prepare it next time. A filling and nutritious one pot meal.

    Reply
    • Vandana Chauhan

      January 19, 2020 at 10:33 am

      Thanks, Mayuri. Yes, adding lime juice makes it so refreshing and enhances the flavor too.

      Reply
      • Lata Lala

        January 20, 2020 at 11:25 am

        5 stars
        Mexican rice looks super delicious with vibrant colours on a plate. Easy to make one pot meal is a great recipe.
        Next time i am goin to make this with leftover rice for sure.

        Reply
        • Vandana Chauhan

          January 20, 2020 at 11:39 am

          Thanks a lot Lata. Hope you enjoy it too :).

          Reply
  11. Shailender Sharma

    January 17, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    5 stars
    This is something common to have leftover rice in the kitchen and what else could be a better way to finish them by following this easy recipe. Truly the maxican rice are looking absolutely mouthwatering.

    Reply
    • Vandana Chauhan

      January 17, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      Thank you.

      Reply

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Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog. My name is Vandana Chauhan and I am on a mission to explore vegan/ vegetarian recipes from around the world. I am delighted to welcome you to join me on this exciting journey.

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