Print

Easy Chili Beans and Rice

Easy Chili Beans and Rice
Print Recipe

Easy Chili Beans and Rice is a quick, comforting meal combining wholesome beans, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice for a warm, satisfying bowl packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing dinners, this dish is versatile, budget-friendly, and simple to customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Rice

  • 1 cup dried kidney, black, or pinto beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain rice

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Others

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step builds the foundation of your dish’s flavor.
  2. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices briefly to release their aroma. Pour in diced tomatoes and cook together for a couple of minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Combine Beans and Rice: Add drained beans and uncooked long grain rice to the pot. Stir gently to coat the rice with the spiced tomato mixture, ensuring thorough flavor infusion as it cooks.
  4. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
  • Toast chili powder and cumin briefly in oil to unlock deeper flavors.
  • Use fresh garlic and onions rather than powders for best taste.
  • Keep the pot tightly covered during simmering for even cooking and flavor absorption.
  • If rice is not fully cooked, add more broth or water and continue simmering.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili beans, chili rice, easy chili recipe, quick comfort food, vegetarian chili, vegan chili, beans and rice

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/easy-chili-beans-and-rice/