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- 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped To make the Cheesy Tex-Mex Rice Skillet, you need these ingredients. Start with long-grain rice as the base. It cooks well and absorbs flavors nicely. Vegetable broth adds depth and richness to the dish. Black beans give protein and fiber. Corn adds sweetness and color. For seasonings, chili powder brings heat. Cumin adds earthiness. Smoked paprika gives a rich, smoky flavor. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Finally, shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top. Fresh cilantro adds a bright touch. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a delicious meal. To start, grab a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shines, it’s time to sauté the chopped onion. Cook the onion for about three to four minutes. You want it to turn clear and soft. Next, add two cloves of minced garlic and one diced red bell pepper. Cook this mix for another two to three minutes. The bell pepper should soften, and the garlic will give off a nice aroma. Now, it’s time to toast the rice. Pour in one cup of long-grain rice. Make sure to stir it well with the vegetables. Toast the rice for one to two minutes. This step adds great flavor. After toasting, pour in two cups of vegetable broth. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until mixed. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. The rice should soak up all the liquid and become tender. Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in one can of rinsed and drained black beans and one cup of corn kernels. Heat this mix for another five minutes. Everything should be warm and combined. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes. This will let the cheese melt and create a gooey topping. Before serving, add some fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your Cheesy Tex-Mex Rice Skillet! To get perfectly cooked rice, rinse it first. Rinsing removes extra starch. This step helps the rice stay fluffy. Use long-grain rice for the best texture. Cook the rice in vegetable broth for added flavor. Adjust the seasoning levels to your taste. Start with the suggested amounts. You can always add more later. If you like it spicy, add extra chili powder or cumin. You can easily add proteins or different vegetables. Cooked chicken or shrimp works well. For veggies, try spinach or zucchini. They add color and taste. You can also substitute cheese types. Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. Goat cheese gives a creamy texture. Experiment with your favorites. For side dishes, serve with tortilla chips and salsa. A fresh salad pairs well, too. You can even add a dollop of sour cream. Get creative with serving ideas. Serve in bowls for a cozy feel. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh touch. {{image_2}} You can change this dish to fit a vegetarian diet easily. Try using different beans or legumes. Pinto beans or chickpeas work well in this dish. They add protein and texture. You can also explore other vegetable combinations. Think about adding zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. These veggies add more flavor and nutrients. Want to kick up the heat? Incorporating jalapeños or hot sauce is a great way. You can add diced jalapeños to the skillet when cooking the onion. This will give the dish a nice kick. Adjusting spice levels with seasonings is simple too. Add more chili powder or even cayenne pepper to taste. This way, you can make it just right for you. You can turn this into a heartier meal by adding cooked chicken or beef. Just stir in shredded or diced meat when you mix in the beans and corn. This adds flavor and makes it filling. Another fun idea is to transform it into a burrito bowl. Serve the rice in a bowl and top it with salsa, avocado, or sour cream. This makes for a fun and easy meal! To store your Cheesy Tex-Mex Rice Skillet, let it cool first. This keeps the rice from getting soggy. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. I prefer glass containers since they don’t stain or hold odors. When reheating, the skillet is best. Heat it on low to medium. Add a splash of broth to keep the rice moist. Stir it often to heat evenly. If you choose the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely to allow steam to escape. You can freeze leftovers for later. Divide the rice into portions and place them in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. Enjoy your meal anytime! To make Cheesy Tex-Mex Rice Skillet vegan, swap the cheese and broth. Use a dairy-free cheese made from nuts or soy. For the broth, choose a plant-based version. Vegetable broth works well and adds a nice flavor. This keeps the dish tasty and friendly for all diets. Yes, you can use instant rice! Just adjust the cooking time. Instant rice cooks faster, usually in about 5-10 minutes. After sautéing the veggies, add the broth and seasonings. Then, add the instant rice. Stir and cover, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it absorbs the liquid. This dish pairs well with many sides. Consider fresh avocado slices or a simple salad. You can also serve tortilla chips for crunch. For drinks, try iced tea or a light beer. They balance the rich, cheesy flavors perfectly. Enjoy your meal! This blog shared a tasty Cheesy Tex-Mex Rice Skillet recipe. We explored ingredients like rice, black beans, and spices. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking the dish perfectly. I also offered tips for personalizing it to your taste. Remember, you can make this meal vegan or adjust it with proteins. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and toppings. This dish is easy, fun, and great for any meal! Make it your own and share it with friends and family.

Cheesy Tex-Mex Rice Skillet

Discover the ultimate Cheesy Tex-Mex Rice Skillet that brings bold flavors and fun to your table! This easy one-pan recipe combines long-grain rice, black beans, corn, and melty cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fiesta with friends. Follow the simple steps and enjoy a delicious meal in just 35 minutes. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to spice up your cooking!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups vegetable broth

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 medium red bell pepper, diced

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

    Add the garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens.

      Stir in the rice, ensuring it is well-coated in the oil and mixed with the vegetables. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to toast the rice lightly.

        Pour in the vegetable broth, and add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

          Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.

            Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the black beans and corn, cooking for another 5 minutes to heat everything through.

              Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again for a few minutes until the cheese has melted.

                Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 35 minutes | Serves 4