Mexican Fiesta Rice
Carlisa Krenek
This vibrant Mexican Fiesta Rice is packed with flavor, color, and nutrition—without a drop of oil. Made with brown rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and warm spices, it’s perfect as a hearty main, burrito filling, or meal prep staple. Fresh cilantro and a splash of lime tie it all together for a festive, satisfying dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 5 hours hrs 35 minutes mins
Course Sides
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 0
Calories 280 kcal
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup black beans cooked or no-salt canned, rinsed
- 1 cup corn fresh or frozen
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (or 1 can no-salt diced tomatoes, drained)
- ½ cup red bell pepper finely chopped
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté (optional water method): In a large skillet, add a splash of water. Sauté the red bell pepper and green onions over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, until slightly softened.
Mix ingredients: Add cooked rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, olives, and all the seasonings (garlic powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper).
Heat through: Stir well and heat on low until everything is warmed, about 5–7 minutes. Add more water as needed to prevent sticking.
Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro.
Serve warm or chilled as a main dish, burrito filling, or side!
Notes:
• You can use quinoa instead of brown rice for a protein boost.
• No-salt canned tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes work great here.
• Optional add-ins: diced jalapeños, shredded romaine, or sliced avocado.
Time-Saving Tips:
• Use pre-cooked rice or frozen rice packets for faster prep.
• Pre-chop veggies or use frozen bell peppers to save time.
• Make a double batch and use as filling for burritos, wraps, or taco bowls all week.
Serving: 1.5CupsCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 9gFat: 4gFiber: 10g