Name: Mexican Food Recipes Easy: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup rice; 2 cups water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 can black beans, drained; 1 cup corn; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 avocado, sliced; Chopped cilantro for garnish

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If you’re craving something vibrant and full of flavor, you’ve got to try this easy Mexican dish! I absolutely love how simple it is to whip up delicious Mexican food recipes at home, and this one is a true winner. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that’s packed with all the good stuff—rice, beans, and fresh veggies. Trust me, the combination of warm rice topped with seasoned beans and creamy avocado is pure comfort food bliss. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

mexican food recipes easy - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 cup rice (white or brown, your choice!)
2 cups water (to cook the rice perfectly)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for a touch of richness)
1 teaspoon salt (to season the rice)
1 can black beans, drained (for protein and fiber)
1 cup corn (sweet and crunchy, frozen or fresh)
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, for a burst of flavor)
1 teaspoon cumin (to add warmth and earthiness)
1 teaspoon chili powder (for a little kick!)
1 avocado, sliced (creamy goodness on top)
Chopped cilantro for garnish (adds freshness)

How to Prepare Instructions

Rinsing the Rice

First things first, let’s get that rice ready! Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This step is super important because it helps wash away excess starch, which can make the rice gummy. Just give it a good rinse until the water runs clear. You want each grain to be nice and fluffy!

Cooking the Rice

Now, grab a pot and combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed. Don’t lift the lid while it’s cooking—this helps keep the steam in!

Preparing the Bean Mixture

While the rice is cooking, let’s whip up the bean mixture! In a separate pan, heat up 1 can of drained black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of diced tomatoes over medium heat. Add in 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder for that lovely flavor. Stir it all together and cook for about 5 minutes, just until everything is warmed through. If you like a little more heat, feel free to toss in some jalapeños!

Serving the Dish

Once your rice is ready, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Take a serving bowl and layer the fluffy rice at the bottom, then generously spoon the bean mixture on top. For the finishing touch, add sliced avocado and sprinkle some chopped cilantro over everything. It’s such a beautiful dish! Serve it warm, and if you want, pair it with some tortilla chips or a fresh salad on the side. Enjoy every bite of this delightful meal!

Tips for Success

To make sure your dish turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip rinsing the rice; it really makes a difference in texture. If you find your rice is sticking together, you may have overcooked it or not rinsed enough. Also, feel free to adjust the spices in the bean mixture to suit your taste—add more chili powder for extra heat or even a squeeze of lime for brightness! And if you have leftovers, don’t worry; they taste just as good the next day. Just reheat gently on the stovetop to keep everything nice and fresh!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this delicious dish:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 55g

Keep in mind, this is just an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. It’s a healthy option packed with fiber and protein, making it a satisfying meal without the guilt!

FAQ Section

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Absolutely! Brown rice is a great option, but keep in mind it’ll take longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes. Just adjust the water accordingly.

What if I don’t have black beans? No worries! You can substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans. They’ll still add that wonderful protein and flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! This dish is already vegetarian, and it can easily be made vegan by using plant-based toppings. Just skip any cheese you might want to add.

How can I adjust the spice level? If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or skip it altogether. You can also serve it with salsa on the side for a little kick!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Definitely! You can cook the rice and the bean mixture in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super easy to make, perfect for beginners!
Packed with healthy ingredients like beans, corn, and avocado!
Flavors that pop without overwhelming your palate.
Quick prep and cook time—ready in just 35 minutes!
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings.
A comforting and filling dish that’s great for any occasion.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers is super simple! Just place any remaining rice and bean mixture in airtight containers. I usually separate them to keep the rice fluffy and prevent it from getting soggy. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth to help it along. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!

For more delicious Mexican recipes, check out this guide to get inspired!

Mexican Food Recipes Easy: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious Mexican dish that anyone can make easily at home.

Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water.
In a pot, combine rice, water, olive oil, and salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
In a pan, heat black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder over medium heat.
Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve topped with the bean mixture.
Add sliced avocado and chopped cilantro for garnish.