Hearty Chili Rice with Beans Recipe: Simple Comfort Magic

Simmering with rich, hearty flavors, this chili rice with beans recipe delivers a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with robust spices and tender ingredients, the dish blends classic Tex-Mex inspiration with homestyle cooking.

Bold and satisfying, each spoonful combines perfectly seasoned rice and protein-packed beans.

The vibrant mix of ingredients creates a one-pot wonder that saves time without sacrificing taste.

Comfort food meets culinary creativity in this simple yet delicious meal.

This recipe promises a delightful dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need for Chili Rice with Beans

• Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: Adds hearty, rich flavor and protein punch; choose lean cuts for healthier option; fresh, high-quality meat ensures best taste and texture.
• Pinto Beans: Provides plant-based protein and creamy texture; dried beans offer deeper flavor, canned beans save preparation time; rinse canned beans to reduce sodium.

• Yellow Onion: Creates aromatic foundation for dish; select firm onions with no soft spots; chop finely for even distribution.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent undertone; fresh cloves provide more intense flavor than pre-minced; crush or mince for maximum taste release.
• Chili Powder: Introduces warm, spicy complexity; adjust quantity based on heat preference; look for freshly ground blends for vibrant flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning profile; use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste; add gradually and taste as you go.
• Sugar: Balances acidity and deepens flavor profile; helps caramelize ingredients; use sparingly.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides tangy base and moisture; choose San Marzano variety for richest taste; fire-roasted types add smoky nuance.
• Jalapeño Pepper: Adds optional heat and zesty kick; remove seeds for milder flavor; wear gloves when handling.
• Parsley, Cilantro: Brings bright, fresh finish; chop just before adding; cilantro offers more authentic southwestern flair.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking foundation; use cold-pressed for best quality; helps prevent sticking.

Tools to Make Chili Rice and Beans Quickly

• Large pot: Essential for cooking beans on stovetop or in pressure cooker.
• Medium thick-bottomed pot: Perfect for preparing fluffy rice with even cooking.
• Skillet or frying pan: Ideal for sautéing onions, browning meat, and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Colander or strainer: Useful for draining cooked beans.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.

Steps to Cook Chili Rice with Beans

• Bean Preparation

Soak and soften beans using stovetop or pressure cooker method until tender and ready for cooking.

• Rice Foundation

Create fluffy base by combining rice with water, butter, and salt in a pot, cooking until perfectly textured.

• Flavor Builders

Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, developing deep aromatic foundation for chili mixture.

• Meat Development

Brown ground meat in hot skillet, creating rich caramelized exterior and intense flavor profile.

• Ingredient Fusion

Combine sautéed vegetables, browned meat, chopped tomatoes, and jalapeños into cohesive mixture, seasoning with spices and herbs.

• Bean Integration

Mix cooked beans into meat mixture, allowing ingredients to blend and develop complex taste layers.

• Final Touches

Simmer entire dish to marry flavors, adjust seasonings, and create harmonious chili rice experience.

• Serving Presentation

Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, serving over rice or wrapped in warm tortillas for delightful meal completion.

Flavor Tips for Chili Rice Recipes

• Skip long cooking times by soaking dry beans overnight in cold water, which dramatically reduces preparation duration and helps beans cook more evenly.
• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or black beans for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Adjust heat intensity by modifying chili powder quantities or replacing jalapeños with milder green chiles, allowing everyone to enjoy their preferred spiciness without overwhelming taste buds.
• Transform this recipe into a streamlined meal by cooking beans, rice, and meat together in a single large Dutch oven, reducing cleanup time and integrating flavors more deeply during cooking process.
• Repurpose extra chili rice by stuffing into bell peppers, rolling inside burritos, or using as a hearty topping for nachos, extending meal enjoyment beyond original serving.

Chili Rice Serving Suggestions

• Flavor Fusion Companions: Pair this spicy chili rice with crisp, cool side dishes like fresh coleslaw or cucumber salad to balance the heat and add refreshing crunch.
• Toppings Extravaganza: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, dollop sour cream, add diced avocado, or scatter chopped green onions on top to enhance texture and create beautiful visual appeal.
• Beverage Harmony: Complement the robust flavors with a cold Mexican beer like Corona, a tangy margarita, or a refreshing agua fresca to cool down the spicy notes and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chili rice into hearty breakfast burritos by wrapping in tortillas with scrambled eggs, or use as a filling for stuffed bell peppers for a delicious next-day meal transformation.

Tips for Storing Chili Rice with Beans

• Quick Batch Cooking: Prepare large quantities of this chili rice with beans, dividing into meal-sized containers for easy weekday lunches and dinners. Refrigerated portions stay delicious up to 4-5 days when sealed tightly.
• Freezer-Friendly Champion: Cool the dish completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Properly stored meals maintain excellent quality for 2-3 months, offering convenient grab-and-heat options during busy weeks.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Store rice and bean-meat mixture separately to prevent sogginess. Keep components in different sealed containers, allowing flexible reheating and maintaining optimal texture when reassembling meals.
• Reheating Magic Trick: Revive refrigerated chili rice by adding small splash of water before microwaving, helping restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir halfway through heating to distribute warmth evenly, ensuring consistent temperature throughout dish.

Spicy Chili Rice with Beans Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comforting chili rice with beans combines hearty Mexican-style flavors in one satisfying dish. Rice and bean enthusiasts will savor this spicy, protein-packed meal that brings robust southwestern warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 2 cups (480 ml) dry pinto beans or 4 cans (15 oz/425 g each) pinto beans, drained
• 2 cups (480 ml) uncooked white rice
• 1 yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped (about 1 tsp)
• 1 jalapeño pepper, cooked and sliced
• 14 oz (396 g) crushed or whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 1 to 2 tbsps chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves

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Instructions

1. Bean Preparation: Submerge dried beans in water 3 inches above surface. Using stovetop method, boil then simmer for 2.5 hours until soft. Alternatively, pressure cook beans two-thirds filled with water for 30-35 minutes until tender, then strain.
2. Rice Foundation: Combine rice, water, butter, and salt in a medium thick-bottomed pot. Bring to rolling boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until liquid absorbs and rice becomes fluffy.
3. Aromatic Base: Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and chili powder during final minute of cooking. Transfer fragrant mixture to separate bowl.
4. Meat Browning: Elevate skillet temperature and thoroughly brown meat, allowing 1-2 minutes per side without disrupting to achieve robust caramelization. Reintroduce onion-garlic mixture, adjusting spiciness with additional chili powder.
5. Flavor Integration: Add diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and subtle sugar to balance tomato’s natural acidity. Incorporate strained beans, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
6. Serving Finale: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves just before plating. Serve atop fluffy rice or wrapped in warm corn tortillas for a vibrant, satisfying meal experience.

Notes

• Optimize Bean Preparation: Soak dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring even softening and quicker meal preparation.
• Master Meat Browning: Let meat sit undisturbed during initial searing to develop a rich, caramelized crust that enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Balance Spice Levels: Gradually add chili powder to control heat intensity, tasting as you go to prevent overwhelming the dish’s delicate flavor profile.
• Elevate Final Touches: Fresh herbs like cilantro should be added just before serving to maintain vibrant color and maximize aromatic impact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg