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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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