Description
This Healthy Mediterranean Rice and Beans is a vibrant, one-pot meal packed with colorful veggies, pinto beans, and fragrant spices. It’s a wholesome choice for a quick dinner, healthy lunch prep, or a satisfying meatless option. Perfect for those searching for quick breakfast, easy dinner, healthy snack, or reliable weeknight food ideas—this easy recipe delivers flavor, texture, and freshness with every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup white rice
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions and bell peppers, sauté for 6-8 minutes until soft.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Stir in paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, and toast spices for 30 seconds.
5. Add rice and stir to coat with the spices and oil.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice and water or broth.
7. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18-20 minutes.
8. Remove from heat, stir in pinto beans and fresh parsley.
9. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with more parsley if desired.
Notes
Use a heavy pot like a Dutch oven for even cooking and best texture.
Let the rice sit covered after cooking to steam fully and fluff up.
Don’t skip fresh parsley—it balances and brightens the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: healthy dinner, Mediterranean rice and beans, easy recipe, vegetarian, weeknight dinner, healthy lunch