Description
This Southwest Black Bean Skillet is a vibrant, hearty one-pan meal combining tender rice, sweet potatoes, black beans, and zesty green chilies. Infused with bold chili powder and brightened with fresh lime juice and cilantro, it’s topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this nutritious and satisfying dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or flavorful meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, undrained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large skillet, add the uncooked rice, salsa, diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, diced green chiles (with their juices), chili powder, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Place the skillet over high heat and cover it. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook covered for 15 minutes, allowing the rice and sweet potatoes to soften and absorb the flavors.
- Rest and Fluff: After simmering, remove the skillet from heat. Keep it covered and let it rest for 5 minutes to finish steaming. Then uncover and fluff the mixture with a fork to separate the grains and evenly distribute ingredients. Stir in the fresh lime juice and sliced green onions. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hot mixture. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes, letting the residual heat gently melt the cheese.
- Serve: Garnish the skillet with the chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the dish hot as a delicious and hearty Southwest-inspired meal.
Notes
- You can use either chicken or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference.
- For a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or use a hotter salsa.
- This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by choosing vegetable broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- To add protein, consider topping with cooked shredded chicken or a fried egg.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
