Tight Budget Healthy Dinner Mexican or Italian
Discover the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and affordability with this Tight Budget Healthy Dinner recipe, offering both Mexican and Italian-inspired options. Packed with hearty black beans, fluffy brown rice, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder, this one-pot wonder assembles into a delicious, protein-rich meal in just 40 minutes. Fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, cilantro, and a zing of lime juice elevate the dish, while optional additions like cheddar cheese and sour cream provide extra indulgence. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a versatile, budget-friendly choice that brings vibrant flavors to your table without breaking the bank. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a family of four, this quick, healthy dinner keeps things simple, satisfying, and wallet-friendly.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown rice
- 2 cups Water
- 1 can (15 oz) Canned black beans
- 1 tablespoon Cooking oil (olive or vegetable)
- 1 medium, diced Yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 medium, diced Tomato
- 0.25 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 1 juiced Lime
- 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 0.25 cup Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then add it to a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and salt to the skillet with the onion. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the spices' aroma.
Drain and rinse the canned black beans, then add them to the skillet. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the beans are heated through and slightly thickened.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and divide it evenly among the serving bowls.
Top each bowl with a portion of the seasoned black bean mixture.
Garnish each serving with diced tomato, chopped cilantro, a drizzle of freshly squeezed lime juice, and any optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese or sour cream.
Serve the black bean and rice bowls warm and enjoy this budget-friendly, flavorful meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1383 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.2 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.9 g | 104% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 90 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 4295 mg | 187% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 184.3 g | 67% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 52.3 g | 187% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.9 g | ||
| Protein | 62.5 g | 125% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 833 mg | 64% | |
| Iron | 16.0 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 2650 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
