Easy One Pot Mexican Beans and Rice

Published: Aug 2021. Updated: Apr 2023.

This is a quick and easy one pot Mexican style beans and rice made in Instant Pot. This vegan meal requires only minimal sauce, and can be put together in 30 minutes and is super simple to make. This is a crowd pleaser and is a great idea to include in the menu for large gatherings.

This rice and beans is comforting with Mexican flavors which our family loves. What can you want when you fix a comforting meal in 30 minutes? Minimal chopping of onions and garlic alone is required. The recipe uses canned beans, frozen corn, and crushed tomatoes. And that considerably reduces the prep time and hence the waiting time for dinner too. 

The following ingredients are required to make this delicious one-pot meal:

Rice - Of course rice. This is a rice based meal. If you are conscious about carbs, quinoa can be substituted. Rice adds to the comforting flavors.

Black beans - Adds protein and fiber to the food. Canned beans are used. If planned well ahead, dry beans can be soaked, cooked, and added to this rice. Black beans can be swapped with pinto beans in this rice.

Corn - Frozen sweet corn is an easy addition. Canned corn can also be used to make a quick meal. Corn adds to fiber and vitamins.

Crushed tomatoes - Tomatoes add to the lovely flavor in this recipe. Crushed tomatoes are used for a quick meal fix. Instead of crushed tomatoes, two or three fresh tomatoes can be pureed and added. 

Salt - Adds flavor.

Onion and garlic - These two aromatic bulbs enhance the flavors.

Cumin and Cumin powder - Give the characteristic flavor.

Oregano - A little of dried oregano adds to the immense flavor.

Serrano pepper - Adds to the heat. If you prefer less heat, jalapeños can be swapped.

Cayenne - adds to the spicy flavor.

Oil - Neutral flavored oil works great.

Coriander Powder - Adds to the flavor depth.

Cilantro - Fresh cilantro, as a garnish, adds to the aroma of flavor of this rice.

What can you serve this with?

This can be a main as well as a side. When serving this as the main dish, serve with a side of guacamole and/or sour cream. We love this combo. Also some tortilla chips on the side would add to the crunch factor. 

Can this recipe be doubled?

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner and this rice can easily feed a crowd.This recipe can be doubled or tripled depending on the number of people you are serving. 

Is this vegan?

This is a vegan meal too. Feel free to sprinkle vegan cheese or regular cheese if preferred. For us, we don't require that. It is comforting as such. Try and let me know hoe you liked your super simple dinner!

Substitution ideas.....

This is an easy, simple, and forgiving recipe so substitutions are possible. Many people are carb conscious. I use rice or quinoa, or sometimes millet, basically whatever I have on hand. Quinoa is a great substitution that is protein rich and if you do not want rice, quinoa works, like in this Cilantro Lime Quinoa. Any beans can be used. In case you do not have black beans or pinto beans, use garbanzo, white, or kidney beans. The flavors will be great and the meal will be tasty still.

Storage and leftover ideas.......

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for unto two days. Another reason to make this is that the leftovers are great to use as burrito filling for the next day dinner. Now, I call that two meal in one shot. Who wouldn't love a satisfying burrito? This one pot meal helps in fixing two weeknight meals. Leftovers can be used in this burrito bowl, replacing the quinoa. It makes a comforting meal. 

More Mexican flavored food ideas....

One-pot meals and Instant Pot meals are always handy to fit in any weeknight dinner planning. Instant Pot Slow Cooker Corn Chowder is very comforting and delicious one to make and enjoy. This is fresh corn season and it is great to try with roasted corn. Speaking of fresh corn, this Elote is a must try for this season. If you love black beans, try this Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup, which is our family favorite too. If your family loves Mexican food like us, then I can guarantee that you'll love this Double Cheese Stuffed Crust Taco Pizza. 

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6

Rice - 1.5 cups

Salt -1 tsp

Crushed tomatoes - 1/2 cup

Black beans - 1.5 cups, cooked

Corn - 1 cup, frozen

Oregano - 1 tsp

Cayenne - 3/4 tsp

Cumin powder - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp

Oil - 1 tbsp

Cumin - 1 tsp

Onion - 1 cup, diced

Garlic - 1 tbsp, finely chopped

Serrano peppers - 2, slit lengthwise

Method

Switch on the Instant pot in sauté mode. Add the oil. When it is hot add the cumin, garlic, onion, and serranos. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Add the rice, beans, crushed tomatoes, corn.

Add the salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, cayenne, oregano, and water. Mix and adjust the salt and spiciness. Set in rice mode.

Release the pressure, open and fluff. 

Enjoy with a side of guacamole.