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Best Budget-Friendly One-Pot Cheesy Rice & Beans

Delicious, Filling & Affordable – Perfect for Saving Money!

This one-pot meal is the ultimate budget-friendly recipe! Packed with protein-rich beans, hearty rice, and melted cheese, it’s an affordable, nutritious, and satisfying dish made with pantry staples. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep!

Cooking Method ,
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Rest Time: 5 mins Total Time: 35 mins
Estimated Cost $  5
Calories 420 kcal
Best Season Fall, Winter
Description

This One-Pot Cheesy Rice & Beans is a quick, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for families, students, or anyone looking to save money without sacrificing flavor. Made with simple pantry staples like rice, beans, cheese, and spices, it’s a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s easy to make in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients
  • 1 cup White or Brown Rice
  • 2 cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 can Black Beans or Kidney Beans, drained & rinsed (15 oz)
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes (with juices) (14.5 oz)
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican Blend)
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Cilantro (optional)
Instructions
    Sauté the Aromatics:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onions and cook until softened (2–3 minutes).
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    4. Cook the Rice & Beans:
  4. Add rice, broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
    7. Add Cheese & Finish:
  7. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
  8. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
    9. Serve & Enjoy:
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro (if using) and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 4.5g23%
Cholesterol 18mg6%
Sodium 680mg29%
Potassium 600mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 65g22%
Dietary Fiber 9g36%
Sugars 5g
Protein 18g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://shabskitchen.com/recipe/best-budget-friendly-one-pot-cheesy-rice-beans/