One-Pot Cheesy Rice and Beans
One-Pot Cheesy Rice and Beans is a hearty, comforting skillet meal where rice, beans, and cheese are cooked together in a single pot. It typically features a base of rice, canned beans (like black or pinto), tomatoes, onions, and spices, all melted together with a generous amount of cheese. This dish is a staple in many home kitchens across the United States, often associated with quick weeknight dinners and Tex-Mex or Southwestern-inspired flavors.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates from the rice and beans, with a good amount of plant-based protein and fiber. It provides key nutrients like iron, folate, and calcium from the cheese, with a typical serving containing around 400-500 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Folate | 120 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Vitamin A | 80 mcg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a prime example of a 'pantry meal'—a resourceful, budget-friendly dish that can be adapted with whatever beans, cheese, or spices are on hand. Nutritionally, the combination of rice and beans creates a complete protein, making it a satisfying and balanced vegetarian option.
