Easy Rice and Bean Stir Fry

This Easy Rice and Bean Stir Fry comes together in just about 20 minutes and fills you up with plant based protein! It's made using leftover rice, canned beans, a few veggies and spices. It won't break the bank but it packs tons of flavor and is great to enjoy with your favorite toppings. I eat these rice and bean bowls for lunches and dinners because they're so easy to prep ahead of time.

📝 Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 medium sized onion, diced (you can use whatever color you like)
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small green pepper, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno, I used pickled jalapeños
• 2-3 cups cooked rice, white or brown
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt, or more if desired
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, tomato, salsa, hot sauce

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Heat a large pan over medium heat and add about 2 teaspoons olive oil. Once hot, add in the diced onion, green pepper and red pepper. Mix together and cook until vegetables are softened, 2-3 minutes, and then add in the garlic and jalapeños. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
2. 2Next, add in the cooked rice, pinto beans, all of the spices and about 1 more tablespoon of oil. You can use less if you like. Mix everything together until completely combined and use the back of a spatula to press the rice and bean mixture down. Let cook for a minute or two and then flip rice, press down again and cook another 2-3 minutes. It’s nice if you can brown the rice a little bit.
3. 3Remove rice from the heat and add in a small handful of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Add extra salt and pepper if desired and mix together well. Serve in a bowl with your favorite toppings with a side of tortilla chips, if desired. You can also use for a taco or burrito filling. Enjoy!