One-Pan Vegan Fajita Rice

Bring the vibrant colors and bold flavors of a Mexican-inspired fiesta to your kitchen with this One-Pan Vegan Fajita Rice Skillet. This dish is a satisfying celebration of smoky spices, tender bell peppers, and hearty black beans, all cooked in a single pan for a stress-free weeknight dinner that is as nutritious as it is delicious.

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Perfect for meal prep or a quick family gathering, this recipe uses pantry staples like long-grain rice and canned tomatoes to create a meal that tastes like it spent hours simmering. The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder coats every grain of rice in a deep, aromatic warmth.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced), 1 green bell pepper (sliced), 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 jalapeño (deseeded and sliced, optional).
• Rice & Beans: 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice, rinsed), 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 (14.5 oz / 410 g) can diced tomatoes with juices, 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth.
• Spices: 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste), 1/4 tsp black pepper.
• Optional Garnishes: 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 lime (cut into wedges), sliced avocado or vegan sour cream.

Ideal for slow-simmered sauces, braised vegetables, baked dips, and cozy one-pot meals with even heat.

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of water for oil-free cooking. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.

Step 2: Add Spices

Stir in the garlic and jalapeño, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.

Step 3: Simmer

Add the rice, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth. Stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes (white rice) or 40–45 minutes (brown rice), until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado or vegan sour cream if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use a large deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid to ensure the rice steams evenly. If you are following a strict gluten-free or soy-free diet, always double-check the labels on your vegetable broth and canned beans for potential cross-contamination.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To boost the fiber content, substitute white rice for brown rice, though you should adjust the cooking time and broth as noted in the instructions. If you want a smoky kick, add a pinch of chipotle powder. For additional protein, stir in some cubed, sautéed tofu just before serving.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this skillet hot directly from the pan for a rustic feel. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a dollop of vegan sour cream perfectly balance the earthy spices. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making this an excellent choice for a healthy lunch the next day.

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With 345 calories and 12g of protein per serving, this fajita rice skillet is a balanced meal that proves vegan cooking can be simple, hearty, and full of flavor. Enjoy your one-pan masterpiece!

Cook complete meals by sautéing, simmering sauces, boiling pasta, and steaming vegetables with reliable everyday cookware.

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Kitchen Questions

→ Can brown rice be used instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can replace white rice but requires a longer cooking time (40–45 minutes) and slightly more broth for perfect tenderness.

→ How can I add more protein to this dish?

Consider adding cubed, sautéed tofu before serving to boost protein while keeping the dish plant-based.

→ What spices give this dish its smoky flavor?

Smoked paprika combined with cumin and chili powder creates the smoky and warm spice profile characteristic of fajita-style cooking.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish oil-free?

Yes, you can sauté the vegetables using water instead of oil to keep the meal oil-free without sacrificing flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.