One-Pan Vegan Fajita Rice (Printable Version)

A vibrant blend of smoky peppers, rice, and black beans cooked in one pan for a flavorful vegan meal.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
02 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
04 - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and sliced (optional)

→ Rice & Beans

07 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
08 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
10 - 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth

→ Spices

11 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

18 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
20 - Sliced avocado or vegan sour cream

# Steps:

01 - Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of water for oil-free cooking.
02 - Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelized.
03 - Stir in the garlic and jalapeño. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
05 - Add the rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth. Stir until well combined.
06 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado or vegan sour cream if desired.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time actually enjoying your meal instead of scrubbing pots.
  • The spice blend creates this smoky, warm depth that makes you feel like you're eating something seriously flavorful, not just throwing together weeknight basics.
  • It's naturally vegan and gluten-free without any fussy substitutions or special ingredients you've never heard of.
02 -
  • Don't peek or stir constantly once you've covered it—that steam is doing important work, and every time you lift the lid you're releasing heat that the rice needs.
  • If your rice seems too dry when you uncover it, the liquid was absorbed too quickly, which usually means your heat was too high or your lid wasn't sealing properly.
03 -
  • If you prefer brown rice, add an extra 1/2 cup of vegetable broth and increase the cooking time to 40 to 45 minutes—the fuller flavor is worth the extra wait.
  • A pinch of chipotle powder stirred in with the other spices adds a subtle smokiness that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
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