Tex Mex Bean Rice (Printable Recipe)

A hearty Tex Mex bean soup with rice, rich broth, and vibrant vegetables for cozy comforting meals.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Base Aromatics

01 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
02 - 1 small onion, chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Spices and Seasonings

04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - Salt and black pepper to taste
06 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)

→ Main Ingredients

07 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
08 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans with liquid
09 - 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans with liquid
10 - 4 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
11 - 1/2 cup cooked rice
12 - 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)

→ Garnish and Serving

13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
15 - Warm flour tortillas

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant.
02 - Add minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to allow spices to release their essential oils and deepen in flavor.
03 - Add diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, pinto beans with liquid, and tomato paste if using. Pour in 4 cups of broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
04 - Remove 1/2 cup of bean mixture, mash with a fork, and return to pot. Add cooked rice, corn if using, and half the cilantro. Simmer for 5 minutes, adjusting with more broth if needed.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or cumin as needed. Warm tortillas in skillet or microwave, then wrap in foil to keep warm.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle with shredded cheddar and remaining cilantro. Serve hot with warm tortillas on the side.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Toast cumin in the pot before adding other ingredients for maximum flavor enhancement
02 - Mash additional beans for thicker, creamier texture without adding dairy
03 - Warm tortillas just before serving for optimal taste and texture
04 - Cool completely before storing; refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months