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A hearty Southwest Lentils and Rice Skillet with melted cheese, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, topped with fresh green onions for garnish.

Southwest Lentils and Rice Skillet

5 from 1 vote
A vibrant, flavorful one-pot meal that combines hearty lentils, tender rice, and spices for a delicious and filling dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
rest_time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 369

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 small red onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder ground
  • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning a flavorful seasoning blend
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano dried
  • ½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup brown lentils rinsed (make sure they are rinsed to remove any debris)
  • 1 15 oz. can black beans drained & rinsed use low-sodium if preferred
  • 1 14.5 oz. can fire roasted tomatoes with juices
  • 1 cup frozen corn thawed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth low-sodium recommended
  • ¾ cup long grain white rice rinsed rinse well to remove excess starch
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
  • 2 green onions sliced for garnish

Method
 

  1. Dice the red onion and mince the garlic. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add the cumin, chili powder, adobo seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to toast the spices for about 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in the lentils, black beans, fire roasted tomatoes (with their juices), corn, and vegetable broth. Mix well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes to cook the lentils slightly before adding the rice.
  4. After 5 minutes, uncover the skillet and add the rinsed rice. Stir to distribute the rice evenly. Cover with the lid, bring the skillet back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. While the dish is cooking, grate the cheddar cheese and slice the green onions.
  6. After the 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest with the lid on for 5 minutes. Once rested, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork, gently stirring to redistribute the vegetables.
  7. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, cilantro, or avocado, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5gCalories: 369kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 14gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 872mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 10gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 20mg

Notes

This skillet dish offers a hearty, satisfying meal full of rich flavors. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or avocado for extra flair!

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