Skip to main content

Rice Bowl Southwestern Style

Lots of filling grains, healthy veggies and southwestern flavor make this a meal to enjoy any time of day.
Video

Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Bowls of rice, vegetables and chicken with shredded cheese.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped vegetables (try a mixture: bell peppers, onion, corn, tomato, zucchini)
⅛ teaspoon salt 
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup protein (see Notes)
⅛ teaspoon each garlic powder, oregano and cumin (optional)
2 Tablespoons salsa, shredded cheese or low-fat sour cream
 (try Food Hero's Salsa Roja or Salsa Verde)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat (350 degrees F in an electric skillet).  Add vegetables and salt. Cook until tender-crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Add cooked rice; cooked protein, garlic powder, oregano and cumin, if desired. Heat through.
  5. Divide rice mixture between two bowls. Top with salsa, cheese or sour cream and serve warm.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try cooked beans, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, tuna, salmon, turkey, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs for the protein.
  • For a spicier dish, add chili powder, red pepper flakes or taco sauce in Step 1.
  • You can use any leftover cooked grain in this recipe. Try white or wild rice, quinoa, barley or oatmeal.
  • Try other toppings such as chopped cilantro, sliced radishes or Food Hero Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables.

Comments

Great recipe you can use whatever you have on hand and make different for any family member!  My kids love it and I can put it together in minutes -- they love picking their toppings!

This is a great way to use up leftover rice.  I use beans and whatever veggies I have on hand and the bowl always turns out so yummy!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Kale and White Bean Soup
Bowl of soup with a tomato base, kale and beans

Kale and White Bean Soup

A warm and filling soup made with beans, greens and Italian flavors.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Brown Rice with Corn and Beans
A seasoned mix of brown rice, black beans and corn is shown in a serving bowl.

Brown Rice with Corn and Beans

This kid-approved recipe filled with whole grains, veggies and beans is flavorful, filling and perfect for any meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Asparagus Mushroom Melt
English muffins topped with chopped asparagus, mushrooms and broiled cheese are shown on plates.

Asparagus Mushroom Melt

English muffins topped with fresh veggies and cheese make this a flavorful appetizer, snack or meal.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 muffin halves
Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Plate of bite-sized cookies with a gooey jam center.

Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

This simple and tasty cookie is made with nut flours and your choice of sweetener. Finish the fun with a thumbprint filling of your favorite jam.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
15 cookies
Roasted Cauliflower
Bowl of slightly browned baked cauliflower.

Roasted Cauliflower

Garlic and onion flavor this roasted cauliflower topped with tangy cheese.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal
Display of Apple Spice Oatmeal recipe squares

Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal

This make-ahead baked oatmeal breakfast recipe with fruit and whole grains is kid approved!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
9 Squares (2.5 inches x 2.5 inches)