Beans and Rice gets a flavorful makeover with a satisfying blend of fiesta flavors in a simple creamy tomato sauce! This dish reminds me of a "fully-loaded" version of Spanish Rice! (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)

Let's bring it back to basics with beans and rice!
Except this simple yet satisfying dish gets a flavor-packed makeover.
We combine black beans and brown rice with a medley of colorful vegetables. Then it is simmered in a creamy, cheesy, tomato sauce spiked with my homemade taco seasoning blend.
It reminds me of a "fully-loaded" version of Spanish Rice.

Ingredients for Fiesta Rice
For this recipe you will combine in a large skillet:
- Brown rice: I use long-grain brown basmati rice for this recipe.
- Yellow onion: Or white onion, red onion, etc.
- Bell pepper: I use orange bell pepper, but yellow, green bell pepper, or red bell pepper work great too.
- Garlic cloves: Or substitute with dried garlic powder.
- Taco seasoning: I use my homemade taco seasoning blend for this recipe, but simply use your own favorite.
- Tomato sauce: This comes in a 15 ounce can.
- Nutritional yeast: This gives the sauce a cheesy, savory taste.
- Black beans: Or you can substitute another bean such an pinto beans or kidney beans if desired.
- Sweet corn: Either canned, frozen corn kernels, fire-roasted corn, or freshly cooked corn.
- Grape tomatoes: Or cherry tomatoes, roma tomatoes, or other garden tomatoes.

Customizing
Make it spicy: Stir in chili powder, red pepper flakes, jalapeno, chipotle in adobo sauce, or simply top with hot sauce to taste.
Make it meaty: Simply add your favorite vegan beef crumbles. I suggest cooking them separately according to package instructions. Then toss with the fiesta rice before serving.
Make it extra-cheesy: The cheesy flavor in this dish comes from nutritional yeast. But you could certainly add more, or increase the cheesiness with your favorite vegan shreds or dairy-free cheddar cheese.
Quinoa: You could also replace the brown rice with quinoa for the base of this dish.
Serving
This rice bowl is a great side dish, but it's also filling enough as a main dish. (And a good source of plant-based protein and fiber.)
Enjoy as is, or add your favorite toppings before serving such as:
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado or guacamole
- Crumbled tortilla chips
- Squeeze of fresh lime juice
- Vegan sour cream
You can also enjoy it as a burrito filling, chip dip, taco salad, layer it in a baked enchilada casserole, etc.
It's a great make-ahead meal for the week. Simply reheat in the microwave and enjoy!

For more inspiration, also browse all oil-free recipes or Mexican-inspired recipes.

Cheesy Fiesta Beans & Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice (uncooked)
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1 orange bell pepper (or other color)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 15 oz. can black beans
- 1 cup sweet corn (frozen, canned, or freshly cooked)
- 1 cup cherry/grape tomatoes (or roma, etc.)
- Salt to taste
Toppings (optional):
- Avocado, cilantro, fresh tomatoes, hot sauce, dairy-free cheese shreds, tortilla strips
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions.*
- Meanwhile, make the taco seasoning and set aside.
- Finely dice onion and bell pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté onion and bell pepper for 8-10 minutes. (For no-oil sauté method, I use 3 Tbsp. broth/water to sauté and add more as needed.)
- Meanwhile, mince garlic and dice tomatoes.
- When onion is translucent, add minced garlic and 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning. Cook 1-2 minutes.
- Reduce heat. Add tomato sauce, nutritional yeast, black beans (rinsed and drained), corn, and tomatoes. Stir and let simmer on medium-low for a few minutes (or longer if the rice isn't finished cooking yet).
- When rice is cooked, add to skillet and stir well. Heat for 5 minutes to let flavors combine. Salt to taste.
- Serve with your favorite toppings. For an extra-cheesy version, add your favorite dairy-free shreds.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
If you are enjoying this cheesy vegan beans and fiesta rice recipe, also check out:
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Diana
I made this for dinner tonight. So easy and delicious!
Kaitlin
Wonderful, Diana! Thanks so much for giving the recipes a try and sharing your very kind feedback. Wishing you a beautiful rest of the week!
Susan L
Really enjoyed the flavors and simplicity of this dish! We topped ours with avocado, tortilla chips, and a little hot sauce.
Kaitlin
Great to hear!