One-Pan Vegan Fajita Rice (Print Version)

A flavorful blend of peppers, black beans, and rice cooked together for a vibrant one-pan meal.

# Components:

→ 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

→ 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

→ Garnishes

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

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil or water for oil-free cooking.
02 - Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and jalapeño. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat vegetables evenly with spice blend.
05 - Add rinsed rice, drained black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth. Stir until well combined.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
08 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
09 - Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado or vegan sour cream if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor absorption into every grain of rice.
  • The spice blend creates that smoky fajita magic without requiring a grill or special equipment.
  • It's naturally vegan but doesn't announce itself loudly—it just satisfies like a proper meal.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice and beans—it prevents a starchy, gluey texture and lets each ingredient shine instead of turning into paste.
  • Smoked paprika makes the difference between ordinary and crave-worthy; regular paprika will leave it tasting flat by comparison.
03 -
  • Check your vegetable broth before using—some brands are heavily salted, so taste and adjust your final seasoning accordingly.
  • Brown rice makes this heartier and more nutrient-dense, but it requires almost double the cooking time and an extra half-cup of broth, so plan accordingly.
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