Quick and Healthy Rice and Beans

I love quick and easy recipes that I can throw together in a snap. Sometimes it is so busy in the evenings around here that I need something quick, easy and preferably healthy and wholesome. This is a vegetarian recipe too, which I like to serve my family every once in awhile, but if you must have the meat, you could brown some lean ground beef or turkey while you are sauteeing the peppers. Serve it with some sliced mango on the side and you have a well rounded, healthy meal that your whole family will enjoy!

QUICK AND HEALTHY RICE AND BEANS

1 tblsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 yellow pepper, diced
3/4 cup diced red onion
2 cans of diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tblsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp salt
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups lowfat cheddar cheese, shredded

Pour olive oil in large saute pan. When hot, add peppers and onions and saute until softened. Add diced tomatoes. Stir. In separate, small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and salt (you can use 1 packed of low sodium taco mix if you are pressed for time or don’t have the ingredients on hand). Sprinkle mixed spices in pepper, tomato mixture. Stir. Add rice and beans and heat for 1 minute. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover pan. Cook for 3 minutes. Turn of heat, and leave covered for two additional minutes. Serve warm.