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I LOVE this recipe. It’s so good and easy to make! A classic in my house.
Raeha
Black bean risotto is the food of choice this week.
Yes, I said week. It’s a little random, I know, but the inspiration for “Risotto Week” came when I started totaling my Black Friday bills. Not to mention, we are in the process of refurnishing parts of our home, and we’ve been eating out more lately… ‘tis the season for spending!
Or, maybe not! As I brainstormed ways to cut back on our grocery bill this week, an image of the my 36 ounce container of risotto popped into my head.
The one that was “worth the money” because I would supposedly make risotto all the time. The one that is still sitting on a shelf, waiting to be used.
Please tell me I’m not the only one?
Anyway, my brilliant plan is to save money on meals this week by just making many varieties of risotto. And my first attempt – although somewhat spontaneous – turned out as creamy and delicious as ever.
Cheesy Black Bean Risotto
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This cheesy black bean risotto recipe adds a Mexican twist to the typical creamy risotto. This simple recipe can also be made vegetarian.
Ingredients
- risotto (1 cup Arborio rice)
- chicken broth (3 cups)
- diced tomatoes
- black beans
- 3/4 cup shredded “Mexican” cheese
- taco seasoning packet
- fresh cilantro
- diced cooked chicken (optional)
Instructions
- Saute some garlic or onion in a pan with about 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add risotto and seasoning and stir for about 2 minutes (high heat).
- Add chicken broth 1 cup at a time and stir until liquid is absorbed.
- Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken. Heat through.
- Just before serving, stir in cheese until it melts. Top with cilantro!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Keywords: risotto, cheesy risotto, black bean risotto
YUM! This was so tasty. I wasn’t feeling like chicken, so I enjoyed mine with just the cheese, black beans, and tomatoes. It was so delicious and comforting – even as a vegetarian meal!
How do you save money this time of year? Or anytime of year? Gulp. Good thing I married a saver.
Coming soon – Risotto Part II. Involving Brie cheese.
I love how a random pantry staple like that giant container of risotto can turn into a whole themed week of meals, and this cheesy black bean version sounds like such a cozy way to stretch a grocery budget. It actually reminds me of the little grids people make with a My 9 Games Maker, where you pick nine things that define you and commit to them for a while instead of constantly chasing something new. Definitely adding this to my rotation.
I tried your cheesy black bean risotto last week and it was a hit! The creaminess was perfect. Do you think I could use quinoa instead of rice?
Hello! It won’t be as creamy with quinoa.
Any estimate on amount of tomatoes and black beans? Is a a can of each?
Uncooked risotto: how to prepare it? Are we referring solely to arborio rice here? Thank you!
Just love it trying it tonight
I love your recipe!
I admire your humble beginnings Lindsay 🙂
Wonderful recipe! Our son loves black beans so we tried this. Huge hit in our family.
How many tomatoes and beans for this recipe? How much cilantro? And then there’s the garlic and onion which isn’t even listed under the ingredients, how much of that? I don’t get it. Is there another place on your website that has the correct ingredients and their quantity to make this recipe? Such an odd recipe to post.
I LOVE this recipe. It’s so good and easy to make! A classic in my house.
So happy to hear that, Raeha!
Garlic and Onions are not on the ingredient list, yet in the cooking instructions. Is this an optional item?
No garlic and onions needed for this recipe actually. 😉
How would you adjust this for Instant Pot?
Any estimate on amount of tomatoes and black beans? Is a a can of each?
Hi, Krista. We used one can of each, but you can adjust the amounts to your liking. 🙂
Did you use fresh tomatoes???
How do you have uncooked risotto? Does this just mean arborio rice? Thanks!
Yes. My bad on this very very old post. 🙂
Sorry! I have just discovered your great site! Looks like we have similar tastes! So excited to try so many of your recipes!