I promised more recipes in 2010, but I never promised they would be gourmet recipes, m’kay? 
One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to use what you already have on hand. Cooking from your pantry is quick and easy in a pinch.
I have been so inspired this month by the Eat From the Pantry Challenge. Although I am not officially participating, I do want to share my favorite go-to pantry meal.
Dave Ramsey often talks about eating beans and rice to save money, and that is exactly what this recipe calls for. Beans and rice do not have to be boring! This hearty one-dish meal has plenty of zip, and can also be gluten and/or dairy free.
Black and Red Fiesta Beans with Rice
Ingredients
2 cups white or brown rice
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup salsa
1 tablespoon onion flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn, drained
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)
sour cream (optional)
Directions
1. Cook rice according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in a large saucepan and set pan over medium-high heat.
3. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Add 1/2 cup water if you prefer more tender beans.
4. Fold in rice and season to taste with salt and black pepper.
5. Lastly, add cheese (optional) and mix well.
6. Serve with corn chips and enjoy!
*Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
The best part is how incredibly versatile this recipe can be. Toss in some leftover ground beef or turkey, or perhaps some grilled chicken breast. Even without meat, I assure you one bowl is quite satisfying.
This quick and frugal meal costs under $5 for a family of four!
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Mega Yum! This is going on my menu plan next week!
.-= Myra´s last blog ..Baked Spinach-Artichoke Dip =-.
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AYE CARAMBA!!!!
Looks delish Lys! And the colors make it so appealing..much better than regular ol beans.
If you need tortillas, come visit but know that i charge $6 a dozen.
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 4:45 am
Lori, I would totally pay 6 bucks for a dozen fresh tortillas from THE Cowboy’s Wife.
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I am sending along some Trader Joe’s beans with Malay.
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Perfect, Alyssa! I think I have all of those items in my pantry too.
Thanks for posting the recipe!
.-= Rachel @ Surviving The Stores´s last blog ..Organic Crib Sheets $7.99 – $8.99 (down from $80!) =-.
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This sounds sooo good! I have a ton of beans in my pantry to use, so I may have to work this recipe into my menu plan somehow!
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Okay, it was that last picture that got me! That looks like a good way to eat them. You may have swayed me over to the rice and beans side of the fence!
Now, if it will just work on my family. We’ll have to try it and see.
Can you freeze rice and beans or would it harden up too much?
.-= Polly´s last blog ..Milk and honey, anyone? =-.
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I’m in… we are trying this tonight! Mine is on the stove simmering. I want all the flavors to mix so my family will hopefully give this a thumbs up. Thanks!
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 4:46 am
I hope they liked it, Laura! You can always tweak it to your family’s preferences.
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YUM! I think even the super picky Hub would eat this happily!
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Sounds similar to a bean soup I make. Love that it is easy, frugal, and filling! Thanks so much for joining us today at Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.
.-= Lisa@blessedwithgrace´s last blog ..Tempt My Tummy Tuesday… The Tuna Salad Sandwich =-.
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Looks so yummy, Lyss! Why dontcha make some for me next time I visit, m’kay?!
.-= Amy @ Amy Loves It!´s last blog ..A Simple Way to Teach the Digestive System =-.
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Love it! This is soooo dinner tommorrow! I have almost all of this in my pantry, great idea!
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Alyssa –
LOVED THIS! And it is such a timely recipe for me as after living in TX for 4 years, my family can’t get enough “TexMex” up North – and also, my sister (vegetarian and gluten free) and 6 year old neice (vegetarian) are coming this Sat. to stay with us for a week, so I have been looking for easy, tasty recipes to please all! Thanks so much for sharing
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This is a great looking dish. I can’t wait to try it. Doylene
.-= Doylene Brentsd´s last blog ..Doylene’s Daybook Jan. 11, 2010 =-.
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Hubby and I would totally eat this, but getting 4 picky girls to eat it is another story. But if I make it and put it into tortillas, like a bean and rice burrito with sour cream and cheese they might go for it. They might even eat it if they’re allowed to scoop it with chips, like you showed. I’m totally going to try it!
.-= Jessica-MomForHim´s last blog ..Free 8×10 Collage at Walgreens 1/13 only =-.
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