This Weight Watchers Mexican Black Bean and Rice recipe has a real south of the border flavor. It’s so easy to cook and it’s a perfect midweek meal that the family will love.
Easy WW Dinner Recipe with Canned Beans
WW Bean & Rice bowls are flavorful, filling and very easy to make. No need to pull out the bulky kitchen appliances like your Instant Pot. You can make this Weight Watchers point friendly meal in your microwave or right on top of the stove in just minutes.
Especially since adopting a plant-based diet, this quick recipe has become a go-to for me on nights when I don’t feel like cooking or when I want a simple lunch I can prepare in minutes.
This easy, family-friendly recipe is for you if you love a quick and filling meal without too many dirty dishes or too much time spent in the kitchen.
This Weight Watchers Mexican food recipe is full of fiber and protein and is sure to keep you feeling energized. One of the things I love about plant-based meals is that they really satisfy your appetite and the calories are low. It’s amazing how much you can eat when you stick to foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, potatoes and beans.
For more plant-based goodness, check out our free Plant-Based for a Day Challenge with a printable of all the recipes provided and our free 3 day plant-based meal plan.
Weight Watchers Points for Bean Bowl
The serving size for this homemade Weight Watchers power bowl is 1 1/4 cups.
Our Weight Watchers Mexican Black Bean and Rice Bowl is 3 points per serving.
What Is a Black Bean And Rice Bowl?
A black bean and rice bowl is a healthy and homemade alternative to Mexican inspired fast food found in local fast food restaurants. Instead of fried tortilla chips, you have beans, brown rice, and corn topped with some zero point salsa for a fresh tasting and super easy meal.
Sometimes these low points bowls are called power bowls. Power bowls are filling and hearty. When I am having a busy day but I need a quick filling meal this homemade power recipe is my go to. I can have this quick and easy meal made in minutes in the microwave and be ready to enjoy my meal.
Beans are what I consider an ultimate weight loss food. Research has shown that people who eat beans eat less at that meal and less at the next couple meals, too. Here are more delicious bean recipes for weight loss.
Ingredients For Weight Watchers Mexican Black Bean and Rice Bowl
One of the best things about this easy recipe is that you only need four ingredients. All of these ingredients are pantry friendly and you may not even need to make a trip to the grocery store.
- black beans 15 oz, rinsed and drained
- corn kernels 14 oz, drained
- salsa, 24 ounces
- cooked brown rice (Meal-prep brown rice on the weekends in your Instant Pot or use steamtable frozen or instant brown rice if you are in a hurry).
This recipe is also…
- naturally gluten-free
- dairy-free
- egg-free
- Whole Food, Plant Based (WFPB)
- Vegetarian and vegan
- great for WW plan
- easy to make
How Can I Use Black Bean and Rice Bowls?
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can use these easy bean and rice bowls in so many ways. Eat the bowls as they are and top with your favorite low point toppings. Or, serve this mixture taco style in a lettuce wrap.
If you don’t mind spending a few extra points, you could also make this delicious bean and rice bowl into a burrito by using your favorite low point tortilla or crunchy corn shell. Try this as a topping for a salad. Add a few Good Thins Corn Ones for extra crunch for just a couple WW points.
No matter which way you serve this filling meal you are going to enjoy it.
Can I Meal Prep This Bean and Rice Bowl?
Yes, you can meal prep this recipe for later. This is one of my favorite recipes for meal prep because not only is it Weight Watchers friendly, but it is great for leftovers. That makes this recipe perfect for meal prepping for the week.
Prep this recipe on Sunday instead of being tempted by the fast food restaurants during your busy week. This easy recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to five days.
Are Weight Watchers Bean and Rice Bowls Healthy?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a healthy whole grain, but it is also a nutrient dense carbohydrate. The amount of fiber found in brown rice makes this a filling food. Fiber, plus protein from the beans, makes this a well-rounded meal.
Many people do not get enough fiber in their diets these days, so eating lots of fiber is very important to overall health. That’s why both brown rice and beans are one of the options to choose for your zero point foods on the WW Personal Points plan.
What Can I Add To These Weight Watchers Bowls?
Be creative with these Weight Watchers bowls! You can add so many low point ingredients to these bowls. Some toppings you could add are:
- Avocado – 2 points
- Green chilis (zero points)
- onion or green onion (zero points)
- hot sauce (zero points)
- cilantro (zero points)
- plain, non-fat Greek yogurt (zero points)
- Shredded cheddar or light cheddar cheese – additional points
Whatever you like is fine, just keep in mind to add any additional points for toppings if needed.
Can I Freeze These Homemade Power Bowls?
Yes, you can freeze these homemade power bowls. I like to make a big batch and store the leftovers in my freezer for later. Then I can just pull out what I need and reheat the bowl in my microwave for lunch or dinner without all of that extra fuss.
These homemade power bowls store well in the freezer for up to three months. I typically freeze mine power bowls in individual servings for easy grab and go meals.
How to Make Quick Black Beans and Rice
Here is a step by step guide with photo directions for how to make quick beans and rice.
Step 1 – Gather Ingredients.
Gather all the ingredients need to make this delicious meal.
Step 2 – Combine Ingredients in a medium sauce pan or microwave safe bowl.
Step 3 – Mix in salsa.
Step 4. Heat in a medium sized pan on the stove or heat in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, approximately 3-5 minutes.
Step 5 – To serve, place mixture into bowls and top with chopped lettuce and tomato.
May also be served taco-style using a large lettuce leaf as the wrapper.
Weight Watchers Mexican Black Beans and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans 15 oz, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn kernels 14 oz, drained
- 1 jar salsa 24 ounces
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
Instructions
- Combine rice, beans, corn and salsa. Heat in a medium sized pan on stove or heat in microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- To serve, place mixture into bowls and top with chopped lettuce and tomato.
- May also be served taco-style using a large lettuce leaf as the wrapper.
WW Information
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions about Beans and Rice
Dig in! You’ll love how filling and delicious this simple dinner recipe is to make.
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Sue says
Can cauliflower be used instead of brown rice?
Sara says
Yes you definitely could use cauliflower rice! Enjoy.