Ingredients
Scale
Every component in this recipe is chosen for maximum flavor and convenience. These are likely items you already have in your pantry and freezer, ready to be transformed into a stunning meal in minutes.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing our aromatics, providing a rich, smooth start.
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced: This humble ingredient builds an essential layer of sweet, savory flavor as it softens.
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced: Adds a wonderful sweetness, a vibrant splash of color, and a satisfying, tender-crisp texture.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced: A non-negotiable for aromatic depth. Minced fresh garlic provides a pungent kick that powdered versions can’t replicate.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans Black Beans, rinsed and drained: The heart of our skillet. Rinsing them removes excess sodium and the starchy canning liquid, resulting in a cleaner taste and better texture.
- 1 ½ cups Frozen Corn (or 1 15-ounce can, drained): Provides pops of sweetness and texture. Frozen corn is fantastic here as it’s picked at peak freshness and requires no prep.
- 1 (10-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (like Ro-Tel), undrained: This is a powerhouse ingredient, delivering tomatoes, chilies, and seasoned liquid all in one, adding moisture and a gentle heat.
- 1 cup Salsa (your favorite kind): A brilliant shortcut that adds layers of complexity from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and spices. Use mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Chili Powder: The primary spice, lending a warm, earthy, and mildly spicy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: The secret weapon. This spice imparts a deep, smoky flavor that makes the dish taste like it has been simmering for hours.
- 1 teaspoon Cumin: Adds a warm, nutty, and slightly earthy essence that is classic in Southwestern and Mexican cuisine.
- ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano: Provides a peppery, herbaceous note that balances the other spices.
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend): The glorious, melty topping that brings everything together.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, avocado, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a flawless one-pan meal. The key is to build layers of flavor, starting with the aromatics and finishing with the melty cheese.
- Heat the Skillet and Sauté Aromatics: Place a large skillet (a 12-inch cast iron or non-stick skillet works perfectly) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced yellow onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of the dish.
- Bloom the Spices and Garlic: Add the minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 60 seconds until the spices are incredibly fragrant. This process, known as “blooming,” toasts the spices and unlocks their full flavor potential, infusing the oil and vegetables with their essence. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Combine the Core Ingredients: Pour in the rinsed and drained black beans, the frozen corn, the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and your favorite salsa. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture will look vibrant and smell amazing.
- Simmer to Meld Flavors: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10 minutes. This simmering time is vital. It allows the beans to absorb the flavors of the spices and salsa, the corn to cook through, and the entire dish to meld into a cohesive, deeply flavorful creation.
- Final Seasoning and Cheese: After 10 minutes, uncover the skillet. The liquid should have reduced slightly, creating a thick, hearty consistency. If it looks too watery, let it simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes. Give it a taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. The amount of salt will depend on the saltiness of your canned goods and salsa. Once seasoned to your liking, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
- Melt and Serve: Turn the heat off. You can either place the lid back on the skillet for 2-3 minutes to let the residual heat melt the cheese, or, for a bubbly, golden-brown top, you can place the oven-safe skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch it carefully to prevent burning! Once the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with your chosen toppings and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 400
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g