Name: Instant Pot Fiesta Rice Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 48 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice; 1 red onion, diced; 3 tomatoes, chopped; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 (11 oz / 341 mL) can corn, drained; 1 (18 oz / 541 mL) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (4.3 oz / 127 mL) can green chiles; 3 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 cup water (use 1½ cups for an 8-quart Instant Pot); After cooking:; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Optional toppings: fresh tomatoes, cilantro, guacamole, salsa

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Instant Pot Fiesta Rice Bowls are the ultimate easy, one-pot vegetarian meal. Bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavors, this dish combines rice, beans, veggies, and spices into a hearty and satisfying bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Just dump everything into your Instant Pot, press a button, and let it do all the work!

Instant Pot Fiesta Rice Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot, no-fuss recipe
Made entirely in the Instant Pot—easy cleanup
Vegetarian and gluten-free
Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Bold, flavorful, and satisfying
Budget-friendly ingredients
Minimal prep and active cooking time
Family-friendly and kid-approved
Great hot or cold—perfect for lunchboxes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup basmati rice
1 red onion, diced
3 tomatoes, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
1 (11 oz) can corn, drained
1 (18 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (4.3 oz) can green chiles
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cup water (1½ cups if using an 8-quart Instant Pot)

After Cooking
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings: fresh tomatoes, cilantro, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños

Directions

Assemble Ingredients:
Add rice, onion, bell pepper, corn, black beans, green chiles, taco seasoning, and water into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine. Add diced tomatoes on top—do not stir.
Pressure Cook:
Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on High for 3 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally—this will take around 15 minutes.
Add Cheese:
Once pressure has fully released, open the lid and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup on top and close the lid for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Serve:
Spoon into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, salsa, cilantro, or extra cheese.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Natural release: 30 minutes
Total time: 48 minutes

Variations

Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
Vegan version: Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
Add protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, tofu, or ground turkey.
Use brown rice: Increase cook time to 22–25 minutes with a full natural pressure release.
Swap veggies: Use zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes in place of peppers or corn.
Taco filling: Use it as a filling for burritos or tacos.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.

FAQs

Can I use jasmine or long-grain rice instead of basmati?

Yes, both will work well. Just avoid short-grain or sticky rice, which may turn mushy.

Do I need to rinse the rice first?

Rinsing helps prevent sticking and uneven cooking, so it’s a good idea.

Can I use fresh chiles instead of canned?

Absolutely! Finely chop jalapeños or green chiles and use in place of canned.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can adapt this for the stovetop—just sauté the veggies, simmer with rice and water until cooked, then stir in the cheese.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure not to exceed your Instant Pot’s max fill line. Adjust water slightly if needed.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! Portion into containers, freeze, and reheat when needed.

Can I add meat to this dish?

Definitely. Stir in cooked ground beef, chicken after pressure cooking.

Can I make it ahead for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for prepping lunches for the week.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are great alternatives.

How do I avoid the burn warning in the Instant Pot?

Make sure to layer tomatoes on top without stirring and deglaze the pot if needed before pressure cooking.

Conclusion

These Instant Pot Fiesta Rice Bowls are a simple, satisfying, and flavor-packed meal that takes the stress out of dinner. With pantry staples, bold spices, and customizable toppings, it’s a flexible recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this easy one-pot dish delivers every time.

Jessica