My Plant-Based Family

Feeding My Family a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet, On a Budget

Mexican Food

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

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Making Mexican Rice in the Instant Pot is a game changer. It’s a ‘set it and forget it’ dish that can be used in a variety of ways. You’ll love this one for meal planning!

When I first started making Mexican rice 15 years ago, I used white rice. After going plant-based, 10 years ago, I adapted the recipe to use brown rice for a whole grain option.

Brown Rice vs. White Rice

The brown rice recipe tastes just as good as the quicker white rice version, but it took 45 minutes to cook on the stove.

Once I got an Instant Pot, I revised the recipe to incorporate the shorter cooking time. It’s super easy to make Mexican rice in an Instant Pot. Just throw all the ingredients in, and it’s completely hands-off until I’m ready to eat.

Spanish Rice vs. Mexican Rice

Sometimes Spanish rice and Mexican rice are used interchangeably, but they are not the same dish.

Spanish rice often looks yellow in color because it is seasoned with saffron. Mexican rice does not include saffron and usually takes on a red hue. This is caused by tomato sauce.

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Meal Planning with Mexican Rice

Mexican rice can be used as a side dish or incorporated into a main dish. Go ahead and double the recipe by doubling the ingredients because you can create several meals with it throughout the week. Cooking time in the Instant Pot remains the same for a double batch, so why not?

Let start with tacos and Mexican rice on the side. This option makes the whole family happy because they can choose what to put in their tacos.

Then add some Mexican rice and refried beans to a tortilla for tasty burritos. Try making refried beans in the Instant Pot too. My recipe is oil-free.

Next, toss beans, pico de gallo, lettuce and Mexican rice in a bowl to make a pretty burrito bowl. I love the vibrant colors in this dish!

Have I convinced you to try making Mexican rice in your Instant Pot? Here are some more of my favorite recipes to make in the Instant Pot:

How to Make Mexican Rice in the Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Brown Rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cups Veggie Broth (or water with veggie broth mix)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 8 ounces Tomato Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro (optional)

Step 1 – Combine Ingredients

Combine the brown rice, water, and spices in the Instant Pot. Give it a stir.

Step 2 – Add Sauce

Pour the tomato sauce on top of the other ingredients, but do not stir.

Step 3 – Secure Lid

Put the lid on the Instant Pot, and close the sealing valve.

Step 4 – Cook Time

Press Manual (or Pressure Cook), and set it for 22 minutes.

Step 5 – Release Pressure

Once it’s done, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes. Then release the remaining pressure.

Step 6 – Fluff and Eat

Carefully remove the lid, and fluff with a fork. Garnish with cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!

Storage

All the Mexican rice to cool before storing it in an airtight container. It will be good for about 6 days. That’s plenty of time to use it in all the recipes shown above.

Tips and Tricks

For a faster cooking time, you can use white rice instead of brown rice. Simply follow the cooking directions for the type of rice you are using.

As previously mentioned, it is easy to make a double batch of Mexican rice in the Instant Pot. Double all the ingredients and keep the cooking time the same.

If you love the flavor of cilantro, add it to the rice when it is done cooking. Then put the lid of the Instant Pot back on for a couple of minutes to infuse the flavors. Yum!

Yield: 4 servings

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Instant Pot Mexican Rice is plant-based and oil-free. We love this easy recipe and use it in our weekly meal prep for quick meals.

Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Brown Rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cups Veggie Broth (or water with veggie broth mix)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 8 ounces Tomato Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the brown rice, water and spices in the Instant Pot. Give it a stir.
  2. Pour the tomato sauce on top of the other ingredients, but do not stir.
  3. Put the lid on the Instant Pot and close the sealing valve.
  4. Press Manual (or Pressure Cook) and set it for 22 minutes.
  5. Once it's done, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes. Then release the remaining pressure.
  6. Carefully remove the lid, and fluff with a fork.
  7. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Notes

Save Time: For faster cooking, consider using a quick cooking white rice and look up cooking directions for that type of rice.

Want More: You can double the recipe by doubling all the ingredients. The cooking time will remain the same.

Storage: Allow rice to cool before storing in an air tight container. This rice will be good for about 6 days.

More Flavor: You can also add fresh cilantro to the rice once you are done cooking. Just sprinkle on top and put the lid on for a couple of minutes.

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Instant Pot Mexican Rice is plant-based and oil-free. We love this easy recipe and use it in our weekly meal prep for quick meals.

© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Recipes

Tortilla Soup

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We love Mexican Food! Beans, peppers, cilantro…you name it, we love it. Plant-Based Tortilla Soup is one of those favorites that deserves a plant-based make over!

This Tortilla Soup is similar to my Taco Soup and Enchilada Soup but is different in several ways. This recipe is designed for only 4 servings and uses spices differently.

Make your own Tortilla Strips

I make my own tortilla strips using soft corn tortillas. They aren’t as crunchy as the store bought version that has oil but I don’t mind.

Don’t forget to preheat your oven because the tortilla strips will bake for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees. I don’t put them in the oven until the soup is simmering but it’s important to have your oven ready.

When the soup is simmering on the stove I’ll cut up my corn tortillas. I like to sprinkle them with fresh lime juice and dust them with onion and garlic powder, sometimes I’ll add paprika. These bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Plant-Based Tortilla Soup

I start this one off by doing a water saute of my onions, garlic, jalapenos and cilantro. I normally reserve cilantro for a garnish in most recipes but in this one, it’s one of the first ingredients.

Once this is cooking for a few minutes I normally start hearing from family members, they come from every room in the house and want to know what I’m cooking. The fragrance fills the house.

Next I add all my spices. I’m sharing the mild version today but you can spice it up by adding 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle pepper. You can also add extra jalapeno. If you really like chipotle flavor then add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. It will have a kick!

Dump in your black beans, corn and diced tomatoes. I’ve used fire roasted tomatoes and plain. Both are good!

Add in your lentils. I’ve used brown lentils and red lentils. Both work. The red lentils break down a bit more, creating a creamier soup. The brown lentils stay whole, creating a chunkier soup. I don’t have a preference.

Lastly, the tomato paste is optional. We’ve made this soup with and without the tomato paste. I think it depends on the flavor of your broth. I used my Dry Veggie Broth Mix! It had a nice flavor but we are a fans of tomato-based soups.

Plant-Based Tortilla Soup

The soup needs to simmer for about 20 minutes. At the 15 minute mark, the brown lentils weren’t quite ready. If you have a tendency to forget you are cooking, set a timer. This soup doesn’t have a lot of excess liquid and you’ll simmer it out if you don’t check on it. If that happens just add more broth.

You can add some tortillas to your soup as it simmers. If you do this, use small pieces to make it easier to eat.

This soup has a lot of textures but I add even more by topping it with the tortilla strips, fresh Pico de Gallo, cilantro, avocado, and anything else I have. Oh, and don’t forget the lime! Squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl!

Yield: 4 servings

Tortilla Soup

Tortilla Soup

This hearty plant-based Tortilla Soup is filling and delicious. A few easy additions can give it extra heat if you like it spicy.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 sliced jalapeno (remove seeds for less spicy version)
  • 1/4 cup fresh, chopped cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups veggie broth (see note in recipe)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 ounce can of organic corn, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup dry lentils
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees for the tortilla strips.
  2. Add onion, jalapeno, garlic and cilantro to a large pot on medium heat. Stir occasionally and as the veggies stick, add a few tablespoons of water and stir again.
  3. Cook these veggies until the onions become translucent.
  4. Add the broth, spices, black beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato paste and red lentils. All the ingredients should be submerged in broth, if they aren't add little more liquid.
  5. Bring the soup to a simmer and cover with a lid. You don't need a boil, that will cause too much water to evaporate.
  6. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Cut your corn tortillas into strips, you may add seasoning if you want but it's not required. Bake for 10 minutes.
  8. Then test lentils to make sure they are done.
  9. Allow soup to cool some before eating. Top with tortilla strips. I like to top with fresh pico de gallo and cilantro too.

Notes

Want your soup to be spicier? Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or more jalapenos to the soup.

Did you make this recipe?

We'd love to see it! Tag us and use #MyPlantBasedFamily!

© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Soups, Stews, & Chili

Are you a Tortilla Soup fan?

Instant Pot Refried Beans

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Before we get too far into this post I need to be upfront. These aren’t actually refried beans. They aren’t fried and contain no oil! I call them Instant Pot Refried Beans so you’ll know this recipe is for the Instant Pot and so you’ll know what to expect bean wise.

Enjoy restaurant style refried beans without sacrificing your health. These oil-free, plant-based refried beans are made in the Instant Pot.

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In 2012 when I started blogging, one of my first recipes was called Unfried Beans. I love that recipe but it has people confused and it doesn’t exactly rank high in Google searches because no one searches for unfried beans.

This new recipe, designed for the Instant Pot, is basically that same delicious recipe I’ve made hundreds of times. Since it’s all being cooked together I add fresh onion and garlic. I usually added those when I cook beans on the stove top as well.

Enjoy restaurant style refried beans without sacrificing your health. These oil-free, plant-based refried beans are made in the Instant Pot.

I first developed the old recipe when we went plant-based. We wanted the same delicious flavors we had always loved without the meat and lard! It’s kinda gross to think about.

Thankfully, this version uses spices we always have on hand because I put them in everything!

Enjoy restaurant style refried beans without sacrificing your health. These oil-free, plant-based refried beans are made in the Instant Pot.

If you have a food processor, it will save you a lot of time. I have a 10 cup Hamilton Beach food processor that we’ve used over 5 years. It’s not too expensive and has never let me down.

If you don’t have a food processor you could use a blender, immersion blender, potato masher or a fork. A food processor works the best though.

Instant Pot Refried Beans

We enjoy these beans on anything and everything! Try them in Nachos, Tostadas, burritos or a big bowl by themselves!

5.0 from 2 reviews
Instant Pot Refried Beans
 
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Enjoy this easy and delicious refried bean recipe the whole family will love. This oil-free, plant-based recipe is low in fat but high in flavor!
Author:
Recipe type: Instant Pot
Ingredients
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced or chopped finely
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 cups dried pinto beans
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons salt (to your taste)
Instructions
  1. Add diced onion, minced garlic, spices, beans and water to the Instant Pot.
  2. Cook on manual for 40 minutes on high pressure.
  3. After natural pressure release, scoop out excess water. Reserve it in case you need extra.
  4. Add 2 teaspoons of salt, more or less to your own taste
  5. Use a food processor, potato masher or immersion blender to puree.
  6. Add reserved bean water if needed until you get a smooth texture.

Enjoy restaurant style refried beans without sacrificing your health. These oil-free, plant-based refried beans are made in the Instant Pot.

If you have an Instant Pot, be sure to give these refried beans a try! They are perfect for batch cooking because you can use them in so many other recipes!

What are your favorite ways to eat refried beans?

Plant-Based Nachos

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Can Plant-Based Nachos solve every problem in the world today? No, but it might be exactly what you need to help your family start making healthy food choices.

When we first transitioned to a plant-based diet, we made healthier versions of our old favorites. One of those favorites was nachos!

Your whole family will enjoy these healthy, plant-based Nachos!

We put a healthier twist on nachos by making non-dairy cheese sauce and oil-free beans. We include our favorite toppings like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and more. I like to douse mine in salsa but I leave it on the side when the kids will be sharing. Don’t forget the jalapenos and guacamole!

One of the reasons we love making Plant-Based Nachos is because everyone loves them. I get a lot of emails from people asking how to get their families to eat plant-based. Nachos is the answer!

Of course, you can’t live on nachos but a standing Nacho night isn’t out of the question.

If your whole family will be sharing, make a Nacho Bar so everyone can build their own! You can let them choose between black beans or pinto beans (both are oil-free).

Your whole family will enjoy these healthy, plant-based Nachos!

Make Your Own Chips

The least healthy thing about the nachos are the chips. Granted, chips aren’t healthy. You can choose healthier versions or make them yourself.

To make your own oil-free chips, buy soft corn tortillas, check the ingredients to make sure they only contain corn, water, and maybe lime juice.

Cut them into triangles or strips and bake them until crispy! It’s easy!

Your whole family will enjoy these healthy, plant-based Nachos!

Nacho Victory

Some of you aren’t as concerned about the chips, just getting your family to eat beans is a win! I firmly believe that healthy nachos could be the step to healthy eating for some.

Once you get your family enjoying Plant-Based Nachos, you can get them to try Tostadas, Burritos, Casseroles and more.

Your whole family will enjoy these healthy, plant-based Nachos!

Plant-Based Nachos

This recipe is more art than science. We have our favorite way to make them, but I’ll mix and match different ingredients based on what we have.

If you set up a Nacho Bar, you can have all of the ingredients in bowls for your family.  Each person can make their own nacho masterpiece. If you are creating a group platter, you’ll want to layer chips, beans and cheese sauce in a pan and broil them for a couple of minutes, then add all the toppings.

Ingredients

  • 1 batch Unfried Beans (That is what I call my oil-free refried beans)
  • 1 batch dairy-free cheese sauce
  • Other toppings of your choice like tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, salsa, avocado, etc.
  • Chips or baked corn tortillas

Do

  1. Start cooking the cheese sauce because it takes the longest to make (unless you are cooking the beans from scratch).
  2. Prepare the beans, you can use beans you cook yourself or canned beans.
  3. Chop or prepare the other ingredients
  4. If making a Nacho Bar, place all the ingredients in bowls for your family to build their own serving. If you are making it family style, layer chips, beans, and cheese sauce in a pan. Broil it for a few minutes to get it all warm, then top with your favorite ingredients. I recommend you keep any ingredients that won’t be well received, on the side.

This is one of those recipes that is easy to make on a busy night or to use up leftovers! The dairy-free cheese sauce takes the longest unless you are cooking the beans from scratch, but it reheats well.

I like to plan nachos after I’ve batch cooked beans!

You have to admit, these look good even if you aren’t plant-based. Go ahead and show the video to a family member and see what they think!

I have to thank my friend Melodee from Melodee Lynn Photography for these amazing pictures. She is an artist with the camera!

Enchilada Casserole

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Have you ever had the privilege of eating homemade enchiladas?

My husband taught me how to make them just after we were married. They taste a lot different than what you get in most Mexican restaurants and take a long time to make, especially when you make the enchilada sauce (we just call it chili) from scratch.

This recipe isn’t exactly from scratch. It’s more of a cheater vegan enchilada casserole BUT it is soooo good you won’t even care.

Sometimes a girl just needs some enchiladas! Unfortunately, I don’t have hours to make one meal. Our old family recipe was extremely unhealthy, the healthiest part was the corn tortilla before you dip it in oil. I know I shutter at the thought.

Enchilada Casserole is a fast, easy and healthier version of regular enchiladas. This recipe is vegan (plant-based), gluten-free dairy-free and made from pantry staples for a delicious family friendly meal.

This recipe is easy, pretty fast, healthy and most of all delicious.

I had to come up with a veggie enchilada recipe but I’m old-school Tex-Mex and can’t handle veggies like broccoli and carrots in my enchiladas so don’t even try. I wanted to cut down on the time it takes to make them too so this recipe layers the ingredients instead of rolling individual enchiladas.

This recipe uses pantry items and you can get fancy with the Faux Cheese Sauce if you want to go that route but it is wonderful without it.

Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg soft corn tortillas
  • 2 cans refried beans (or 3 cups of your own, try this recipe)
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup thinly diced, fresh onions
  • 1 cup corn (canned or freezer)
  • jarred jalapenos to taste
  • 1 can red enchilada sauce (15 oz can or bigger)
  • 1/4 cup crunched up tortilla chips
  • Double recipe of Faux Cheese Sauce if you want a cheesy top.

Do

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Spread about an ounce of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
  3. Cover the sauce with soft corn tortillas. Tear tortillas into smaller pieces when necessary.
  4. Gently spread cooked/canned beans over tortillas.
  5. Top with half of the tomatoes, half the corn, half the onions, and jalapenos if desired.
  6. Cover with 6 ounces (about half) the remaining enchilada sauce.
  7. Repeat steps 2 through 6. TIP: Cover the soft corn tortillas in beans before you lay them in the casserole dish.
  8. Add the tortilla chip crumbs if you aren’t making the cheese sauce. If you are waiting until later. Bake the casserole for 20 minutes.
  9. If making the cheese sauce follow the recipe but double it. Once done, pour it over the casserole and sprinkle tortilla chip crumbs on top. Then bake for 10 more minutes.
  10. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

This recipe is perfect for your vegan or gluten-free friends! It is potluck worthy and you can easily adapt it based on your preferences. So if you like broccoli and carrots in your enchiladas go ahead, unless you are bringing me some. You’ll notice on the process photos that you can adapt for preferences. I use corn on half and jalapenos on the other half to keep my family happy.

Enchilada Casserole that is plant-based and gluten-free. Easy to make with mostly pantry staples and completely healthy. No meat, no dairy, no gluten!

The tortilla chip crumbs give it an extra little crunch on top. I didn’t want to try to top it with corn tortillas because they would have become dried out and hard, you know this if you’ve ever skimped on enchilada sauce when making homemade enchiladas.

 

Instant Pot Mexican Casserole

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I’ve been promising this recipe for a while but keep putting it off. Today I’m going to share my Instant Pot version of my Mexican Rice and Bean Casserole, a.k.a. Mexican Casserole. It uses dry beans so you don’t have to cook anything ahead of time.

The Instant Pot Mexican Casserole will amaze your family and impress your guests! This should be your go to plant-based recipe for your Instant Pot.

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If you’ve tried the Crock Pot version, the Stove or Oven version you know that this is really good and really easy. Some people don’t like the texture of the rice when cooked in the Crock Pot.  The Instant Pot Mexican Casserole comes out perfect every time; if you have a pressure cooker I challenge you to make this.

The Instant Pot Mexican Casserole will amaze your family and impress your guests! This should be your go to plant-based recipe for your Instant Pot.

 

Instant Pot Mexican Casserole

If your family is just starting to try plant-based living, this recipe is for you! You can enjoy it in a bowl topped with your favorite ingredients, wrapped in a tortilla, or with chips.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked brown rice
  • 1 cup uncooked dry beans (if you have trouble with beans not cooking enough, try soaking them first)
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 6 oz can of tomato paste (or 1 8 oz can tomato sauce with slightly less water)
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt (optional)

Do

  1. Dump all of the ingredients into your pressure cooker and stir once or twice.
  2. Close the lid and cook on manual for 28 minutes.
  3. Once done, allow the pressure to come down and open carefully. If you are in a hurry you can do a quick release.

Serve

This meal can be eaten alone or served with tortillas or chips and salsa. It travels well and we often take it in our lunches.

This photo shows what it looks like right out of the pressure cooker! It’s quite a bit darker than the Crock Pot and Stove Top versions.

The Instant Pot Mexican Casserole will amaze your family and impress your guests! This should be your go to plant-based recipe for your Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Cooking Info

If you are new to the Instant Pot or pressure cookers, in general, it’s important to know that it takes time for them to come up to pressure and time for the pressure to come down when they are finished cooking. This will take about 45 minutes to an hour even though it only “cooks” for 28 minutes.

The Instant Pot Mexican Casserole will amaze your family and impress your guests! This should be your go to plant-based recipe for your Instant Pot.

Note: If using beans other than black beans make sure you are cooking this long enough. The rice takes 28 minutes to cook but some beans may take longer. Consult the Instant Pot cooking guides and cook it as long as necessary.

I’ve had feedback from some that their black beans are not soft enough after cooking. Most people do not have a problem. If this is the case for you, make sure you are using beans that are not old. Beans that have been in your pantry for a year will take longer to cook than fresh beans. (This is why I stopped buying giant bags of beans in bulk.)

Also, hard water could make the beans cook more slowly.

If your beans could be older or if you have hard water, I recommend soaking the beans in warm water before cooking.

The Instant Pot Mexican Casserole will amaze your family and impress your guests! This should be your go to plant-based recipe for your Instant Pot.

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