Spicy Black Bean and Sweetcorn Salsa Rice

31 July 2026

Spicy Black Bean and Sweetcorn Salsa Rice

This is the kind of meal that proves budget eating doesn’t have to be boring. It’s bright, zesty, filling and costs less than 50p per portion. The combination of black beans and rice gives you complete protein, the sweetcorn adds sweetness and texture, and the lime and coriander bring everything alive.

This works equally well as a warm dinner or a cold lunch the next day. Pack it in a container with a separate wedge of lime and it’s a fantastic work lunch that costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a meal deal. Double the recipe and feed a crowd – it’s perfect for barbecues and buffets.

Total cost: £1.90 (£0.48 per portion) – Serves 4 people. Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins

Spicy Black Bean and Sweetcorn Salsa Rice

A vibrant budget bowl inspired by Mexican street food. Black beans, sweetcorn and rice tossed in a quick lime salsa. Under 50p per portion and on the table in 20 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 250g long grain rice
  • 1 tin (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 150g sweetcorn (tinned or frozen)
  • 1 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 bunch coriander, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • To taste salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice according to packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the red onion and red pepper and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Add the sweetcorn, cumin and chilli flakes. Cook for 3 minutes until the sweetcorn is lightly charred.
  4. Stir in the black beans and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk the lime juice, remaining olive oil, salt and pepper to make a dressing.
  6. Combine the rice, bean mixture and dressing in a large bowl. Toss through the chopped coriander and serve warm or cold.

Tips and Variations

Add half a diced avocado on top if you can get one cheap – it adds creaminess and healthy fats. A dollop of natural yogurt or sour cream cools down the chilli if you’re serving kids. The rice keeps in the fridge for 3 days and the flavours get better overnight.

Is it cheaper to make this from scratch? Use our Cook vs Buy Calculator to compare the real cost of homemade vs shop-bought.

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