Okay, so let’s be real for a second. We’ve ALL been there, right? That moment you look in your wallet and… crickets. Or maybe you just hit the grocery store and think, “Wow, everything costs a fortune!” Don’t even get me started on those weeks where you just want something *simple* and *delicious* without a million ingredients or a ton of fuss. That’s where this recipe comes in like a superhero cape. Seriously, if you’re thinking “No Money? No Problem…”, then you NEED this in your life.
This little dish is my absolute go-to when the pantry is looking sparse or when I’m just feeling lazy (hey, it happens!). It’s been a lifesaver through college years, post-holiday slumps, and just those random Tuesdays when cooking feels like too much effort. It proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complex techniques to make something truly satisfying and flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that just hugs you from the inside out, and guess what? Your wallet will thank you too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: No Money? No Problem…
Okay, so beyond being a total budget boss, this recipe is just plain *good* and ridiculously easy. Here’s why it’s going to become your new best friend, especially when you’re chanting “No Money? No Problem…”:
- Seriously Cheap: We’re talking pantry staples that cost next to nothing. You probably have most of it already!
- Crazy Simple: If you can stir, you can make this. No fancy footwork required.
- Speedy Gonzales: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes. Perfect for those hangry moments.
- Surprisingly Delicious: It’s got great texture and flavor – warm, savory, and totally satisfying.
- Super Versatile: You can totally tweak it based on what you have lying around.
It’s just the ultimate easy, delicious, and affordable meal solution!
Ingredients for Your No Money? No Problem… Meal
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks and see what you need for this little miracle meal. The beauty here is how simple the list is! For your “No Money? No Problem…” dish, you’ll want:
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked rice (leftovers work like a dream!)
- 1/2 cup salsa (use your favorite kind!)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (totally optional, but adds a nice touch)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
See? Told you it was simple! These few things are about to make some magic happen.
Equipment for Making This No Money? No Problem… Dish
You don’t need a bunch of fancy gadgets for this one, thank goodness! To whip up your “No Money? No Problem…” meal, you’ll just need a few basics:
- A good skillet (medium-sized works perfectly)
- A stirring spoon (wooden or silicone is great)
See? That’s it! Keep it simple, keep it easy.
How to Prepare Your No Money? No Problem… Dish
Okay, time to get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this sooner. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your delicious “No Money? No Problem…” meal ready in a flash.
First things first, grab your skillet and drizzle in that tablespoon of vegetable oil. Pop it on the stove over medium heat. You want it warm but not smoking, you know? Just a nice gentle heat to get things going.
Next, carefully add in your rinsed and drained black beans. Give them a little stir and let them hang out in the hot oil for about 5 minutes. You’re just warming them through and maybe getting a tiny bit of a lovely char on a few of them. Keep an eye on them and give them a stir every now and then so they don’t stick.
Now for the dynamic duo! Add your cooked rice and the salsa right into the skillet with the beans. This is where the flavor really starts to build. Stir everything together until it’s all nicely combined. Make sure those beautiful black beans are mixed in with the rice and coated in that yummy salsa.
Keep stirring and cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes. The goal here is to get everything heated through evenly. You’ll see steam rising, and it will smell absolutely incredible. You don’t want any cold spots, so keep that spoon moving!
If you’re using the cheese (and I highly recommend it if you can!), sprinkle it over the top right before you’re ready to serve. The residual heat from the dish will melt it into gooey perfection. Just a little sprinkle adds so much!
And that’s it! Seriously. You’re done. Plate it up and enjoy your incredibly easy, super affordable, and totally delicious “No Money? No Problem…” meal!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for No Money? No Problem…
Okay, so the base recipe is fantastic as is, but the beauty of this “No Money? No Problem…” dish is how forgiving and flexible it is. It’s designed to work with what you’ve got!
Don’t have black beans? No worries! This recipe is super happy with other canned beans like kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Just make sure you rinse and drain them the same way. And if you’re out of rice, you could totally swap it for other pre-cooked grains like quinoa or even some small pasta shapes. Get creative!
As for the salsa, that’s all about your personal taste. I usually use a medium chunky salsa, but if you like things spicier, go for a hot one! If you prefer it milder, use less or stir in a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt at the end. Play around with it – it’s YOUR meal!
Tips for a Perfect No Money? No Problem… Meal
Even though this recipe is super simple, a few little tricks can make your “No Money? No Problem…” dish even better. Trust me, these small things make a big difference!
First, make sure your rice is already cooked and preferably a little bit cool. Using warm, freshly cooked rice can sometimes make things a bit mushy. Leftover rice is honestly the best for this! Also, don’t be afraid to use a salsa you *really* love. It’s a major flavor driver here, so pick one that makes you happy.
If you have it on hand, a tiny pinch of cumin or chili powder added with the beans can give it another layer of flavor without adding much cost. And if you skip the cheese, a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro (if you happen to have some!) brightens everything up beautifully. Simple touches, maximum flavor!
Serving Suggestions for Your No Money? No Problem… Recipe
Alright, your delicious “No Money? No Problem…” creation is ready! Now, how do you want to enjoy it? The simplest way is just to scoop it into a bowl and dig in as is. It’s hearty and satisfying all by itself!
But if you want to jazz it up a little without breaking the bank, this mixture makes fantastic filling for tacos or burritos. Just warm up some tortillas (corn or flour, whatever you have!) and load them up. Add a little more salsa or that optional cheese if you like. It’s an instant upgrade that still fits the “No Money? No Problem…” philosophy!
Frequently Asked Questions About This No Money? No Problem… Recipe
Got questions about this budget-friendly gem? Don’t worry, I’ve probably had them too! Here are some common things people ask about this “No Money? No Problem…” dish:
Q: Can I add other veggies to this?
A: Absolutely! If you have a sad-looking bell pepper or onion lying around, chop them up small and sauté them with the beans at the beginning. It’s a great way to use up scraps and add extra goodness!
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: If you have any leftovers (which is a big IF!), just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good for 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: That totally depends on your salsa! If you use a mild salsa, the dish will be very mild. If you like heat, grab a hot salsa or add a pinch of chili flakes when you cook the beans. You’re in control!
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Just skip the optional cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.
Nutritional Information
Okay, so while this recipe is all about being easy on your wallet and delicious, it’s also pretty decent on the nutritional front! Here’s a quick look at what you’re getting with one serving of this “No Money? No Problem…” dish. Just keep in mind these are estimates, and things like the brand of beans or salsa you use, or if you add that cheese, can change the numbers a bit.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Around 350
- Sugar: About 3g
- Sodium: Roughly 600mg (can vary a lot based on salsa and beans!)
- Fat: Around 7g
- Saturated Fat: About 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Around 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 58g
- Fiber: About 10g
- Protein: Around 12g
- Cholesterol: About 15mg (if using cheese, otherwise likely 0mg)
Not too shabby for a meal that costs next to nothing, right? It’s got good fiber and protein from the beans and carbs to keep you going. Fuel up!
Print
Delicious No Money? No Problem… dinner: 20 mins
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Affordable and simple recipe for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add black beans and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked rice and salsa to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until heated through.
- If using, sprinkle with shredded cheese before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute other types of beans or grains.
- Adjust salsa amount to your preference.
- Serve as is or in tortillas for tacos or burritos.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cheap eats, budget friendly, easy recipe, vegetarian