Step 1

Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC).

Step 2

Put oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion to skillet and stir until garlic is slightly golden and onion has softened.

Step 3

Add pepper and sauté 2-3 minutes or until peppers have softened.

Step 4

Add tomatoes and sauté 1 minute.

Step 5

Remove sauteed vegetables and set aside.

Step 6

Pour water into the skillet and wait for it to come to a boil.

Step 7

Add rice and stir for 12-15 minutes until rice is fluffier but still slightly tender.

Step 8

Make a circle in the center of the rice and add your sautéed vegetables and black beans to the skillet and mix.

Step 9

Add cilantro, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and stir.

Step 10

Add cheese on top (optional).

Step 11

Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.

Step 12

Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Step 13

Garnish with cilantro and avocado (optional).

Step 14

Enjoy!