Skinny Cooking for Two: Cauliflower "Rice" and Beans

I pulled this recipe for Skinny Cauliflower "Rice" and Beans from Wedneday's food section of the Arizona Republic.

I like that it calls for "cauliflower rice," looks quick and easy to make and serves two.

WW Friendly Cauliflower Rice and Beans for 2

I've had many requests from readers asking for healthy recipes for one or two, a need I hope to fill more regularly.

Recipe Notes

I made a couple minor changes. The first was to add a teaspoon of chili powder, which is totally optional. I also substituted chopped green onion, for red, which I thought would be less harsh used raw as a topping.

This recipe for cauliflower rice and beans exceeded my expectations. It's a lighter, healthier, delicious alternative to traditional rice and beans with fewer points for those following Weight Watchers. It left me feeling satisfied and energized until dinnertime. Peter, Mom and Rod also gave it high marks.

How Many Calories and WW Points in Cauliflower Rice & Beans?

According to my calculations, each generous serving has 329 calories and

8 *SmartPoints (Green plan)
4 *SmartPoints (Blue plan)
4 *SmartPoints (Purple plan)
9 *PointsPlus (Old plan)

To see your WW PersonalPoints for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site, Click here!

If you count the avocado, this works with Weight Watchers Simply Filling too.

Cauliflower Rice with Black Beans - 4 WW Freestyle SmartPoints

Recipe Variations:

different beans:
pinto, kidney, white beans, etc.

spicier:
add chili powder, cumin, or chopped jalapeño to the cauliflower rice while cooking. Serve with additional hot sauce.

heartier:
add cooked chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, vegetarian crumbles.

additional topping suggestions:
salsa, corn, shredded cheese, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream would all be yummy.

additional serving ideas:
use this cauliflower "rice" and beans as a stuffing for burritos, tacos, zucchini, peppers, etc.

Are You Ready To Firmly Plant Yourself
On The Path To Lasting Weight Loss Success?

If you like this skinny cauliflower rice and beans for two, be sure to check out my other easy, healthy Weight Watchers friendly recipes including Cumin Scented Black Beans with Quinoa, Skinny Chicken & Brown Rice Bowl (serves 1), Easy Taco Cauliflower Rice Skillet, Brown Rice, Tomato & Basil Salad and Slow Cooker Brown Rice with Lentils

If you've made this Skinny Cauliflower Rice and Black Beans, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it.

Save Recipe Saved Recipe! Pin Recipe Email Recipe Print Recipe Rate Recipe

4.55 from 11 votes

Skinny Cauliflower Rice and Beans Recipe for Two

A lighter, healthier alternative to traditional rice and beans, this cauliflower rice and beans recipe makes 2 generous servings, has 4 Freestyle SmartPoints and will work with WW Simply Filling.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Servings (adjustable): 2

Calories: 329

Author: Martha McKinnon | Simple Nourished Living

Ingredients

• ▢ ½ medium head cauliflower, trimmed of leaves and core (about 12 ounces total)
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
• ▢ 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• ▢ ½ avocado
• ▢ 1 roma or plum tomato
• ▢ 2 green onions
• ▢ 1 handful fresh cilantro leaves
• ▢ 2 lime wedges

Instructions

• Slice the cauliflower head into large chunks, leaving stems on. Use a cheese crater or food processor (affiliate link) or blender (affiliate link) to coarsely grate the cauliflower to get about 4 cups' worth.
• Rinse and drain the beans and set them aside.
• Heat the oil in a medium skillet set over medium heat. When it is hot, add the cauliflower. Stir for 30 seconds, then cover the pan and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, chop the avocado, tomato, green onion and cilantro.
• When the cauliflower is tender and light golden brown, stir in the drained beans (and chili powder if using) and cook, just until warmed through, about 1 minute more.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve topped with the avocado, tomato, green onion and cilantro. Spritz with lime juice.
  

Equipment

Skillet

Chef Knife

Strainer

Recipe Notes

Variations:

• different beans: pinto, kidney, white beans, etc.
• spicier: add chili powder, cumin, or chopped jalapeño to the cauliflower rice while cooking. Serve with additional hot sauce.
• heartier: add cooked chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, vegetarian crumbles.
• additional topping suggestions: salsa, corn, shredded cheese, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream would all be yummy.
• additional serving ideas: use this cauliflower "rice" and beans as a stuffing for burritos, tacos, zucchini, peppers, etc.

Serving size: ½ recipe

Click here to see your WW PersonalPoints for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site.

8 *SmartPoints (Green plan)

4 *SmartPoints (Blue plan)

4 *SmartPoints (Purple plan)

9 *PointsPlus (Old plan)

Nutrition Facts

Skinny Cauliflower Rice and Beans Recipe for Two

Amount Per Serving (1 /2 recipe)

Calories 329 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Carbohydrates 46g15%

Fiber 18g72%

Protein 17g34%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: cauliflower and beans, vegetarian rice with beans

Did you make this recipe?Mention @simplenourishedliving on Instagram and tag #simplenourishedliving - we love to see your creations!

*Points® calculated by WW. *PointsPlus® and SmartPoints® calculated by Simple Nourished Living; Not endorsed by Weight Watchers International, Inc. All recipe ingredients except optional items included in determining nutritional estimates. SmartPoints® values calculated WITHOUT each plan's ZeroPoint Foods (Green plan, Blue plan, Purple plan) using the WW Recipe Builder.

Watch this video to learn how easy it is to make your own cauliflower rice:

More Easy Healthy Cauliflower Rice Recipes for Weight Watchers

• Roasted Cauliflower Rice with Garlic & Lemon (SkinnyTaste)
• Caribbean Jerk Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice (EatYourselfSkinny)
• Cheesy Cauliflower Rice (HungryGirl)
• Chicken Taco Bowl with Cauliflower Rice (LaaLoosh)
• Cauliflower Fried Rice with Leftover Ham (SkinnyTaste)
• Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Cauliflower Rice Casserole (HungryGirl)
• Sloppy Joe Cauliflower Rice (SkinnyKitchen)

This post contains affiliate links to products I like. When you buy something through one of my Amazon links or other (affiliate links), I receive a small commission that helps support this site. Thank you for your purchase!