Cajun Rice And Beans(With Onions And Cheese)
A flavorful Cajun rice and beans casserole with onions and cheese, perfect for a hearty, spicy, and satisfying meal suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a medium-sized casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer cooked rice, red kidney beans, sliced onions, chopped celery, and shredded cheese in the casserole dish.
- Season each layer with Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and hot sauce to taste.
- Pour chicken broth evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and celery in a bit of olive oil before layering them in the casserole. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if desired. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add diced jalapeños. This dish can also be enhanced with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish as a main course or as a side to grilled meats or fish. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Rose or a fresh side salad. For a complete meal, consider adding crusty bread or cornbread, and a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the leftover Cajun Rice and Beans to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place in a covered casserole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Rice And Beans(With Onions And Cheese) contains roughly 209 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly. The flavor will still be delicious, and you can enhance it with extra spices or herbs as desired.
What can I use instead of Alpine Lace cheese?
If you can't find Alpine Lace Free & Lean cheese, any low-fat shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar can be used as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I freeze Cajun Rice and Beans?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the reheating instructions as usual.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).