Deep South Beans
A hearty Southern-inspired bean casserole with fresh vegetables, melted Cheddar, and optional jalapenos, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cube the tomato.
- Section the onion.
- Deseed and cut the bell pepper into small cubes.
- Mix the canned beans, tomato, onion, bell pepper with the taco seasoning in a large casserole dish.
- Sprinkle jalapeno peppers and grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375° to 400°F for 30 to 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve as an entree with Corn Fritters and other vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onion and bell pepper before mixing them with the beans. If you’re out of taco seasoning, a combination of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder can work as a substitute. To retain the freshness of the tomato, add it just before baking. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Deep South Beans as a hearty entree alongside Corn Fritters for a delightful meal. This dish pairs well with a light salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the cheese. For a complete experience, consider serving with a side of Ginny'S Pancakes for a unique twist on traditional southern fare.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep South Beans contains roughly 261 calories, with 7g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 465mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
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 use dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Make sure to cook the beans until they're tender before mixing them with the other ingredients to ensure even cooking in the casserole.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeno peppers or a dash of hot sauce in the mixture. You could also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. You can also explore more vegetarian recipes to complement this dish, like a mixed green salad or grilled vegetables.
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).