Layered Beans And Rice
Layered Beans And Rice combines savory beans, smoky sausage, and seasoned rice in a comforting casserole with bold flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups thin sliced onions ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 (15 oz.) cans red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup Burgundy wine ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 pound smoked sausage, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Saute sliced onions and chopped green pepper in butter until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and drained kidney beans.
- In another pan, bring Burgundy wine and bay leaf to a boil.
- Stir in tomato paste into the boiling wine mixture.
- Layer bean mixture, sliced smoked sausage, and cooked rice in a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish.
- Season each layer with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove bay leaf from wine mixture and pour over the layered casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of bell peppers or adding diced tomatoes to the bean mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the smoked sausage with a plant-based alternative or mushrooms for a hearty texture. Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference, and feel free to use any type of beans you have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans.
Serving Suggestions
This layered beans and rice dish is fantastic when served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. For a delightful dessert, consider following it up with a slice of Royal Kona Coffee Cheese Cake to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Beans And Rice contains roughly 1368 calories, with 18g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (217% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (168% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 911mg per serving (40% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole and pour the wine mixture over it just before baking. It can be made the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of Burgundy wine?
If you don't have Burgundy wine, any dry red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can work as a substitute. For a non-alcoholic option, use vegetable broth or grape juice diluted with a bit of vinegar to achieve a similar flavor profile.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bean mixture for extra heat. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the garlic or use sweet bell peppers for a more subtle taste.
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).