Mexican Rice And Bean Pie
A flavorful Mexican-inspired pie combining tender pinto beans, seasoned rice, and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty vegetarian main or side dish enjoyed by family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm pinto beans slowly with cumin, stirring occasionally.
- Mix cooked brown rice with chopped onion, chopped jalapeno peppers, and beaten egg.
- Use the back of a spoon to spread the rice mixture into a 9-inch pan to make a crust.
- Spread cottage cheese over the bottom of the crust.
- Drain pinto beans and add as the next layer on top of the cottage cheese.
- Bake the pie at 325°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Return to oven and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika along with cumin for a deeper taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of jalapenos or add diced green chilies. You can also substitute black beans for pinto beans or use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a healthier twist. To create a gluten-free version, ensure your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Mexican Rice And Bean Pie with a side of fresh guacamole and a crisp green salad. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing salsa or a dollop of sour cream on top. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside the Mexico Omelet or your favorite Mexican recipes for a festive dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, making sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Rice And Bean Pie contains roughly 737 calories, with 32g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (83% of the Daily Value), and protein (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 856mg per serving (37% 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 pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cottage cheese, ricotta cheese works well for a similar texture. Alternatively, you could use a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option. Just be aware that this may alter the flavor slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat level, you can add more chopped jalapenos or include diced serrano peppers. Additionally, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top before baking or serve with a spicy salsa on the side for an extra kick.
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).