South-Of-The-Border Pie
A flavorful South-of-the-Border pie featuring beans, rice, cheeses, and spices, perfect for a hearty, cheesy, and mildly spicy meal that suits family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked long grain rice
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup skimmed evaporated milk ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1 hot pepper, finely chopped (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the chopped onion in hot oil until tender.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
- Cook for 1 minute more, then remove from heat and cool.
- Stir in kidney beans, cooked rice, Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, and chopped hot pepper if using.
- Spray a 10-inch pie plate with cooking spray.
- Pour the rice mixture into the pie plate.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes or until the center is set.
- Serve with salsa if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. If you prefer a spicier dish, use a spicier variety of hot pepper. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference. To make this a vegetarian dish, ensure that the cheeses you use are made without animal rennet.
Serving Suggestions
This South-Of-The-Border Pie pairs beautifully with salsa and a side of guacamole for a fresh contrast. You can also serve it with a crisp green salad or tortilla chips for crunch. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Mexican Escalloped Corn, which complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until the center is hot. Be sure to cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South-Of-The-Border Pie contains roughly 1369 calories, with 43g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), iron (117% of the Daily Value), and protein (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2248mg per serving (98% 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 mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pour it into the pie plate and bake it when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier.
Can I freeze the South-Of-The-Border Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes for a quick meal option on busy days.
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
You can substitute evaporated milk with a mixture of regular milk and a little bit of cream to achieve a similar consistency. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, try using unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk, though this may slightly alter the flavor.
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).