Southwest Casserole
A hearty, flavorful casserole combining black beans, rice, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with a southwestern flair.
Ingredients
- 2 c. dry black turtle beans ⓘ
- 3 to 4 cans chicken broth (14.5 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked brown rice ⓘ
- 1/3 c. uncooked wild rice ⓘ
- 4 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (16 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- green tops from 1 bunch onions, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 can corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- Salt and freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- Grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak the black beans overnight or use canned black beans, drained.
- In a large pot, combine soaked black beans with 3 to 4 cans of chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the uncooked brown rice, wild rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced red bell pepper, chopped onion, garlic, chopped green onion tops, and drained corn to the pot.
- Stir in cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the beans and rice are tender, approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the cooked mixture to a casserole dish, sprinkle with grated Monterey Jack and sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, you can use canned black beans instead of soaking dry beans. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper to your taste. Feel free to substitute the brown and wild rice with any rice you have on hand. Adding chopped cilantro or jalapeños can enhance the flavor, and you could even serve it with a side of Southwestern Tortilla Wedges for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Southwest Casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main dish. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. It also goes well with a side of sour cream or guacamole for added creaminess. For a complete Tex-Mex experience, consider serving it alongside Chicken And Corn Chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Casserole contains roughly 1702 calories, with 88g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (206% of the Daily Value), and protein (176% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2463mg per serving (107% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of black beans?
If you don't have black beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different flavor profile. Canned beans can be a great alternative for convenience, just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this Southwest Casserole vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will maintain the flavor while keeping the dish meat-free. You can also add additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
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).