Texas Style Beans And Rice Casserole
A hearty Texas-style beans and rice casserole with bold flavors of cumin, chili powder, and garlic, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can tomato bits ⓘ
- 2 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. uncooked brown rice or combination of rices
- 2 c. cooked, drained red beans ⓘ
- 2 chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 minced garlic cloves ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. raisins ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cumin seed ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- shredded Cheddar cheese (optional) ⓘ
- 1 oz. crushed corn chips (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the tomato bits, boiling water, uncooked rice, cooked red beans, chopped onions, minced garlic, raisins, cumin seed, and chili powder in a covered casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Uncover the casserole and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese and crushed corn chips.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
- For a whole bean appearance, add about 30 minutes into the baking time.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or chopped cilantro before serving. If you don't have brown rice, white rice can be used, but adjust the water accordingly. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries for a different sweet touch.
Serving Suggestions
This Texas Style Beans And Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or cornbread for a complete meal. For an extra crunch, serve with a side of tortilla chips. You can also top with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. For dessert, consider serving with Ga Ga'S Chocolate Chip Cookies(These Are The Best!) to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Style Beans And Rice Casserole contains roughly 1019 calories, with 29g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (85% of the Daily Value), and protein (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1100mg per serving (48% 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 other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute red beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans. Just make sure they are cooked and drained before adding them to the casserole. Each type will bring its unique flavor and texture to the dish.
What if I want to make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian if you omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutritional value. Consider browsing more vegetarian recipes for inspiration on side dishes.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).