Zesty Rice And Bean Casserole
A flavorful casserole combining rice, beans, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty, spicy vegetarian meal that appeals to comfort food lovers and busy families.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. uncooked rice ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- chili powder ⓘ
- few drops hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded low-fat Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil with water over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and chopped green peppers; simmer, stirring often until onion is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add uncooked rice, drained kidney beans, canned tomatoes, chili powder, and hot pepper sauce.
- Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the red kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans. You can also enhance the dish with spices like cumin or smoked paprika. If you prefer a milder option, reduce the amount of chili powder and hot pepper sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten the flavors just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own, but pairs beautifully with Peggy'S Mexican Cheese Dip for an extra kick. Serve with a side salad or some tortilla chips for crunch. For a complete meal, consider pairing with a refreshing guacamole and salsa platter. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered with foil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Rice And Bean Casserole contains roughly 418 calories, with 12g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 840mg 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Is this dish vegan-friendly?
To make this casserole vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The combination of beans and rice provides ample protein, making it a hearty vegan option that everyone can enjoy.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until 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).