Rice and Beans Casserole Recipe

If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that will satisfy your cravings and bring a touch of home-cooked goodness to your table, look no further than this Rice and Beans Casserole. This dish combines wholesome rice, hearty black beans, vibrant frozen peppers and onions, and a saucy enchilada kick for a casserole that’s satisfying in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an effortless weeknight dinner, this Rice and Beans Casserole is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite with its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is the secret to making this Rice and Beans Casserole shine. Each component plays a crucial role in layering texture, flavor, and color that make this dish irresistibly delicious and visually appealing.

• 1 and 1/2 cups long grain white rice: The base of the casserole, providing fluffy texture and soaking up all the flavors beautifully.
• 1 (12oz) bag of frozen peppers and onions: Adds a burst of color and a sweet, aromatic crunch that complements the beans perfectly.
• 2 and 3/4 cups vegetable broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory notes while keeping the casserole moist and tender.
• 1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Packed with protein and creaminess, these beans add heartiness and a delightful earthiness.
• 8oz enchilada sauce: Delivers a zesty, tangy layer of flavor that ties all the ingredients together in a luscious, saucy embrace.
• 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection on top, giving the casserole a creamy finish.
• Garnishes (optional): Fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, cooling sour cream, fiery hot sauce, or sliced fresh jalapeños to add brightness and an extra kick.

How to Make Rice and Beans Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature to slowly cook the rice and blend all the wonderful flavors. Gather your rice, frozen peppers and onions, and black beans, giving the beans a quick rinse to keep everything fresh.

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients in Baking Dish

In a generous 9×13 baking dish, toss together the uncooked rice, frozen peppers and onions, and black beans. Mix them well so the ingredients distribute evenly, which helps every bite to be full of flavor and texture.

Step 3: Warm Broth and Add Sauces

To ensure the rice cooks evenly and soaks up all the deliciousness, microwave the vegetable broth for about 3 minutes until it’s hot and simmering. Pour the warm broth and the enchilada sauce over the rice mixture, then stir everything together until combined.

Step 4: Cover and Bake Until Almost Tender

Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, then pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes until the rice is mostly tender but not completely done, which allows it to finish absorbing liquid and flavors later.

Step 5: Stir and Finish Baking

After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil using oven mitts, and give the mixture a gentle stir to distribute any remaining liquid. If it’s still wet, bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to let the liquid evaporate and concentrate the flavors.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake Until Melted

Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping that will make your mouth water.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow everything to set and the flavors to settle. This gives you the perfect opportunity to prepare your favorite garnishes and elevate the dish even more.

How to Serve Rice and Beans Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes take your Rice and Beans Casserole to the next level. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds herbaceous freshness, creamy slices of avocado bring richness, and a dollop of sour cream lends cooling creaminess that balances spicy notes. For heat lovers, a splash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños can bring that exciting punch of flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a light side salad or steamed green veggies like broccoli or zucchini blossoms adds a healthy contrast. Corn tortillas or a slice of crusty bread can also be excellent to scoop up extra sauce and add a delightful crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins for a rustic, charming look. You can also layer the casserole in a clear glass dish to show off the colorful layers of rice, beans, and peppers—which is a great way to impress guests visually as well as gastronomically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rice and Beans Casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making leftovers even tastier, so you might actually look forward to the next meal.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this casserole later, freezing is a fantastic option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Rice and Beans Casserole gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, which usually takes around 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, though be sure to cover them to retain moisture and avoid drying out the rice and beans.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and might need extra liquid. For best results, partially cook the brown rice before assembling the casserole.

Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan and just as delicious.

Can I add meat to the Rice and Beans Casserole?

Sure! Cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo can be added for extra protein and flavor. Just add it in with the other ingredients before baking.

What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

If you’re out of enchilada sauce, a mix of tomato sauce with a splash of chili powder and cumin can work as a tasty homemade substitute.

How spicy is this casserole?

The casserole itself has a mild to medium spice level from the enchilada sauce, but feel free to adjust it by choosing a mild sauce or adding jalapeños and hot sauce for more heat.

Final Thoughts

This Rice and Beans Casserole is a true keeper that brings warmth, flavor, and ease into your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or anytime you want a cozy meal with a burst of vibrant taste. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation—you won’t regret it!

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