Delicious Rice and Bean Casseroles Recipe
This Delicious Rice and Bean Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender long-grain white rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, aromatic spices, sautéed onions, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s an easy, hearty meal perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Bean Mixture
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Cook Rice: Cook the long-grain white rice according to the package instructions until it is fully tender, then set it aside.
- Sauté Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This brings out its natural sweetness and adds flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, sautéed onions, cumin, chili powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients and flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the rice and bean mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, then top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese to create a gooey cheesy crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- For a spicier casserole, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.
- To make the dish vegan, replace the cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Keywords: rice and bean casserole, baked rice, black bean casserole, vegetarian casserole, easy casserole, comfort food
