Cheesy Refried Bean & Poblano Pepper Casserole
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with these Cheesy Refried Bean & Poblano Pepper Casseroles. Inspired by a delicious find on Cooking Light, this dish combines hearty poblano chiles stuffed with a savory blend of fat-free refried beans, fluffy long-grain rice, and zesty picante sauce, all topped with melted reduced-fat Mexican cheese. As a healthy twist, the recipe encourages the use of reduced-fat and reduced-sodium ingredients, making it perfect for wholesome weeknight meals. For added protein, feel free to incorporate shredded chicken, transforming this vegetarian delight into a satisfying meat dish. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor that will please both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Poblano chiles
4 medium (halved and seeded)
Fat-free refried beans
1 (16 ounce) can
Microwaveable cooked long-grain rice
1 (8 7/8 ounce) envelope (such as Uncle Ben's Original Ready Rice)
Picante sauce
1/2 cup
Reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
1 cup (shredded)
Fresh cilantro
to taste (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Start by halving and seeding the poblano chiles. Arrange the chile halves cut-side up on a round microwave-safe plate.
2
Cover the plate with wax paper and microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes until the chiles are slightly softened.
3
While the chiles are cooking, in a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the fat-free refried beans, microwaveable cooked long-grain rice, and picante sauce. If you choose to add chicken, mix it in at this stage.
4
Spoon the bean and rice mixture evenly into each of the softened chile halves.
5
Cover the chiles again with wax paper and microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes, allowing the filling to heat through.
6
Once heated, uncover the chiles and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the shredded cheese on top of each half.
7
Return the chiles to the microwave and heat on HIGH for an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for added flavor and presentation before serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is the Cheesy Refried Bean & Poblano Pepper Casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian, though chicken can be added if desired.
What are the primary ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of fat-free refried beans, microwaveable long-grain rice, and picante sauce.
How many poblano chiles are required?
You will need 4 medium poblano chiles for this recipe.
How should the poblano chiles be prepared?
The chiles should be halved and seeded before being arranged on a plate.
What is the first step in cooking the peppers?
Microwave the halved and seeded chiles on high for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
What kind of rice is recommended?
Microwaveable cooked long-grain rice, such as Uncle Ben's Original Ready Rice, is recommended.
Can I add meat to this casserole?
Yes, you can incorporate shredded chicken into the bean and rice mixture for extra protein.
What type of cheese is used in this dish?
A reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend is used for the topping.
How much cheese is added to each pepper?
Approximately 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese are sprinkled on each pepper half.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 7.5 grams of protein.
What type of refried beans should I use?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of fat-free refried beans.
Is picante sauce used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of picante sauce is mixed with the beans and rice.
How do I soften the peppers in the microwave?
Cover the peppers with wax paper and microwave them on high for 3 minutes.
How long do the stuffed peppers cook?
Once stuffed, microwave them for 2 minutes, then another 1 to 2 minutes after adding cheese.
What is a good garnish for this casserole?
Freshly chopped cilantro is suggested as an optional garnish.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is designed for quick microwave preparation.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This dish was inspired by a recipe found on Cooking Light.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is designed with reduced-fat and fat-free ingredients to be a wholesome meal.
Should the peppers be covered while microwaving?
Yes, use wax paper to cover the peppers during the initial softening and the first filling heat-through.
How do I know the cheese is ready?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes on high.
What is the serving size for this dish?
While not explicitly specified, the recipe uses 4 medium chiles, typically serving 4 to 8 portions depending on hunger.
Can I use a different type of bean?
While refried beans are traditional, you could experiment, but the texture may change.
Is there any sodium in this recipe?
While the exact count isn't listed, the recipe suggests using reduced-sodium ingredients.
Does this recipe require an oven?
No, this recipe is prepared entirely using a microwave.
What type of cuisine is this?
This dish is inspired by Mexican cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 6 total ingredients including the optional cilantro.