Cheesy Santa Fe Rice and Bean Casserole
This Cheesy Santa Fe Rice and Bean Casserole is a delicious and satisfying one-dish meal that brings the vibrant flavors of the Southwest to your kitchen. With a hearty mix of black beans, corn, zesty tomatoes, and savory spices, this dish is both nutritious and filling. Layered with creamy sour cream and melted reduced-fat Mexican cheese, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Serve it with fresh avocado and cilantro for an extra burst of flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked white rice
2 cups (cooked according to package instructions)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
frozen corn
1 cup (no preparation needed)
diced Mexican-style tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can (no preparation needed)
salsa
1 cup (no preparation needed)
low-fat sour cream
1 cup (no preparation needed)
shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
2 cups (divided)
red onion
1 small (chopped)
sliced ripe olives
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can (drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans, frozen corn, diced Mexican-style tomatoes, salsa, low-fat sour cream, 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese, and the cooked white rice. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully pour the rice and bean mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
4
Top the mixture with chopped red onion and drained sliced ripe olives for added flavor and texture.
5
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
6
After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Once baked, allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and hearty casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Santa Fe Rice and Bean Casserole?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring black beans, corn, zesty tomatoes, rice, and melted Mexican cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this casserole is a vegetarian-friendly meal.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much rice is needed for the casserole?
You will need 2 cups of white rice that has been cooked according to package instructions.
What kind of beans are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
Should I use fresh or frozen corn?
The recipe uses 1 cup of frozen corn with no additional preparation needed.
What are Mexican-style tomatoes?
These are usually canned diced tomatoes seasoned with ingredients like green chilies or specific Mexican spices.
How much salsa is used in the recipe?
You should use 1 cup of your preferred salsa.
Can I use regular sour cream instead of low-fat?
Yes, while the recipe suggests 1 cup of low-fat sour cream, regular sour cream can be used as a substitute.
How much cheese is required in total?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided.
When do I add the cheese to the casserole?
Mix 1 cup into the rice mixture initially, and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 small red onion, chopped.
Are olives required for this recipe?
The recipe includes one 2.25-ounce can of sliced ripe olives, drained, for added flavor and texture.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 2-quart baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish?
Spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray before adding the rice and bean mixture.
Should the casserole be baked covered or uncovered?
The casserole should be baked uncovered for the entire duration.
How long is the initial baking time?
The casserole is initially baked for 30 minutes before adding the final layer of cheese.
How long do I bake the casserole after adding the final cheese topping?
Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should I season the mixture?
Yes, you should season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste before baking.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it is filling and easy to portion for the week.
What are some recommended garnishes for serving?
Fresh avocado and cilantro are suggested for an extra burst of flavor.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, provided it is fully cooked before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What should the cheese look like when it is finished?
The cheese should be completely melted and bubbly.
How long should the casserole cool before serving?
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to let it set before serving.
Is this a spicy dish?
The spice level depends on the type of salsa and Mexican-style tomatoes you choose to use.
Can I add meat to this casserole?
While vegetarian, you could add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken if you prefer a meat-based version.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 9 main ingredients.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include Southwest cuisine, casserole, family-friendly, comfort food, and easy dinner.
What is the texture of the casserole?
It has a creamy and hearty texture thanks to the sour cream, cheese, rice, and beans.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, this casserole is designed to be a complete and satisfying one-dish meal.