Hearty Southwest Vegetarian Casserole
Warm up on a chilly day with this delicious and filling Hearty Southwest Vegetarian Casserole. Packed with nutritious brown rice, black beans, and a vibrant mix of veggies, this dish is not only satisfying but also customizable to your preferences. With layers of zesty flavors, creaminess from sour cream, and melty cheese, it's the perfect one-dish meal for a comforting family dinner. Serve it with your favorite toppings for an extra kick!
6
Servings
400
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown rice
3/4 cup (uncooked)
water
1 1/2 cups (for cooking rice)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
mexicorn
1 (11 ounce) can (drained)
diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (10 ounce) can (not drained)
salsa
1 cup (your favorite variety)
sour cream
1 cup (can substitute with low-fat)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
red onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
black olives
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can (sliced and drained)
Mexican blend cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring the uncooked brown rice and water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 35-40 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, drained mexicorn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and pepper. Once well mixed, gently fold in the cooked rice until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3
Transfer the mixture into a greased 2 1/2 quart baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Layer the chopped red onion and sliced black olives on top.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove from the oven, sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5
Once baked, let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
53g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Southwest Vegetarian Casserole?
It is a warm, filling one-dish meal packed with brown rice, black beans, and a vibrant mix of vegetables, finished with zesty flavors and melted cheese.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this casserole is a vegetarian-friendly meal.
What type of rice is recommended for this casserole?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of uncooked brown rice.
How do I prepare the brown rice?
Bring the rice and water to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 35-40 minutes until tender.
Can I substitute white rice for brown rice?
You can use white rice, though the cooking time and water ratio may need to be adjusted compared to brown rice.
Which type of beans are used in this recipe?
One 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained, is used.
What is Mexicorn and how is it prepared?
Mexicorn is a canned corn product with bell peppers; it should be drained before being added to the mix.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes with green chilies?
No, the 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies should be used without draining.
What kind of salsa should I use?
You can use one cup of your favorite variety of salsa, depending on your spice preference.
Can I use a low-fat version of sour cream?
Yes, the recipe allows for substituting regular sour cream with a low-fat variety.
How many types of cheese are in this recipe?
Two types are used: shredded cheddar cheese and a shredded Mexican blend cheese.
How much cheddar cheese is required?
You will need one cup of shredded cheddar cheese for the initial mixture.
When should I add the Mexican blend cheese?
The Mexican blend cheese is sprinkled on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
How much water is needed to cook the rice?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of water to cook the 3/4 cup of brown rice.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole bakes for 30 minutes uncovered, followed by an additional 5-10 minutes once the top cheese is added.
Which toppings are baked onto the casserole?
Chopped red onion and sliced black olives are layered on top before baking.
Do I need to cover the dish with foil while baking?
No, the recipe specifies baking the casserole uncovered.
How long should the casserole rest after coming out of the oven?
Let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains 53 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete and hearty one-dish meal perfect for a family dinner.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 2 1/2 quart baking dish is required for this recipe.
How much pepper should I add?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to your personal taste.
What should I do with the black olives?
Use one 2 1/4 ounce can of sliced black olives, ensuring they are drained before layering on top.
Can I add extra toppings when serving?
Yes, you can serve the casserole with your favorite extra toppings for an added kick.
Is the red onion cooked before being added to the casserole?
No, the red onion is chopped and layered fresh on top of the mixture before the baking process begins.