Spicy Southwestern Vegetarian Casserole
This hearty Spicy Southwestern Vegetarian Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion! Packed with nutritious ingredients like kidney beans, corn, and fragrant spices, this dish is not only delicious but also filling. The melty melted cheese and zesty salsa create a wholesome blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds, while the cilantro adds a fresh touch. Ideal for meal prep, this casserole can be made ahead of time and frozen for later cravings. Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence with just 5.5 Weight Watchers points per serving. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s sure to become a favorite at the table!
N/A
Servings
55
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown rice
3/4 cup (uncooked)
Water
1 1/2 cups (for cooking rice)
Kidney beans
15 ounces (rinsed)
Diced tomatoes
14 ounces (canned)
Diced green chilies
3 ounces (canned)
Corn
8 ounces (drained)
Salsa
1 cup (select your preferred heat level)
Reduced-fat sour cream
1 cup (for creaminess)
Mexican blend cheese
2 cups (divided)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil, then add the uncooked brown rice. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 35-40 minutes until the rice is tender.
2
While the rice is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
In a large bowl, combine the rinsed kidney beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, salsa, reduced-fat sour cream, 1 cup of the Mexican blend cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Add the cooked brown rice and mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4
Transfer the mixture into a shallow baking dish coated with non-stick spray and spread it evenly.
5
Top the casserole with chopped onions and cilantro evenly across the surface.
6
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until heated through and slightly bubbly.
7
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Mexican blend cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
8
Allow the casserole to stand for 10 minutes before serving to let it set.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
8g
Carbs
2.75g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Southwestern Vegetarian Casserole?
It is a hearty vegetarian comfort food dish packed with kidney beans, corn, rice, and zesty spices.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as the name suggests, this is a completely vegetarian dish.
How many Weight Watchers points are in a serving?
Each serving is approximately 5.5 Weight Watchers points.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 55 calories per serving.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 1.5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving provides 8g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the casserole?
Each serving contains 2.75g of protein.
Does this dish contain fiber?
Yes, there is 1.5g of fiber per serving.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much brown rice is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of uncooked brown rice.
How do I cook the brown rice?
Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil, add the rice, then simmer covered for 35-40 minutes.
What type of beans are used?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of rinsed kidney beans.
Are the tomatoes used fresh or canned?
The recipe uses 14 ounces of canned diced tomatoes.
What size can of green chilies is required?
You will need 3 ounces of canned diced green chilies.
How much corn is added to the mixture?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of drained corn.
How much salsa should I use?
Use 1 cup of salsa, selecting the heat level you prefer.
What type of sour cream is recommended?
Reduced-fat sour cream is used to provide creaminess while keeping it healthy.
How much cheese is used in this recipe?
A total of 2 cups of Mexican blend cheese is used, divided into two parts.
What seasonings are required?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of pepper for seasoning.
What are the fresh garnishes used?
The casserole is topped with 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, use a shallow baking dish coated with non-stick spray.
How long does the casserole bake initially?
It bakes uncovered for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
When do I add the extra cheese on top?
After the initial 25-30 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cheese and bake for 10 more minutes.
Should the casserole sit before serving?
Yes, allow it to stand for 10 minutes to let the ingredients set.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it can be made ahead of time and frozen for later consumption.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is ideal for meal prep as it can be easily stored and reheated.
Is this a spicy dish?
Yes, it features spicy elements like salsa and green chilies.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, by choosing a mild, medium, or hot salsa and adjusting the green chilies.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a one-dish casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
What makes this dish healthy?
It uses nutritious ingredients like brown rice, beans, corn, and reduced-fat dairy products.