Zesty Southwest Bean & Rice Bake
Indulge your taste buds with this flavorful Zesty Southwest Bean & Rice Bake, inspired by vibrant Mexican flavors. This hearty dish features a delightful combination of protein-rich beans, wholesome brown rice, and creamy cheddar cheese, all harmoniously blended with zesty spices like chili powder and ground cumin. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or for serving friends at gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh tossed salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the warm, comforting essence of the southwest in every savory bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 medium (chopped (1/2 cup))
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (or cooking oil)
chili powder
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
red kidney beans
1 can (15 ounces) (rinsed and drained)
cooked brown rice
1 1/2 cups
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup ((4 ounces))
milk
3/4 cup
eggs
2 (beaten)
nonstick cooking spray
as needed
green pepper
to taste (chopped (optional))
salsa
to taste ((optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Ensure you don’t brown them; stir occasionally.
3
Add the chili powder, ground cumin, and salt to the onion mixture. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to allow the spices to bloom and combine their flavors.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled onion and spice mixture with the rinsed kidney beans, cooked brown rice, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and beaten eggs. Mix until well combined and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6
Lightly spray a 10-inch pie plate or quiche dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the bean and rice mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
8
Allow the bake to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. If desired, garnish with chopped green pepper and serve warm with salsa on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Southwest Bean & Rice Bake?
It is a hearty, flavorful dish inspired by Mexican flavors that features a combination of kidney beans, brown rice, and cheddar cheese blended with zesty spices.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products and relies on beans and eggs for protein.
Is the Zesty Southwest Bean & Rice Bake gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredient list provided, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What kind of beans are used in this bake?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of red kidney beans, which should be rinsed and drained.
What type of rice should I use?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of cooked brown rice for this recipe.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
The bake takes approximately 25 minutes in the oven until the center is set and the edges are golden.
What spices give the dish its southwest flavor?
The zesty flavor comes from a combination of chili powder and ground cumin.
How much cheddar cheese is required?
You will need 1 cup (4 ounces) of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of olive oil or any other standard cooking oil.
How many eggs are included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs to help bind the ingredients.
What amount of milk is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of milk.
What size baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
A 10-inch pie plate or quiche dish is the ideal size for this bake.
How should I prepare the onion?
You should use 1 medium onion, chopped to produce approximately 1/2 cup.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent, taking care not to brown them.
What should I do after adding the spices to the onion mixture?
Cook the spices with the onion mixture for an additional minute, stirring constantly to allow the flavors to bloom.
Do I need to let the onion mixture cool?
Yes, you should remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly before combining it with the eggs and milk.
Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly spray the dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the bake from sticking.
How do I know when the bake is ready to come out of the oven?
The dish is done when the center is set and the edges have turned slightly golden.
Should the dish rest after baking?
Yes, allow the bake to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.
What are the optional garnishes for this dish?
You can garnish the bake with chopped green pepper for added color and texture.
What side dishes pair well with this bake?
It pairs wonderfully with a fresh tossed salad and can be served with salsa on the side.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Can I adjust the amount of chili powder?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder to taste.
Is this considered a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy option because it uses fiber-rich beans and brown rice.
What category of meal is this?
This is categorized as a one-dish meal, making it convenient for family dinners.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this savory recipe.
Can I serve this at a gathering?
Absolutely, it is an ideal dish for serving friends at gatherings due to its comforting and hearty nature.
What is the general flavor profile?
The dish offers a warm, savory, and zesty essence of the Southwest in every bite.