Name: Rice and Beans Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked); 1 (12oz) bag of frozen peppers and onions; 1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 2 and 3/4 cups vegetable broth; 8 oz enchilada sauce; 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese; Fresh cilantro; Avocado; Sour cream; Hot sauce; Fresh jalapeños

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

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If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this Rice and Beans Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender rice, smoky black beans, vibrant peppers, and zesty enchilada sauce baked to perfection, topped off with melty Mexican cheese that brings everything together. Whether you’re new to vegetarian dinners or looking for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing option, this dish nails simplicity without skimping on heartwarming taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver baking tray holds three main layers, starting with a base of uncooked white rice with a smooth texture spread evenly across the bottom. On top of the rice, a large pile of small, shiny dark red beans covers the lower half of the tray. Above the beans and rice, colorful chopped vegetables form the top layer, consisting of green, red, orange, and yellow bell pepper pieces mixed with white onion strips, creating a bright and fresh contrast. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this casserole lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients, each chosen to bring rich colors, delightful textures, and satisfying flavors to your table. These staples are easy to find and come together to create a dish that’s hearty yet fresh and light in just the right balance.

1 and 1/2 cups long grain white rice: The foundation of the casserole, providing a fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
1 (12oz) bag of frozen peppers and onion: Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color, making every bite exciting and fresh.
2 and 3/4 cups vegetable broth: Infuses the rice and beans with savory depth and keeps everything moist and tender.
1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: A protein-packed, creamy element that pairs perfectly with the rice.
8oz enchilada sauce: Brings a smoky, tangy kick that wakes up the entire dish and adds authentic Mexican flair.
1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese: Melts into a gooey, flavorful topping that ties all the layers together beautifully.
Garnishes (fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, hot sauce, or fresh jalapeños): Optional, but these add brightness, creaminess, and a touch of heat to finish off each serving.

How to Make Rice and Beans Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Combine the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures your oven will be perfectly ready to bake the casserole evenly. In a roomy 9×13 baking dish, add the uncooked rice, frozen peppers and onions, and the black beans. Give them a good stir so the ingredients begin mingling right away, setting the stage for harmonious flavors.

Step 2: Warm the Broth and Mix in Sauces

Warm your vegetable broth in the microwave for about 3 minutes until it’s simmering; this helps the rice cook more evenly later on. Pour the hot broth and all of your enchilada sauce over the rice and beans mixture in the baking dish. Stir everything together thoroughly so that the rice is evenly coated and the peppers and beans are nicely distributed throughout.

Step 3: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam while baking. This steamy environment is key for cooking the rice to tender perfection. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil using oven mitts and stir the casserole to check the texture and liquid levels.

Step 4: Finish Baking and Add Cheese

If you notice there’s still some liquid in the dish, return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the excess moisture to evaporate. Once the liquid is gone and the rice is tender, sprinkle the Mexican blend shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish uncovered for 10 more minutes, letting the cheese melt, bubble, and develop a golden hue that makes it utterly irresistible.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Before serving, let your casserole rest for a few minutes. This short wait lets everything set nicely, making it easier to serve and allowing the flavors to deepen. From here, you can get creative with your favorite garnishes for a final burst of freshness and texture.

How to Serve Rice and Beans Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds one square piece of layered casserole with three visible layers: the bottom layer has black beans and red bell peppers, the middle layer is a mix of grains or rice, and the top layer is melted cheese with a mix of white and orange colors, sprinkled with chopped green cilantro. Surrounding the plate, scattered cilantro leaves add color contrast on a white marbled surface. To the top left, there is a small white square bowl filled with red salsa, and to the top right, some yellow tortilla chips are placed. In the bottom left, two halves of an avocado show green flesh and a brown seed. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes truly transform this simple casserole into a personalized feast. Bright cilantro leaves add herbal brightness, creamy avocado slices bring a cooling balance, dollops of sour cream lend luscious richness, and a drizzle of hot sauce or specks of fresh jalapeños introduce a thrilling bit of heat. Choose whatever your heart desires to accentuate your meal.

Side Dishes

Although this casserole can shine as a standalone dish, pairing it with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even warm corn tortillas elevates the meal. These sides add contrasting textures and extra nutrients that round out your dinner beautifully, making it feel like a special occasion every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family meals, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish to the table, letting everyone scoop out generous portions. If hosting friends, try plating individual servings topped with colorful garnishes and a squeeze of lime for a bright, fresh flair. You can even turn leftovers into stuffed peppers or burrito bowls the next day for a versatile and fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Rice and Beans Casserole Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled soon after serving helps preserve the freshness of the beans and vegetables without sacrificing any of the flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Freeze in portions or the entire dish after it has cooled. Be sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months frozen while maintaining its taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm it covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on high for a few minutes, stirring halfway to evenly distribute heat and revive the melty cheese goodness.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You might want to pre-cook it slightly before assembling the casserole or adjust the baking time accordingly so everything finishes cooking evenly.

Is this dish vegan-friendly?

You can easily make this casserole vegan by substituting the Mexican cheese with a plant-based alternative and ensuring your enchilada sauce is free from animal products. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.

Can I add meat or other proteins?

Yes! If you’re not strictly vegetarian, adding cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or even chorizo can bring extra richness. Simply layer it with the beans and vegetables before adding the broth and sauce.

What if I don’t have frozen peppers and onions?

No problem at all! Fresh diced peppers and onions work wonderfully as well; just sauté them lightly before mixing into the casserole to soften and bring out their sweetness.

How spicy is the casserole?

The spice level mainly depends on your enchilada sauce and any garnishes you choose. For a milder dish, opt for a mild sauce and skip spicy toppings. For more heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Rice and Beans Casserole Recipe enough for those busy nights when you want something nourishing, tasty, and super easy. It’s a dish that feels warm and homey without demanding a mountain of effort—perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a satisfying solo dinner. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos!

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