Mexican Bean And Rice Casserole

This comforting Mexican-style casserole is a robust, plant-based meal that relies on simple, wholesome ingredients for maximum flavor. The dish features a rich, velvety puree of red kidney beans blended with savory spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, creating a deeply satisfying texture. Layered with nutty brown rice, fresh parsley, and ripe sliced tomatoes, it offers a wonderful contrast of creamy and crisp elements. It&# 226;ÂÂs an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a hearty, warming dish without the fuss. The result is a aromatic, well-seasoned main that feels both rustic and elegant, perfect for feeding a family or a crowd with minimal effort.

Cooking Method: Baking, Sautéing, Steaming

Cuisine: Mexican

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 6

Calories: 286.5

Dietary: Gluten-free

Description

This comforting Mexican-style casserole is a robust, plant-based meal that relies on simple, wholesome ingredients for maximum flavor. The dish features a rich, velvety puree of red kidney beans blended with savory spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, creating a deeply satisfying texture. Layered with nutty brown rice, fresh parsley, and ripe sliced tomatoes, it offers a wonderful contrast of creamy and crisp elements. It&# 226;ÂÂs an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a hearty, warming dish without the fuss. The result is a aromatic, well-seasoned main that feels both rustic and elegant, perfect for feeding a family or a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Oil
1 lg Onion; chopped
2 Celery Stalks; chopped
1 Red Bell pepper; diced
3 cup Red kidney beans; cooked

Directions

1
Preheat your oven to 350ÃÂ°F (175ÃÂ°C).
2
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3
Add chopped onion, celery, and diced red bell pepper; sautÃÂ© until tender and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4
In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked red kidney beans, 1/4 cup of bean cooking liquid (or water), tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, basil, oregano, cayenne (if using), and shoyu or tamari.
5
Blend until smooth to create a creamy bean puree.
6
Transfer the bean puree to a large mixing bowl.
7
Fold the sautÃÂ©ed vegetable mixture and the soaked arame (if using) into the bean puree until well combined.
8
In a separate bowl, gently toss the cooked brown rice with chopped parsley.
9
Lightly oil a large, deep baking dish.
10
Spread half of the rice mixture evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
11
Spread half of the bean mixture over the rice layer.
12
Top with half of the sliced ripe tomatoes and distribute half of the pressed garlic cloves over the tomatoes.
13
Repeat the layers with the remaining rice, bean mixture, tomatoes, and garlic.
14
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until the top is warm and the tomatoes are tender.
15
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 286.5kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4.9g8%
Saturated Fat 0.7g4%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 23.6mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 45.2g16%
Dietary Fiber 13.4g54%
Sugars 6.5g
Protein 16.5g33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

For a dairy-free cheesy topping, sprinkle with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds before baking.

Arame is a type of seaweed; if unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of chopped kelp for a similar mineral depth.

Ensure your brown rice is fully cooked and cooled before assembling the casserole to maintain texture.

Keywords: mexican casserole, vegan main, bean dip, rice bake, kidney beans, plant based, comfort food, layered casserole, spiced beans, easy dinner, vegetarian recipe, brown rice, tomato layers, garlic flavor, family meal

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/mexican-bean-and-rice-casserole/