Craving a mouthwatering vegetarian dish that'll make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests beg for seconds? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with the ultimate Vegetarian Chili Rice Bake - a Mexican-inspired comfort food that proves plant-based eating can be absolutely irresistible! This one-pan wonder combines the hearty goodness of beans, the warmth of spices, and the melty magic of cheese into a dish so satisfying, you'll forget you're eating a vegetarian meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chili powder and cumin to the onions, stirring to toast the spices and release their aromatic oils for about 1 minute.
- Drain and rinse the black and kidney beans, then add them to the skillet along with the diced tomatoes.
- Stir the bean and tomato mixture, allowing it to simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom as the base layer.
- Pour the bean and tomato mixture over the rice, ensuring an even distribution.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, covering the entire surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Use day-old or leftover rice for the best texture. Fresh rice can make the dish too mushy.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the chili powder and cumin to match your heat preference. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Cheese Options: While the recipe calls for standard shredded cheese, try pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of Mexican cheeses for more complexity.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be assembled earlier in the day and refrigerated, then baked just before serving - perfect for meal prep!
- Garnish Game: Fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or diced avocado can elevate the dish from great to extraordinary.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
