Rice and beans are a classic duo, and this baked bean and rice casserole takes them to the next level! With hearty beans, fluffy white rice, and a colorful mix of peppers and onions, it’s a meal that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying. Like this enchilada pasta, Mexican-inspired spices bring bold flavor to every bite, while baking everything together in one dish makes it so simple to prepare. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and comforting with minimal effort.
What makes this dish so special are the layers of flavor and texture. The beans add plant-based protein and a creamy bite, while the rice soaks up all the spices and juices from the vegetables. Sweet bell peppers and savory onions bring a pop of freshness and color to the casserole. By baking it in the oven, all the ingredients come together beautifully, creating a meal that’s warm, filling, and irresistibly flavorful. It’s a great choice for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!
This Mexican casserole with rice and beans is a flavor-packed, one-dish wonder that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines hearty beans, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and bold Mexican spices for a dish that’s both delicious and filling. Plus, it’s easy to make, a budget-friendly recipe, and ideal for meal-prepping or feeding a crowd! Here are more reasons you’ll want to make it ASAP:
The key ingredients in a rice and bean casserole bring flavor, texture, and heartiness to this classic dish. From protein-rich beans and fluffy rice to zesty salsa and bold Mexican spices, each element plays an important role—it’s basically a delicious taco casserole with rice and beans! Here’s what you need, plus easy substitutions to customize it to suit your taste:
For full quantities and measurements, scroll to the printable recipe card below.
Bean and rice casserole bake is the ultimate one-dish comfort meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Everything bakes together in the oven, creating a warm and delicious meal with minimal cleanup! Here’s how:
Step 1: Prep and Mix Ingredients – Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, combine the rice, bell pepper, ¾ of the red onion (reserve the rest), black beans, vegetable broth, salsa, tomato paste, salt, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 2: Bake the Casserole – Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove the foil, stir the casserole, and sprinkle vegan shredded cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Finally, Step 3: Add Toppings and Serve – Take the casserole out of the oven and top it with the reserved red onion, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, or any other toppings you like. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving a black bean and rice casserole is as fun as making it! Whether you turn it into tacos, top it with fresh avocado, or pair it with a crisp side salad, there are endless ways to enjoy it. While it’s excellent on its own, these are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it as more than just a casserole:
To store leftovers, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4-5 days, or freeze it for longer storage—just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through!
No problem! You can switch things up with other flavor profiles! Try adding Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for a Mediterranean twist, or go with a simple combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a mild, savory base. You could also experiment with curry powder or a dash of turmeric for a warm, earthy flavor along with chickpeas instead of black beans.
If you don’t like rice, you can easily swap it out for other ingredients! Quinoa is a great alternative, offering a similar texture and added protein. You could also use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or try couscous for a lighter, fluffy texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times and the amount of liquid may vary depending on the substitute you choose.
Print me! Did you know you can easily print our recipes? Just tap the “Print Recipe” button in the recipe card. You can keep a stack of new recipes to try in your kitchen—or better yet—create a recipe binder where you keep all your favorites!
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I had no idea I would love this casserole so much! Super easy, seriously filling and just SO tasty! You’ve got to make this!
So easy, delicious and filling! Also makes great meal prep for the rest of the week.
Love this dump and bake style casserole! It turned out great!
Quick, easy and delicious !!
Quick, easy and delicious!