Maz’s Rice & Beans Casserole 🍲
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
This delightful casserole is not just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed journey. Maz’s Rice & Beans Casserole is a juicy concoction that not only satisfies your taste buds but also freezes like a dream, ensuring you have a scrumptious meal ready whenever you need it. Paired with a fresh salad, this casserole can effortlessly provide three hearty meals for two people.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
- 1 onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 2 celery stalks, diced 🥬
- 1 garlic clove, minced 🧄
- 1/2 cup white rice 🍚
- 1 chicken breast, diced 🍗
- 1 cup beef broth 🥩
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1/2 pound ground beef 🥩
- 1/2 cup diced ham 🍖
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice) 🧀
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a stockpot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil.
-
Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot.
- Sauté for about 4 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
-
Rice Addition:
- Stir in the white rice and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
-
Broth and Spices:
- Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, and ground coriander.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
-
Meat Preparation:
- While the rice is cooking, brown the ground beef in a separate skillet over medium heat.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
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Combining Ingredients:
- Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans, diced green chilies, and diced ham to the cooked ground beef.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Assembly:
- Once the rice mixture is cooked, remove it from the heat.
- Combine the cooked rice mixture with the meat and bean mixture, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
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Casserole Preparation:
- Transfer the combined mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
-
Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, adding a flavorful and gooey finishing touch.
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Baking:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
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Serving:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Maz’s Rice & Beans Casserole!
This recipe is not only bursting with flavor but also provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal option for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead, Maz’s Rice & Beans Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
