Creamy Lime-Garlic Vegetable & Bean Rice Bake 🥦🍚

Vegetable & Bean Rice Casserole

🕒 Total Time: 1 hour

🥘 Servings: 6

Description:

A versatile dish perfect for utilizing pantry staples and leftovers. A creamy lime-garlic sauce elevates the flavors of healthy rice, beans, and vegetables, creating a satisfying meal. Whether you’re on a budget or simply craving a nutritious and flavorful dish, this Vegetable & Bean Rice Casserole won’t disappoint!

Ingredients:

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 430.9
• Fat: 6.8g
• Saturated Fat: 3.2g
• Cholesterol: 12.4mg
• Sodium: 197.7mg
• Carbohydrates: 75.3g
• Fiber: 10.2g
• Sugar: 2.7g
• Protein: 18.6g

Lime-Garlic Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter slowly over medium heat OR briefly heat oil over medium heat.
2. Mix in cornstarch.
3. Gradually stir in milk.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
5. Boil for 1 minute and then remove from heat.
6. Stir in garlic and lime juice to taste.
7. Adjust seasoning according to preference. (A stronger flavor is recommended as it will be diluted when mixed into the casserole).

Casserole:

1. Prepare rice, beans, and vegetables according to package directions, separately.
2. Divide sauce evenly between rice and vegetables.
3. Mix so that rice and vegetables are well-coated.
4. Spread rice evenly in the bottom of an 11 x 7 casserole dish.
5. Spread vegetables over rice.
6. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar over vegetables.
7. Spread beans over cheese.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheese over beans.
9. Cover and bake at 350°F until heated through and cheese is melted (approximately 15-20 minutes, assuming that rice and beans are still warm).

Tips:

• To save time, use pre-cooked beans and rice.
• Experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand.
• For added flavor, consider adding spices such as cumin or chili powder to the sauce.
• Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.