Southwest-Style Cheesy Rice and Beans Bake 🌮🧀
South of the Border Rice and Beans 🌮🍚
Description:
Get ready to enjoy a vibrant and savory dish with our South of the Border Rice and Beans recipe! This delightful combination of black beans, rice, and flavorful spices is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side or a hearty main, this recipe brings the taste of the Southwest right to your table. 🍴🌶️
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 1 garlic clove, minced 🧄
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin 🌿
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 🧂
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes 🍅
- 1/2 cup chicken broth 🐔
- 1 cup long-grain white rice 🍚
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed 🫘
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
Instructions:
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Preheat the Broiler:
Begin by preheating your broiler to a high setting. Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside. This will prepare the dish for the final broiling step, ensuring a beautifully melted cheese topping. 🍽️ -
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Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance. This creates a flavorful base for your dish. 🔥 -
Add Spices and Tomatoes:
Sprinkle the ground cumin and salt into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Continue cooking for an additional minute to allow the spices to bloom and infuse the dish with their warm, earthy flavors. Then, add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes soften and meld with the spices. 🍅✨ -
Incorporate Broth and Rice:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the liquid. This step is crucial for the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors. 🍲 -
Simmer and Cook:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer. Allow the rice to cook for about 20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. This gentle cooking process ensures that the rice becomes fluffy and flavorful. ⏲️ -
Stir in Beans and Cheese:
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the black beans and 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined. The heat from the rice will help melt the cheese and incorporate it into the mixture, creating a creamy texture. 🧀 -
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the rice and bean mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure a uniform cooking surface. Top the mixture with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and form a delicious golden crust during the broiling step. 🧀✨ -
Broil to Perfection:
Place the baking dish under the preheated broiler and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown top. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. This final step adds a delightful crunch and extra layer of flavor. 🔥 -
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top. This fresh herb adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the dish. Serve your South of the Border Rice and Beans hot, with a dash of hot pepper sauce if desired for an extra kick. 🌶️🥄
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 311.1 kcal
- Fat: 9.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 19.8 mg
- Sodium: 540.2 mg
- Carbohydrates: 42.5 g
- Fiber: 5.9 g
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Protein: 13.5 g
Enjoy this wholesome, flavorful dish that brings a touch of the Southwest to your kitchen. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, it’s sure to please both the taste buds and the wallet. Bon appétit! 🌟🍴
