Southwest Vegetarian Bake

Delicious Southwest Vegetarian Bake Recipe

Warm and Flavorful Southwest Vegetarian Bake

I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the hearty, comforting dishes that seem to embody the warmth of home, especially during those chilly nights when nothing feels better than curling up with a cozy meal. The idea for this Southwest Vegetarian Bake came to me on one such evening, after a day of hiking in the foothills. The crisp air and vibrant fall colors had me craving something wholesome yet packed with flavor, something that would wrap me up like a warm blanket.

As I rummaged through my pantry, I noticed I had all the fixings for a Mexican-inspired dish – black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and, of course, plenty of cheese. It was the perfect opportunity to create something special that would not only satisfy my hunger but also bring a burst of flavor and comfort.

How to Make Southwest Vegetarian Bake

I started with a base of brown rice, which added a nutty depth and heartiness to the dish. From there, I began layering in the ingredients, each one adding its own unique taste and texture.

The final touch was a generous topping of Mexican cheese blend, which I knew would melt into a gooey, golden layer of deliciousness. As it baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the most irresistible aroma – a sure sign that something wonderful was happening. When I finally pulled the casserole out, it was everything I had hoped for: warm, cheesy, and bursting with the vibrant flavors of the Southwest.

Since then, this Southwest Vegetarian Bake has become a staple in my home. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even meal prepping for the week. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrition, and best of all, it’s incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more meatless meals into your routine, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household as well.

Chef’s Notes – Southwest Vegetarian Bake

• Layering Tip: For a more structured casserole, layer the ingredients rather than mixing them all together. Start with the rice base, add the black beans and corn, then top with tomatoes and cheese.
• Cheese Tip: For a perfectly melted top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
• Vegetable Boost: Add some sautéed bell peppers or zucchini to the mix for extra veggies and a more complex flavor profile.
• Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Make It Your Own: Swap the salsa for enchilada sauce or pair this with Quick Veggie Tacos for a crunchy twist.

Southwest Vegetarian Bake

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This Southwest Vegetarian Bake is a hearty, flavor-packed dish perfect for those chilly nights! Loaded with wholesome ingredients like black beans, corn, and brown rice, and topped with melty cheese, it's a healthy and satisfying meal that brings the taste of Mexican cuisine right to your table. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this casserole is sure to become a favorite!

Course: Main CourseCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Print

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

40

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

285

kcal

Resting Time

10

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

25

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Rice Base

• 3/4 cup uncooked brown rice

• 1-1/2 cups water

• Main Mix

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 can (11 ounces) sweet corn kernels, drained

• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles

• 1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

• 1 cup chunky salsa

• 1 cup low-fat sour cream

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

• Toppings

• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

• 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced black olives, drained

• 1 cup shredded low-fat Mexican cheese blend

Directions

• In a small saucepan, combine the brown rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed, about 35-40 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare the other ingredients.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chiles, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, sour cream, and ground black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
• Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-1/2 quart baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the chopped red onion and sliced black olives over the top. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• baking sheet
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 285kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 21mg
• Sodium: 759mg
• Potassium: 0mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 0IU
• Vitamin C: 0mg
• Calcium: 0mg
• Iron: 0mg

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