![['A close-up side view of a delicious Chili Rice Casserole topped with melted cheese and colorful ingredients.', 'Juicy Chili Rice Casserole in a baking dish, showcasing its vibrant red and yellow hues from peppers and cheese.', 'Hearty Chili Rice Casserole served in a bowl, featuring layers of rice, beans, and a variety of spices.', 'A side view of a cheesy Chili Rice Casserole, highlighting the fresh ingredients and texture of the dish.']](https://quickflavorfix.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/u6426281249_close_up_photo_side_view_from_reddit._taken_with__b2d3774f-9795-40ae-877c-cc219faf6e88_0.webp)
Chili Rice Casserole
A hearty and flavorful baked casserole combining rice, beans, vegetables, and spices, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 0.5 medium onion
- 1 small jalapeno (optional)
Grains and Legumes
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 15 ounce can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 ounce can dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1.5 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (can be replaced with additional chili powder)
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 small lime (juiced and zested)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and grease a 9x13-inch dish.
- Dice peppers, onion, and jalapeno; rinse rice and beans.
- Combine rice, beans, vegetables, tomatoes, sauce, broth, and spices in dish; stir well.
- Cover and bake at 375F for 30-40 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in lime juice, zest, and half the cheese; top with remaining cheese and bake uncovered 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
Use fresh cilantro and reserved vegetables as toppings for extra flavor.