Query-Inspired Layered Mexican Bean and Rice Casserole
A hearty casserole layering black beans, spiced rice, and a creamy cheese topping, baked until bubbling and golden for a comforting Mexican meal. This Mexican-inspired one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs cooked white rice, black beans, corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
The 9x13 baking dish we’d bake this in → Best Bakeware for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups cooked white rice, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 cup salsa, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix well to evenly distribute spices.
- Step 2: Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil. Spread half of the rice and bean mixture evenly in the dish.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the first layer, then top with the remaining rice and bean mixture. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on the edges. Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving.









