I discovered this flavorful and budget friendly, meatless meal on accident when quickly preparing something to bring to a family potluck. My husband is thrilled that I am building this blog because now when I make these accidentally yummy meals, I am hurrying to jot down what I did so I can share them with you all. Which means, I can make it again! If you like to “wing” things in the kitchen, you probably know what I’m talking about.

When I put this casserole together, I had low expectations because…it’s rice and beans! Coming from a cattle farming family, the idea of meatless dinners seems bland and unacceptable, and my husband would typically agree. However, we both would say that this meal is an exception to that rule. Beans and rice does not have to be boring! You can go cheap without feeling the sacrifice in flavor and sustenance. Pair this alongside a dinner roll or a slice of bread, and you’ve got a satisfyingly cheap and easy dinner.

Breaking Down the Cost

If you are searching rice and bean dinners, that is probably either because you are trying to go vegetarian, or because you are searching for hard-core budget foods. So I wanted to include an overview of the total cost of this dish for those who may be curious. If you are using bone broth or meat stock for this meal, I am not including that in the cost because that is something I derive as a byproduct of food I am already preparing. Visit here to learn how to make your own meat stocks and bone broths!

This meal costs me in my area at the time of writing this post just about $7.00 to make. It feeds my small family of 3 (almost 4) big eaters for at least 3 meals usually consisting of one dinner, and a couple of lunches. Here is a breakdown of the cost of ingredients at the current time of writing this post.

• Rice = $.88
• Black Beans = $1.84
• Diced tomatoes = $1.50
• Corn = $.76
• Cheese = $.90
• Seasonings (Est.) =$1.00-1.25

Flavor Tips

One of my key tips when it comes to the flavor of this dish is to cook the rice in a well flavored broth. Bone broth is my favorite for the taste and nutrient benefit. I have started cooking my rice this way as a general rule for any dish, and it is delicious. Secondly, use the seasonings generously. What I recommend below in the recipe is what I consider the minimum amount for it to taste well. Thirdly, if you are not concerned about the sodium content, go ahead and use seasoned black beans. This greatly enhances the flavor from the get go, and there is no difference in cost.

Optional switches or additions

You can obviously take this recipe and do whatever you want with it! However, if you want some inspiration for changes or substitutions you can make, here are some suggestions!

• You can use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes, or you can also use half sauce and half diced tomatoes! Some people have angst against cooked tomatoes, so utilizing tomato sauce would allow you to keep the flavor and lose the cooked tomato texture.
• Use seasoned black beans for extra flavor; just be aware that these are higher in sodium.
• Feel free to add extra cheese! I always love to add cheese to recipes. You can also put a blend of parmesan cheese in there. I have found that mixing in a quarter cup of parmesan with the shredded cheddar is delicious.
• You can also feel free to add more of the seasonings that you enjoy.
• Obviously, if you are like me and struggle with the idea of a meatless meal. You can add in any kind of ground meat, or even shredded chicken into this casserole.

The Process

The process for this meal is so simple, I almost don’t even want to designate a section to it. However, I will stick with my style, and give you a short summary! Cook the rice in one pot while simmering the beans, tomatoes, and seasonings in another. Combine it all together with half of the cheese in a casserole dish and then top it with the remaining cheese and bake it!

For the Visual Learner

The Recipe

If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, please let me know! Follow along for more easy home cooked meals you can share with your family. Explore my website for more homemaking resources, and biblical encouragement in motherhood!