White Bean, Rice and Chorizo Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups Mahatma® White Rice
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 1 lb chorizo sausages, casing removed
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3/4 tsp each salt and pepper, divided
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 4 cups sodium-reduced chicken broth
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (19 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 10 oz fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 oz ricotta cheese
Instructions
Treat your family to a satisfying and hearty meal with this baked, one dish bean, rice, and sausage casserole.
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat 2 tbsp oil in large high-sided skillet set over medium heat; cook chorizo for 5 to 8 minutes or until starting to brown. Stir in onion, red pepper, thyme, garlic, and half teaspoon of the salt and pepper; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly softened.
Step 2
Stir in rice, paprika and cumin; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until rice is well coated.
Step 3
Stir in broth, tomatoes and beans; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook for 18 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender (not all of the liquid should evaporate; the extra sauce will keep the rice moist as it bakes). Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in parsley and lemon juice.
Step 4
Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in large skillet set over medium heat; cook spinach for 3 to 5 minutes or until wilted.
Step 5
Arrange one-third of the rice mixture in bottom of greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup Monterey Jack over top. Layer half of the sautéed spinach, half of the ricotta and 1/4 cup cotija over top. Repeat layers. Top with remaining rice; sprinkle with remaining Monterey Jack and cotija.
Step 6
Cover with foil; bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through and cheese melts. Remove foil; bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
Recipe Tip
For a vegetarian dish, omit chorizo and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Add 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes to mimic the flavor of the sausage.
Rice, Beans, and Sausage
Everyone can enjoy a good comforting casserole. They’re a great way to quickly put together a hassle-free, hearty and satisfying meal to feed the entire family. Let your oven do the work! This flavor-packed White Bean, Rice and Chorizo Casserole made with Mahatma® White Rice is the perfect addition to your weekly dinner rotation. Loaded with beans, tomatoes, a 3-cheese blend, and chorizo, you can be sure that this flavorful and hearty meal will be one of your family’s fast favorites.
Extra short on time? Make an even faster and easier rice dish with Mahatma® Ready to Heat Rice that’s ready in just 90 seconds, and put your leftover, cooked meat, or pre-cooked meats from your grocer, like rotisserie chicken, to good use! You can have a quick and easy meal in just minutes without missing out on flavor or quality.
Easy Vegetarian Version
Looking for vegetarian options? This recipe is easy to adapt, just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, omit the chorizo, and add paprika and sun-dried tomatoes for an equally flavorful, meatless version. Make sure to also try this Green Chili Mexican Rice Casserole for another tasty vegetarian meal, or this Southwest Chicken & Rice Casserole if you’d like to add a bit more protein from chicken.
Or, you can also choose to switch things up however you prefer. You might use paella ingredients by starting with a homemade sofrito and adding in vegetables and meat or seafood if you’d like. Or, start with any leftovers you’ve already got on hand. Get creative in the kitchen and unfollow the recipe a bit to explore with confidence.
