OK, not a full blown – mariachi band, tortilla-eating, salsa dancing good time…but Mexican food none-the- less. Slightly lame Mexican food…but hey, what do you want? I’m not Mexican! Well, depending on who you ask I’m not. My mother-in-law thinks that because I am of Portuguese (<25%) decent, and Portugal is next to Spain, and in Spain they speak Spanish, and in Mexico they speak Spanish…so really, it’s the same thing. Help me Lord.
Someday I’m going to mess with her and show up at her house riding a donkey with a sombrero on my head. Or maybe the next time she comes over I’ll frame a picture of myself photo-shopped next to Juan Valdez. Shoot, he’s Colombian. Well in Columbia they speak Spanish so I’m sure she wouldn’t notice the difference.
Can you tell I’ve thought about this WAY more than necessary? Sí?
Mexican Rice
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 sprays cooking spray
- 4 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 15 oz canned fat free refried beans
- 10 oz frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 4 oz canned green chili peppers, mild, diced
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 3/4c. Black or Pinto Beans
- 3/4 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese, divided (I like WW Shredded Mexican Cheese!)
- 2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped (optional; for garnish)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat a 2-quart rectangular, round or oval baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine rice, salsa and cumin. Spoon 2 cups of rice mixture into prepared baking dish and spread out to evenly cover bottom of dish.
3. In another large bowl, combine refried beans, black or pinto beans, corn (I used frozen leftover corn-on-the-cob), chili peppers and chili power. Using a rubber spatula, scrape bean mixture on top of rice layer and smooth out top.
4. sprinkle with 6 tablespoons of cheese. Top with remaining rice mixture and smooth out top; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
5. Place casserole on a large rimmed baking sheet to catch any spillage. Bake until heated through and cheese is browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes.
6. Sprinkle with cilantro (if desired), cut into 6 pieces and serve.
Serves: 6 – 1c. portions
WWP: 6
Down Home Dieting 
ok so odd question but do you think this would work without the refried beans and with quinoa instead of brown rice? Monkette can’t have pinto beans or brown rice.
It would definitely work with quinoa….it does need some kind of bean to hold it together. Can she have black beans? I think black beans would work ok.
Man o man do I love Mexican food. You can do anything with it. Sure it’s the same ingredients in different forms, but it’s so delicious in all those forms! Casserole is a great idea, I need to try it next. I would suggest bulgur wheat instead of rice, it’s got a load of fiber and cooks up in less than 15 minutes. Great recipe Amanda.
– The Peanut Butter Boy