Cheesy Bean & Rice Bake

Yes, it has been forever and a day since I last posted anything. Mostly because I have drifted into the land of menu-planning, which has saved my sanity but suppressed my creativity.

Even so, Emeals (see banner above) is an amazing weekly menu plan that saves you money and you can tailor it to specific stores, which makes it handy, too. Nothing frustrates me more than having a plan and the store is out of major ingredients. Then, it takes twice as long to shop because (I'm convinced) there's some subliminal thing playing in the background, drawing me to buy frivolously and with abandon. "Why, yes! I do need some garlic stuffed olives!" Anyone else been there?

Anyway, here's a wonderful recipe that I made the other night instead of going to the store on-the-fly. It was tasty, and lends itself so well to being customized. And it baked up very nicely.

(You would know that, if I had remembered to take a picture when I got it out of the oven. You'll just have to trust me. It was pretty looking, and pretty good, too.)

This is also a cinch to double or triple, it can be customized**, and I think this would freeze well, also.



Ingredients

1 cup cooked rice (I used brown), drained and cooled slightly
1 can drained and rinsed black beans
4 ounces shredded cheese (I used Mexican blend), with a handful reserved for topping
1 egg (I used Eggbeaters equivalent)
3/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or chili powder, or curry powder...whatever you fancy)
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic (or more, to taste)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter (or spray with Pam) a casserole dish. (I used a square one with a lovely fall motif. Again, you would know that if I'd taken a picture...sorry.)

Mix egg and milk together, then combine everything else.  Put in casserole and spread evenly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until set and lightly browned around edges.  Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

**I also added a package (~ 6 oz.) of grilled chicken strips that I shredded,  You could add browned ground beef or turkey to this (1 lb) as well. I didn't make it very spicy because my kids aren't fans of spicy things, but it would taste great with some sauteed peppers and onions added to the mix.

Leftovers were even better the next day.