Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also packed with wholesome ingredients! This Mexican Cauliflower Rice Casserole is the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness that will have your family begging for seconds. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a delightful, healthy meal that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a standout dish for your next gathering, this casserole is the answer. Ready to dive into this deliciously easy recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower (riced)
- 1 can black beans
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Prepare the cauliflower rice by washing the cauliflower head and cutting it into florets. Use a food processor to pulse the florets until they resemble rice-like grains. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a box grater.
- In a large skillet, dry toast the cauliflower rice over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This helps remove excess moisture and enhance the flavor.
- Drain and rinse the black beans. Add the beans, corn, and cauliflower rice to the skillet. Stir in salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, covering the entire casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Tips
- Perfecting Cauliflower Rice: Ensure you pulse the cauliflower florets until they resemble rice grains, but avoid over-processing to prevent a mushy texture. If you're short on time, pre-riced cauliflower can be found in most grocery stores!
- Enhancing Flavor: Toasting the cauliflower rice for a few minutes before mixing in the other ingredients helps to enhance its flavor and remove excess moisture, resulting in a firmer casserole.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack can add a unique twist to your casserole.
- Customization: This recipe is highly adaptable! Add in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap black beans for pinto beans for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Garnishing: For an extra pop of flavor, garnish your casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream right before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
