Cheesy Rice and Beans Bake

If you love any sort of Mexican meal you are going to want to make this recipe as soon as possible! This cheesy rice and beans bake may be my all-time favorite recipe. High in protein, cheesy, and perfect for Taco Tuesdays!

What makes this recipe so good is that it is layered with crispy tortilla chips, cheesy rice, refried beans, and a delicious turkey taco mixture this is so good.

Do you know those multi-layer taco dips that you can make or buy at the store? This recipe is like that but better because you can eat it straight up and guilt-free!

Another side note, this recipe is gluten-free, and if you are vegetarian you can make this recipe without the ground turkey, it would still be amazing!

Here are the ingredients:

• ½ cup white rice (dry-90 grams)
• ½ cup fat-free greek yogurt (113 grams)
• 1 lb 99% fat-free lean ground turkey (448 grams)
• ½ small onion chopped (40 grams)
• ¼ cup Trader Joe’s almond cheese shreds (28 grams)
• ¼ cup Reduced fat Mexican cheese (28 grams)
• 10 oz can diced tomatoes and chilies
• 7 oz can sliced poblano peppers
• 16 oz can fat-free refried beans
• â…” cup frozen corn (90 grams)
• ½ tbsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp paprika 
• 28 grams tortilla chips

How to make the cheesy rice and beans bake:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, grease a large rectangle baking dish
2. In a pot, add the rice, salt, and 1 cup of water, bring to a boil and reduce, and cook until water is fully absorbed 
3. In a large saucepan, spray with cooking spray and cook turkey until no longer pink. Add in chopped onion, diced tomatoes and chilies, poblano peppers, corn, and spices
4. Mix the yogurt into the rice, and add half of the cheese
5. Add the turkey to the bottom of the baking dish, spread refried beans evenly over top, then do the same with the rice
6. Crush the tortilla chips over top, and spread the remaining cheese
7. Bake for 10 minutes

Other recipes you will enjoy:

• Layered Taco Casserole
• Cheesy Taco Pasta
• Healthy Ground Turkey Green Chile Bake
• Slow Cooker Shredded Beef
• Creamy Chicken Taco Melts
• Easy Meal Prep Taco Beef

How do you melt cheese in rice?

The key to melting the cheese in the rice is adding it while the rice is still in the pot, right after it is done cooking, make sure the cheese is shredded, sprinkle it in, and make sure you stir until it is fully combined.

Can you meal prep this cheesy beans and rice recipe?

Yes, this makes the perfect meal prepped dish, it will last for up to 6 days, and it reheats very well! You can even crush more tortilla chips on top of the recipe prior to warming it up if you wanted to.

What is the nutrition information per serving of cheesy rice and beans bake?

This cheesy rice and beans bake recipe makes 6 servings. 1 serving or 272 grams is 276 calories 33.7grams carbs, 3.8 grams of fat, and 35grams protein. You can also search; HNFit Cheesy Rice and Beans Bake in My Fitness Pal for easy logging.

Why do beans hurt my stomach?

Beans are a fibrous food so they may be tough on your tummy. My body has a hard time digesting a lot of beans at one time so I typically take Beano prior to eating them, it is a natural enzyme and it really helps break down the beans saving you from the bellyaches and gas.

Are beans vegetarian?

Beans are a great protein option for vegetarians. If you are a vegetarian omit the ground turkey from this recipe, it will taste super great without it.

What are refried beans?

Refried beans are typically cooked beans made into a paste, they may be cooked in a fat, or not. Most often times some type of seasonings are added as well. This recipe uses fat-free refried beans, these are quite easy to find as most grocery stores carry them alongside all of the other canned beans.