7 Rice & Bean Recipes That Are Shockingly Cheap (And So GOOD!)

7 Rice & Bean Recipes That Are Shockingly Cheap (And So GOOD!) is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Julia Pacheco on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 10 min | Total: 1 hr 40 min

Cost: $8.40 total, $2.10 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted, used to grease the baking dish)
  • 0.25 cup Salsa (mild or medium, any brand)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
  • 15 oz Black Beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 10 oz Red Enchilada Sauce (store‑bought)
  • 3 pieces Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless; about 1.5 lb total)
  • 1.5 Tbsp Taco Seasoning (store‑bought or homemade blend)
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the casserole.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Grease Baking Dish

    Brush the bottom and sides of the 9x13 baking dish with the melted butter.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Combine All Ingredients

    In the greased dish, add the salsa, chicken broth, uncooked rice, drained black beans, red enchilada sauce, chicken breasts, and taco seasoning. Stir gently to distribute the seasoning and coat the chicken.

    Time: PT10M

  4. First Bake (Covered)

    Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 55 minutes.

    Time: PT55M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking

    Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Rest and Serve

    Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with your favorite taco toppings such as avocado, cilantro, lime, or sour cream.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
32 g
Carbohydrates
48 g
Fat
13 g
Fiber
9 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free if using gluten‑free taco seasoning, High‑Protein, Can be made dairy‑free by omitting cheese

Allergens: Dairy, Soy (possible in taco seasoning)

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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7 Rice & Bean Recipes That Are Shockingly Cheap (And So GOOD!)

Recipe by Julia Pacheco

A budget‑friendly, one‑dish Tex‑Mex casserole packed with chicken, black beans, rice, salsa and enchilada sauce. Perfect for meal‑prepping or a quick family dinner, this dump‑recipe comes together with minimal effort and delivers big flavor.

EasyTex-MexServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
1h 20m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.40
Total cost
$2.10
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Covering the dish tightly with foil for the first 55 minutes to steam the rice.
  • Ensuring the chicken breasts stay whole for juiciness.
  • Adding cheese and baking uncovered for a melty, golden finish.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot foil and baking dish with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Black Bean and Rice Casserole in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

The casserole blends classic Tex‑Mex staples—black beans, rice, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning—into a comforting one‑dish meal that became popular in American home kitchens during the 1990s as a budget‑friendly family dinner.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of chicken and rice casseroles exist in Mexican‑influenced cuisine?

A

In northern Mexico, similar casseroles use corn masa, poblano peppers, and cheese, while in the U.S. Southwest they often incorporate green enchilada sauce, jalapeños, or chorizo for extra heat.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Black Bean and Rice Casserole traditionally served in Tex‑Mex households?

A

It is typically served hot straight from the oven, topped with fresh taco toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, sour cream, and shredded cheese, alongside a side of tortilla chips or a simple salad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Black Bean and Rice Casserole commonly prepared for in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

Because it is easy to make in large batches, families often serve it for casual gatherings, game‑day parties, potlucks, and as a weekday meal‑prep staple.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Black Bean and Rice Casserole?

A

Common errors include not sealing the foil tightly (which leads to dry rice), over‑baking the chicken, and using too much liquid which makes the casserole soupy. Follow the timing and keep the foil sealed for the first bake.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a covered bake for 55 minutes before adding cheese, instead of baking uncovered the whole time?

A

Covering traps steam, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and the chicken to stay moist. Removing the cover only for the final cheese melt gives a golden, bubbly topping without drying out the dish.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Black Bean and Rice Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble the casserole (without cheese) and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze it uncovered for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from the fridge or add extra baking time if frozen.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for to know the casserole is done?

A

The rice should be tender and the liquid fully absorbed, and the chicken should be opaque and reach 165°F. The cheese on top should be melted, lightly browned, and slightly crisp at the edges.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Julia Pacheco focuses on affordable, family‑friendly meals that often feature beans, rice, and Mexican‑inspired flavors, with an emphasis on meal‑prepping and budget cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Julia Pacheco prioritizes simplicity and cost‑effectiveness, offering "dump‑it‑in‑the‑dish" recipes that require minimal prep and equipment, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate techniques or gourmet presentations.

channel

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