Vegetarian Fajita Rice Casserole

This Vegetarian Fajita Rice Casserole is packed with veggies and protein and super easy to make! Colorful bell peppers are mixed with rice, black beans, seasonings, enchilada sauce and cheese. Everything gets baked together in the oven, for a simple meal that’s packed with tons of flavor. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy with tortilla chips!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Fajita Rice Casserole!

• Easy to make – This recipe is great if you have leftover rice, or microwavable rice, on hand.  The peppers and onions get a quick sauté, and then you just mix everything together in a bowl and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted.
• Packed with flavor – This casserole is flavored by the veggies, enchilada sauce and homemade fajita seasoning.  I prefer mine pretty mild in flavor, but you can make it as spicy as you like.
• Can be made ahead of time – Casseroles are great because you can assemble them in advance and then bake them off when needed.  They’re also freezer friendly.

Vegetarian Fajita Rice Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Rice – I used microwave white rice for this casserole, which made the prep super quick and easy.  You can also cook your own rice or use leftover rice for this recipe.  Brown rice or quinoa could be substituted, if needed.
• Peppers and Onions – I used a small yellow onion and a mix of green, red and orange bell peppers.  One red and one green will work well too.
• Black Beans – I just used one can of black beans that I drained and rinsed.  If you want to add extra protein, feel free to add two cans of beans.  Pinto beans would be a great addition if you want to mix it up.
• Enchilada Sauce – I used one small can of mild, red enchilada sauce.  You can use any kind of enchilada sauce you prefer.  Salsa could also be used in place of enchilada sauce, if needed.
• Seasonings – You can either use a store-bought package of fajita seasoning, or you can make your own.  If you have a fully stocked spice cabinet, you probably have all ingredients on hand already!
• Cheese – I used colby jack cheese for this casserole, but any kind of cheese will work.  Vegan cheese can also be used, if needed.
• Optional Toppings – I like to top my fajita rice bake with avocado, cilantro, salsa, sour cream and hot sauce.  I also like to serve with tortilla chips.

How To Make This Flavorful Fajita Rice Bake

1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.  Prepare you rice, if needed. Make the homemade fajita seasoning by adding all spices to a small bowl and mixing together.  Set seasoning aside.
2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons olive oil, along with the diced bell peppers and onion.  Add in 2 teaspoons of the fajita seasoning and give everything a good stir.  Let peppers and onions cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. To a large mixing bowl, add in your cooked rice, cooked onions and peppers, black beans, enchilada sauce, shredded cheese and the remaining fajita seasoning.  Mix everything together well and transfer mixture into a medium-large baking dish and top with remaining shredded cheese.
4. Place casserole in the oven and bake until heated through and cheese is bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.  Remove casserole from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before digging into.  Add your favorite garnishes toppings and enjoy with tortilla chips, if desired.

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

• This recipe is gluten free.  Just make sure to use a gluten free enchilada sauce, some may be thickened with flour.
• Is this recipe vegan?  No, I used dairy cheese for my casserole, but it can easily be made vegan by using vegan cheese.
• Is this casserole freezer friendly?  Yes, I would reccomend assembling the entire casserole up until the point of putting it in the oven, and then freeze.  Re-heat in the oven, 425 degrees for 45-50 mins.
• How long do leftovers last?  If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers should last about 4-5 days.  Re-heat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Have a question I didn’t answer?  Ask me in the comment section below and I will get back to you ASAP!

Looking For More Easy Vegetarian Casserole Recipes?

Cheesy Enchilada Rice Casserole

Vegetarian Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

Bean and Cheese Enchilada Casserole

Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole 

Rice and Bean Taco Casserole

Vegetarian Fajita Rice Casserole

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: She Likes Food
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4-6
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Vegetarian Fajita Rice Casserole is packed with veggies and protein and super easy to make! Colorful bell peppers are mixed with rice, black beans, seasonings, enchilada sauce and cheese. Everything gets baked together in the oven, for a simple meal that’s packed with tons of flavor. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy with tortilla chips!

---

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 cups small diced bell peppers, whatever colors you prefer
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cups pre-cooked rice, white or brown
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese, or cheese of choice (divided)
• Optional toppings: avocado, hot sauce, cilantro, red/green onion, sour cream, salsa, jalapeno

Fajita Seasoning:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoons salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.  Prepare you rice, if needed. Make the homemade fajita seasoning by adding all spices to a small bowl and mixing together.  Set seasoning aside.
2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons olive oil, along with the diced bell peppers and onion.  Add in 2 teaspoons of the fajita seasoning and give everything a good stir.  Let peppers and onions cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. To a large mixing bowl, add in your cooked rice, cooked onions and peppers, black beans, enchilada sauce, 2 cups shredded cheese and the remaining fajita seasoning.  Mix everything together well and transfer mixture into a medium-large baking dish and top with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
4. Place casserole in the oven and bake until heated through and cheese is bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.  Remove casserole from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before digging into.  Add your favorite garnishes toppings and enjoy with tortilla chips, if desired.

Notes

If using store-bought fajita seasoning, you will need about 7 teaspoons.

You can use less cheese for this recipe if you’re trying to cut down on the fat.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Dinner, Vegetarian
• Method: Stovetop, Oven
• Cuisine: Mexican Inspired

The post Vegetarian Fajita Rice Casserole appeared first on She Likes Food.