Vegetarian Fajita Rice Casserole

This Vegetarian Fajita Rice Casserole is packed with veggies and protein and is 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 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 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 until the cheese is melted.
• Packed with flavor – This casserole is flavored by the veggies, enchilada sauce and homemade fajita seasoning. I prefer a mild 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, making the prep quick and easy. You can also cook your own rice or use leftover rice for this recipe. Brown rice or quinoa can 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, which 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 substituted if needed.
• Seasonings – You can 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 the 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. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Prepare your 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, diced bell peppers and onion. Add 2 teaspoons of the fajita seasoning and stir everything well. Let peppers and onions cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, cooked onions and peppers, black beans, enchilada sauce, shredded cheese, and the remaining fajita seasoning. Mix everything together well, transfer the mixture to a medium-large baking dish, and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
4. Place casserole in the oven and bake until heated through and cheese is bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before digging into it. Add your favorite garnish 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 be made vegan using vegan cheese.
• Is this casserole freezer-friendly? Yes, I would recommend assembling the entire casserole until putting it in the oven and then freezing. Reheat in the oven to 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. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will reply 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

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• Author: She Likes Food
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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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!

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Ingredients

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• 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

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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