Arroz Con Queso (Cheesy Rice)

I combined a recipe a had from the monthly co-op newsletter and Recipe No. 77683. Preparation does not include time to cook rice. You can cheat and buy the frozen brown rice from Trader Joe's.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 3  cups cooked brown rice
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 1  teaspoon ground cumin
• 1  tablespoon  ground chili powder
• 1⁄2 cup red chile, diced
• 1  cup ricotta cheese
• 2  cups monterey jack cheese, grated
• 1  cup salsa
• 1⁄2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Heat oil in a medium skillet; add onion and chilies. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic, cumin and chili powder and cook 2 minutes more.
3. In a large bowl, combine rice, beans and onion mixture. Spray a 2-quart casserole with non-stick spray.
4. Spread 1/3 of the rice/bean mixture. Top that with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese. Top that with 1/2 of the Monterey jack cheese. Repeat, ending with the rice/bean mixture.
5. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven; cover casserole with the salsa. Sprinkle evenly with cheddar cheese. Bake 5 to 10 minutes more, until cheese is melted and lightly browned.