Weekly Staple Casserole

I want to share one of my all time favorite casseroles with you.  It is a vegan casserole and it is WONDERFUL. Now, this would be one that you could share with your "on the fence" carnivorous family members. It is tasty, filling, and versatile.  My two favorite things about it?  It's fast and it's cheap. I timed it last night, I was able to do the prep work in 5 minutes. I finished putting it together before my 1 year old could even finish his snack - GO ME!  

This picture shows you about all you have to have to make it.  There is an optional guacamole topping not pictured that would require one avacado and less than 1 tablespoon mayo. This could easily be fixed for about $5.00 altogether. Do I have your attention yet?!?

The original recipe (link at the bottom) calls for more spice than I use. Confession:  I have a very sensitive tongue and can't handle too much spice.  So you will see that I take it down a lot in the recipes. Plus, I'm fixing for two small ones who also are very sensitive to bold spicy flavors.  Check out the original recipe if you want more of a kick!

Got 5 minutes? Here is what you need:

1 C brown rice

1 8oz can tomato sauce

1 15 ounce can kidney beans

3 C of vegetable broth

1.5 tsp of cumin

1 tsp of salt (I actually use less than that- probably more like 1/2 tsp)

1/4 tsp of garlic powder

Here is what you do:

1..Dump it all in a 9x13 baking dish

2.  Cover TIGHTLY with aluminum foil

3.  Stick it in the oven at 350 for 90 minutes.

4.  Go outside and play with your kids!  Dinner will be ready soon!

This is the casserole before baking - it will seem very runny

Done and ready to go!

I like to make a home made guacamole sauce for the topping.  Just mash up one avocado and put in light mayo (or vegan mayo substitute) to taste. I use about one tablespoon.  My kids like to top theirs with either ranch dressing or cheese.  This is awesome paired with watermelon or a nice fresh salad.  I also steam some bag broccoli or something of the sort for my kids. We seriously eat this one night a week and we never have leftovers.

Try it and let me know what you think!

http://www.eatliverun.com/dinner-on-the-cheap-rice-bean-casserole-with-guacamole/