Arroz Con Queso (Cheesy Rice)

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 chilies, diced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups monterey jack cheese, grated
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. 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. 3

   In a large bowl, combine rice, beans and onion mixture. Spray a 2-quart casserole with non-stick spray.

4. 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. 5

   Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

6. 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.