“There are bad times, but that's okay, just look for the love in it, don't burn the day away.”DMB

Mexican Rice and Black Bean Casserole

This dish is delicious. Added with the ease of making it, this has made it one of our new favorite meals! It does take longer to bake than other dishes I have made, but it is so worth the wait. It is moist and spicy and has great flavors. Grace loved it! She had it as a leftover twice. And as a leftover, it is so good. I had it the next day and wrapped it in a tortilla...mmmmm! 

1 pound bulk pork sausage
2 14.5-oz can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, undrained
2 cups cooked white rice (I used brown rice)
1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 med green sweet pepper, coarsely chopped (3/4 cup)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (2 oz)
Light sour cream (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350f. In a skillet, cook sausage until cooked through, breaking up as it cooks; drain off fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes, cooked rice, beans, and sweet pepper into sausage. Spoon into 3-qt rectangular baking dish. Cover with foil.

2. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until heated through. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with sour cream.

Serves 8