Name: Instant Pot Mexican Casserole [Oil Free]
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup dry/uncooked black beans (soaked overnight); 1 cup brown rice; 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth; 5 oz can tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; diced tomato, sliced avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, guacamole, cashew cream

JUMP TO RECIPE

Rice and beans have never tasted this good, or been so easy to make! This Instant Pot Mexican casserole recipe is as simple as it gets. Just dump and start and dinner will practically cook itself. Plus, it’s incredibly flavourful, filling and satisfying.

Rice and beans in white plate with tomato, onion and avocado garnish.

This recipe was originally published in March 2019. It has been updated for content and photos.

There’s nothing quite like a healthy recipe that requires little to no prep work! This dish is perfect for those lazy days when you want something delicious, without all the effort.

And if you’re a big fan of Mexican food, I encourage you to check out these stunning Mexican recipes, too.

Why you’ll love this dish

It’s filling and satisfying, while remaining low in calories and fat. Always a huge win! By keeping this oil free and free from other saturated fats, this dish is a heart healthy choice.
Super simple to prep, with no peeling, chopping or much of anything required! Just dump and go!
It’s allergen friendly. Not only is this dish vegetarian, vegan, and suitable for a WFPB (whole food plant based) diet, but it’s also gluten free, soy free and nut free.
Made using easily accessible pantry ingredients, making it budget friendly too.

Two white plates of rice and beans with avocado slices, diced tomato and cilantro on top.

How to make it

(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Remember to soak your beans, either the night before or about 6-8 hours before you plan to make your Instant Pot Mexican casserole.

If you’ve forgotten to soak the beans, see my quick soak method in the notes of the recipe card below.

Now gather your ingredients.

Ingredients needed to make Instant Pot Mexican casserole.

Add the soaked beans, along with all remaining ingredients into your Instant Pot. Mix well and set to high pressure for 30 minutes. (photos 1-2)

That’s it!

Mexican Casserole inside Instant Pot before and after cooking.

If you’re new to using an Instant Pot, plan for about 10 extra minutes for the pot to reach pressure. Plus you’ll need another 10 minutes to naturally release, before quick releasing the remaining pressure.

So even though this dish cooks for 30 minutes, allow yourself 50 minutes of cook time from start to finish.

Serve warm, garnished with any of your favourite toppings.

White bowl of rice and beans with Mexican toppings sitting on blue and white dishcloth.

What toppings should I use?

The options are almost endless here!

I like mine topped with diced tomato, fresh cilantro, white onion, sliced avocado and a squeeze of fresh lime.

If you’ve got a little time, you may even make some of this super simple guacamole or cashew cream to top your bowl.

Can I add anything else?

I’ve kept this simple but if you want to add more ingredients, you definitely can! Some great options include:

frozen corn
chopped onion
bell pepper
jalapeno

How long does it keep?

Your Instant Pot Mexican casserole will keep refrigerated for 3 days. Just reheat in a pan on stove top, adding some water or broth to loosen, if needed.

Can I re-purpose this dish?

Absolutely!

You can easily turn this dish into a taco casserole by adding your rice and beans to the base of a serving dish and top with tortilla chips, olives, jalapenos, and corn. Then add some vegan mozzarella cheese on top and bake in your oven to slightly melt your cheese.

Expert Tips

For firmer beans, skip the soaking. For softer, melt in your mouth beans, soak them overnight, or 6-8 hours.

If you forgot to soak your beans, you may use this quick soak method. Add your beans to a pot and cover with water leaving at least 2-3 inches of water above the beans. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat and cover the pot with its lid and soak for 1 hour.

More vegan pressure cooker recipes

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Buon appetito

Rosa

Instant Pot Mexican Casserole [Oil Free]