Tex Mex Black Eyed Peas and Rice Casserole with Roasted Garlic (Vegetarian)

Tex Mex Black Eyed Peas and Rice Casserole with Roasted Garlic is a quick and comforting Winter dinner recipe and a perfect Super Bowl Party food. Although Back Eyed Peas are traditionally eaten during New Year's Day, this one recipe is so good that I could have it any time of the year.

Southern Black Eyed Peas is associated with good luck and fortune and is commonly made during New Year's Day.

This delicious Casserole made with Rice, Black Eyed Peas and Roasted Garlic makes for a wholesome meal, perfect for New Year's Day or any other day of the year.

This Casserole is a cheap and easy dinner recipe, which is great for the family. I love to make this Casserole on New Year's Day.

It is traditionally made with Bacon, however, I have skipped Bacon, because I wanted to make this vegetarian. However, you can add Fried Bacon if you wish.

You might also love my Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole as it's perfect for the season.

Why Are Black Eyed Peas Eaten On New Year's Day?

This is the oldest tradition that actually was started by the Jews. Black Eyed Peas are eaten during New Year's Day as it signifies prosperity and happiness. These dried Beans when swell up during the cooking process, it signifies Prosperity. Also, this is typically eaten with Colard Greens or Cabbage or any other greens as Greens, signify "Money" and when you consume this meal, you welcome good luck in your life for the rest of the year. It's such a cute little tradition 🙂

Are Black Eyed Peas Good For You?

Black Eyed Peas are essentially seeds. Just like other Beans like Black Beans or Pinto Beans, these are a high source of Protein and Fibre. These are a very healthy source of quick energy and nutrition.

How do you cook Dried Black Eyed Peas?

Black Eyed Peas can be soaked overnight in a bowl of water. Fill water to about 2-inches above the beans. Cover and soak for 2-3 hours before use. You can also, soak the Black Eyed Peas in billing hot water or Chicken Stock for 1 hour and they will be tender to use.

How to cook Black Eyed Peas in an Instant Pot?

You cannot make this whole recipe in the Instant Pot as this is a casserole. However, your dried Beans can be quickly cooked in the Instant Pot.

1. Add the Black Eyed Peas in an Instant Pot.

2. Cover with the Lid and lock it in place. Seal the Steam Releasing knob.

3. Now, press the Pressure Cook/Manual button (or dial) and use the  + or - sign to set the temperature to high and set temperature for 10 minutes.

4. When it has cooked, leave it undisturbed and allow the steam to release naturally for 10 more minutes. After 10 minutes, release the Steam.

5. Now, your Black Eyed Peas will have swollen and ready for use.

Ingredients used to make Tex Mex Black Eyed Bean and Rice Casserole

To roast the garlic -

• 1 medium-sized garlic roasted
• 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary 2 tablespoon if using fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

For the casserole - 

• 1 cup Dried Black Beans rinsed and soaked
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 2 medium-sized onion chopped
• 1 cup Rice
• 2 cup Vegetable Broth low sodium
• ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1½ cup Freshly chopped Spinach
• 5 oz Rotel Tomatoes chopped or use Canned Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilis
• 1 cup Shredded Sharp Yellow Cheddar Cheese divided

For garnish - 

• ¼ cup Chopped Cilantro
• ½ Sliced Avocado
• ½ medium-sized Red Onion thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon Sour Cream

How to make Tex Mex Black Eyed Bean and Rice Casserole with Roasted Garlic?

STEP 1) Soaking the Black Eyed Peas

Soak the Black Eyed Peas in boiling hot water, which is about 2 inches more than the Beans, or about 3 cups of boiling water for 1 hour and keep aside covered. After One Hour, wash the Black Eyed Peas drain the water, and using a colander.

You can also add the Black Eyed Beans in a pot of boiling water along with 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda and let it simmer for about 40 minutes.

Or, You can soak the Black Eyed Beans in a bowl of water and cover it. Keep it overnight in the refrigerator and use it the next day.

Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9"x7" baking dish or any similar sized Casserole dish with cooking spray or oil.

STEP 2) Roasting the Garlic with Herbs

Chop off the head of a Garlic. Drizzle Olive oil, Dried Rosemary and Oregano over the Garlic. Wrap it up in an aluminum foil and roast it in the oven for 20 minutes at full power. Once roasted, cool it down to room temperature. Slowly squeeze out the garlic cloves and discard the skins and the root.

STEP 3) Sauteeing the Rice along with Onion, garlic, and spices

Heat olive oil in a deep dish skillet. Add the chopped Onions. As the Onions, Shimmers add the Roasted Garlic cloves, and the Rice. I have used Brown Rice. You can use any variety of rice you love. Sprinkle some Cayenne Pepper, Ground Cumin, Salt, and Ground Black Pepper, and mix well.

Saute the rice over medium to low heat. Once the Rice shimmers, add 2 cups of broth and cover cook over a low flame until the rice absorbs all the water for about 20 minutes. (Or until the Rice has absorbed almost all of the broth). The cooking time might vary depending on the rice you're using. Stir and take it off the heat.

STEP 4) Making the Casserole

Now, take the Rice Mix off the heat. Mix it with the Black Eyed Peas which you had previously rinsed and kept aside. Add the chopped Rotel tomatoes. You can also add canned Rotel Tomatoes with green chilis. Add the thinly chopped spinach and the cheese. Mix well.

Layer this in your greased casserole baking dish. Top with more Cheese.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes

STEP 5) Garnish and Serve

Cut into individual Servings. Top with some sour cream, chopped Red Onions, freshly chopped Cilantro, and some sliced Avocado.

How To make a Vegan version of Tex Mex Black Eyed Peas and Rice Casserole?

To make a Vegan version, replace Cheddar cheese with Daiya Cheddar style shreds.

Other Possible variations of this recipe

You can replace Dried Black Beans with Canned Black Beans.

You can also add some Sweet Corn. Add them while you are adding the Rotel Tomatoes.

You can replace Rotel Tomatoes with Canned Rotel Tomatoes and green chilis

You can add some fried Bacon for that perfect touch. You will have to fry the bacon first and then combine it with Rice, just when you're mixing in the cheese and the Beans.

If you happen to make this recipe, then comment below and rate this recipe. Also, find a moment to tag me with #recipemagik on Instagram.