Delicious black eyed pea casserole is a new take on a tradition of eating foods that help you have a happy, healthy, wealthy, and successful new year.
Black-eyed peas are nutrient-rich, packed with fiber, Vitamin B1, and other vitamins & minerals.
Yet they are often overlooked until New Year's Day.
This casserole is perfect for New Year's Day or any other time you want a filling side dish full of veggies.
Black eyed peas symbolize luck and prosperity to many people.
In addition, this casserole has spinach for money, plus bacon for (more) wealth and progress.
Basically, you can eat this and get all your food in to have a wealthy, healthy, and prosperous new year.
Here's a fun fact: Make sure that when you buy your black-eyed peas you check for bugs.
This casserole takes a little time to make but it's not too much hands-on time.
First, you'll boil the black eyed peas and rice together. Meanwhile, cook the bacon. Then drain the beans and peas and set aside. Same with the bacon, reserving about a teaspoon of bacon grease to cook the onions and bell peppers.
Sauté the veggies in the bacon grease for about 10 minutes and stir the remaining ingredients together. Stir everything together and cover with cheese.
Bake and there you go...Healthy, lucky bowl of goodness that everyone will love.
Black Eyed Pea Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried black eyed peas
- 1 ½ cups brown rice or wild rice
- 10 cups water
- 5 slices center cut bacon
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 medium bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 10 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 5 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese 1 ½ cups shredded
Instructions
- Rinse the black eyed peas and rice really really well {for about 5 minutes}. Add black eyed peas, rice, and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet. Transfer bacon to paper towels, and set aside. Discard all but one teaspoon of bacon grease.
- Heat the bacon grease over medium heat in the skillet and add onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 10 minutes. Add garlic, tomatoes & green chilies, salt, paprika, and peppers. Stir well and remove from heat. Stir in spinach and stir well.
- Combine the black eyed peas, rice, and veggie mixture. Stir well. Add in half of the bacon and half of the cheese.
- Transfer to a casserole dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bacon. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes until cheese has melted and heated through. Enjoy!
*Based on this recipe from Recipe Girl
Meme
Meme
Thanks!! I'd be totally game for you sharing the recipe!
I really enjoyed reading your blog too
Tawnie Kroll
Have all the ingredients to make this casserole this week! Thank you!
Holly Marie Pelton
This will definitely make a great meal prep dinner for the week!
Natalie Rizzo
I'll have to make these for New Year's for some good luck!
Lindsey
I never would have thought of using black eyed peas in a casserole! Great recipe!
Lorie
Good luck? Count me in!!
Liz Shaw
I went to a chili cook off today and now I am craving everything beans. Cannot wait to try!
Emily Kyle
I had to make this recipe once I realized that I had NEVER had black eyed peas before? They were so good! Thanks for turning me onto them!