Tex Mex Black Eyed Pea Casserole

4.37 from 11 votes

A very popular black eyed pea recipe to serve on New Year's Day for good luck!

Prep Time30

Cook Time1

Total Time1 30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: black eyed pea casserole, black eyed peas casserole, tex mex black eyed pea casserole

Servings: servings

Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Add the dried peas and boil for 30 minutes, or until tender (as tender as a canned bean would be). You don't want them to have much of a bite to them, but you don't want them mushy either. Drain the beans when you've got them where you want them.
In a deep medium skillet, heat the olive oil at medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, then rice, broth, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and cook for about 20 minutes (just until the rice has *almost* absorbed all of the liquid). Time will vary depending on the type of rice you choose to use.
Preheat the oven to 350℉. Scrape the rice into a large bowl. Add the peas, tomatoes, spinach, 1 cup of the cheese and bacon. Stir it all together and then scoop it into a 9x12-inch (or similarly sized) casserole dish. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
Serve in bowls topped with sour cream, fresh cilantro and sliced avocado (if desired).

*To convert to VEGAN: don't use bacon, use veggie broth instead of chicken broth, and Daiya shreds instead of cheddar. Add some chipotle chili pepper to add back some smokiness that the bacon would have provided (as well as a bit of a spicy kick).
*To convert to VEGETARIAN: don't use bacon, and use vegetable broth.
*Nutritional information does not include the optional toppings.
*If you are preparing this recipe as gluten free, just be sure to use brands of bacon and broth that are known to be GF.
*Quick and Easy tips: You can certainly try substituting canned black eyed peas for the boiled dried beans in this recipe, and you can purchase the already cooked bacon too.
*If you'd like to oven-fry your bacon-- it's so easy! Line a rimmed pan with foil. Lay your bacon strips on the foil. Place the bacon in a preheated 400 degree F. oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until crisp (time will vary based on thickness of the bacon). Dab the bacon with paper towels to soak up any excess grease, and it's easy clean up too!