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Flavor-Packed Mixed Bean Casserole (Easy & No-Fry Method!)

Welcome to my kitchen—where comfort food meets convenience and flavor comes first! This mixed bean casserole has quickly become one of my go-to recipes when I want something hearty, simple, and packed with bold, satisfying taste. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s bursting with wholesome ingredients and comes together faster than you’d think—without sacrificing any of that cozy casserole goodness.

What sets this recipe apart is a little kitchen hack I swear by: no pre-frying needed. Everything gets blended raw and baked to perfection. Using a food processor for the veggies makes it incredibly easy and saves tons of prep time. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a hungry family, this bean casserole hits the spot.

Closeup of a serving of mixed bean casserole.

What Is a Mixed Bean Casserole?

A mixed bean casserole is one of those satisfying dishes that combines pantry staples and fresh ingredients in a way that just works.

The blend of black beans and kidney beans adds texture and a depth of flavor, while sweet corn brings brightness and a subtle crunch. Everything comes together in a seasoned tomato sauce, topped with melty cheese, then baked until golden and bubbling.

It’s comfort food you can feel great about—warm, filling, and perfect all year round.

Ingredients needed for making mixed bean casserole are collected on a board.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

To get the best results, I like to use canned black beans and kidney beans for convenience, but you can use cooked-from-dry if you have the time.

The secret to deep, rich flavor in this casserole is the trio of onion, garlic, and green bell pepper—chopped super fine in a food processor so they blend seamlessly into the dish and bake beautifully without sautéing.

Taco seasoning brings in just the right amount of spice and warmth, while a simple tomato sauce pulls everything together. A generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top finishes the casserole with a golden, gooey crust.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mixed Bean Casserole (No Frying Needed!)

What I really love about this mixed bean casserole is how it simplifies kitchen life.

I start by draining and rinsing the beans and corn, then I process the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper until they’re finely chopped—this is the magic step that skips the frying pan entirely.

Everything gets mixed in a bowl with taco seasoning and tomato sauce, then poured into a baking dish and topped with shredded cheese. That’s it! Pop it in the oven until the top is golden and you’re done.

Leftovers You’ll Actually Look Forward To

One of the reasons I keep this dish in rotation is how well it stores and reheats.

Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors meld. I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the fridge—easy to reheat in the microwave or oven.

You can also freeze individual portions for those days when you need something satisfying in a hurry.

Make It Your Own: Variations and Serving Ideas

This mixed bean casserole is a canvas for creativity. Sometimes I stir in cooked rice or quinoa to make it even heartier, or I swap in different types of beans like pinto or cannellini.

Want a little kick? Add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the mix. I also love serving this with tortilla chips for a fun twist or wrapped in a burrito for lunch the next day.

There’s no wrong way to enjoy it.

A serving of Mixed Bean Casserole.

Common Questions About Mixed Bean Casserole

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely. You can mix everything the day before and refrigerate the dish until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.

Can I make it without a food processor?

Yes, but using a processor really helps with texture and saves prep time. If chopping by hand, go for a fine mince to mimic the same effect.

Is this casserole spicy?

It has a mild warmth from the taco seasoning, but it’s not overly spicy. You can always adjust the seasoning blend to suit your taste.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Any shredded cheese that melts well works beautifully here. Choose your favorite and go with what you have on hand.

Try Out These Easy Recipes

Collage of two photos of mixed bean casserole with recipe title text.

Let’s Keep This Dish Spreading!

If you try this mixed bean casserole, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your creation on Instagram or Facebook and tag me so I can see your delicious version.

Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating below—it helps others find this recipe and makes all the difference.

Happy cooking!

Closeup of a serving of mixed bean casserole.

Mixed Bean Casserole

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Welcome to my kitchen! This mixed bean casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and convenient one-dish meal. It’s hearty, simple, and packed with taste, all without pre-frying. Just blend the ingredients raw and bake. Perfect for meal-prepping or feeding a family!

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Black beans, drained 
  • 15 ounces Kidney beans, drained 
  • 14 ounces Corn, drained 
  • 2 medium Onions 
  • 4 cloves Garlic 
  • 1 tablespoon Taco seasoning 
  • 16 ounces Tomato sauce 
  • 1 green Bell pepper 
  • 5 ounces Dairy free cheese, shredded, divided 
  • Salt, pepper to taste 

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 380°F (195°C) so it’s hot and ready when your casserole is assembled.
  2. Drain and rinse the black beans, kidney beans, and corn thoroughly to remove excess starch and brine.
  3. In a food processor, pulse the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper until they’re finely chopped—almost like a chunky paste. This step is key to skipping the frying while still getting rich flavor throughout.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the processed veggies with the beans, corn, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together until evenly coated and well blended.
  5. Pour the mixture into a casserole or baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.
  6. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top to create a golden, bubbly crust.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and starting to crisp at the edges.
  8. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up slightly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 591Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 678mgCarbohydrates: 66gFiber: 21gSugar: 11gProtein: 33g

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