Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole is a hearty, nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It combines wholesome brown rice, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and melted Swiss cheese for comforting flavors everyone will love.

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup brown rice
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ⅓ cup diced onion
• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 2 cooked skinless boneless chicken breast halves, chopped
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Ground cayenne pepper to taste
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained
• ⅓ cup shredded carrots
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium pot, combine the brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes until the rice is tender.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in zucchini, chicken, and mushrooms. Season with cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook until zucchini is lightly browned and chicken is heated through.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables and chicken, black beans, diced green chiles, shredded carrots, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Stir until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Swiss cheese over the casserole. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
6. Step 6: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach.
• Vegan-friendly: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase heat.
• Cheese swaps: Substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for varied flavors.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole also freezes well; keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave in 30-second increments or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?

You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese as alternatives for different cheesy flavors.

Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 271 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole is a hearty, nutritious comfort food that combines wholesome brown rice, black beans, fresh vegetables, and shredded Swiss cheese baked to perfection. With tender chicken, a blend of spices, and a cheesy topping, this casserole offers a delicious, easy-to-make meal ideal for weeknights or meal prepping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Broth

• ⅓ cup brown rice
• 1 cup vegetable broth

Vegetables and Protein

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ⅓ cup diced onion
• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 2 cooked skinless boneless chicken breast halves, chopped
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt, to taste
• Ground cayenne pepper, to taste
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained
• ⅓ cup shredded carrots

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: In a medium pot, combine the brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes until the rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
2. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3. Cook the Vegetables and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in zucchini slices, chopped chicken breast, and sliced mushrooms. Season with cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook until zucchini is lightly browned and chicken is heated through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, sautéed vegetables and chicken, drained black beans, diced green chiles, shredded carrots, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Mix thoroughly. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
5. Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, or add a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or spinach.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast instead of Swiss cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the vegetables while cooking for extra heat.
• Cheese Variations: Substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or bake in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up until the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 85 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: brown rice casserole, black bean casserole, chicken casserole, baked casserole, healthy casserole, one dish meal