Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole is a comforting, wholesome dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, it combines tender brown rice, savory chicken, and melty Swiss cheese for a satisfying meal the whole family 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium pot, combine the brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the 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: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the zucchini, chicken, and mushrooms. Season with cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the zucchini is lightly browned and the 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, then transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Swiss cheese over the casserole. Cover loosely with 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. Enjoy warm and garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

• 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 for a cheesy flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra punch of heat.
• Different Cheese Options: Swap Swiss cheese for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

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. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can 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 for a different cheesy flavor.

Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 118 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• 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 and wholesome comfort dish that combines nutty brown rice, protein-rich black beans, tender chicken, and savory vegetables baked under a blanket of melted Swiss cheese. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or meal prep, it delivers a balanced mix of flavors and textures with a mild, slightly spicy kick from cumin and cayenne pepper. Easy to customize for vegetarian or vegan diets and great for leftovers, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser packed with fiber, protein, and vibrant veggies.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Grains and Broth

• ⅓ cup brown rice
• 1 cup vegetable broth

Vegetables

• ⅓ cup diced onion
• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained

Proteins

• 2 cooked skinless boneless chicken breast halves, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained

Seasonings and Oils

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Ground cayenne pepper to taste

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
2. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
3. Cook the Vegetables and Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the sliced zucchini, chopped cooked chicken, and mushrooms. Season the mixture with cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper to taste. Continue cooking until the zucchini is lightly browned and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, the sautéed vegetable and chicken mixture, drained black beans, diced green chiles, shredded carrots, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread out evenly.
5. Bake the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Swiss cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish 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 casserole is bubbly and the cheese has turned lightly golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and creaminess.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast instead of Swiss cheese.
• For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce before baking.
• Swiss cheese can be substituted with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.
• Reheat in the microwave in short intervals or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Can be prepared ahead of time up to the baking step, then refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

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

Keywords: brown rice casserole, black bean casserole, chicken casserole, baked casserole, healthy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, one dish meal