Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole Recipe
This hearty Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender brown rice, seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, black beans, and melted Swiss cheese. Baked to perfection, it offers a delicious, wholesome meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Cook the Rice: 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.
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Vegetables and Chicken: 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.
- Assemble the Casserole: 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.
- Bake the Casserole: 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.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm and garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach.
- To make this dish vegan, substitute the Swiss cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or use nutritional yeast.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- Try swapping Swiss cheese for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack to vary the flavor.
Keywords: brown rice casserole, black bean casserole, chicken casserole, baked casserole, healthy casserole, Swiss cheese casserole, easy dinner
