Description
This Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole is a hearty and nutritious comfort food dish combining wholesome brown rice, flavorful black beans, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables, all baked with melted Swiss cheese for a delicious, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Grains and Liquids
- 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
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Ground cayenne pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- 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: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the sliced zucchini, chopped chicken, and sliced mushrooms. Season with cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is lightly browned and chicken is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- 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. Stir everything until well mixed, then transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded 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 until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs such as chopped cilantro or parsley, or add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach.
- To make it vegan-friendly, substitute the Swiss cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to increase the spiciness.
- You can swap Swiss cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brown rice casserole, black beans casserole, chicken casserole, healthy casserole, baked casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, one dish meal
