Description
A hearty and flavorful Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole made with tender brown rice, sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, black beans, and melty Swiss cheese. This comforting baked dish combines wholesome ingredients and warming spices, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained
- ⅓ cup shredded carrots
Spices and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Ground cayenne pepper to taste
Cheese
- 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
- You can substitute cooked turkey or tofu for the chicken to make it suitable for different dietary needs.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or minced fresh garlic when cooking the vegetables.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this vegetarian, omit the chicken and consider adding extra mushrooms or another protein source like tofu or tempeh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 85 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brown rice casserole, black bean casserole, baked casserole, chicken casserole, healthy casserole, one-dish meal
