Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole brings together a wonderful mix of textures and flavors. The tender brown rice, creamy beans, and juicy chicken pair perfectly with the savory veggies and melted Swiss cheese. The cumin and cayenne pepper give it just the right amount of spice, while the vegetables keep it fresh and healthy. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a comforting 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole

Directions

In a pot, mix the brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the diced onion until tender, then mix in the zucchini, chicken, and mushrooms. Season with cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook until the zucchini is lightly browned and the chicken is heated through.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion, zucchini, chicken, mushrooms, black beans, green chiles, carrots, and half of the shredded Swiss cheese.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, and top with the remaining Swiss cheese.
Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and lightly browned.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for a fully vegetarian version.
Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or extra cayenne pepper to spice things up.
Cheese Options: Swap Swiss cheese for cheddar or pepper jack for a different cheese flavor.
Add Rice Variations: Try using white rice or quinoa instead of brown rice for a different texture and flavor.
Meat Substitution: Replace the chicken with ground turkey or beef for a different protein option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice, but the cooking time will be shorter. Follow the instructions on the package for cooking white rice.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the day before and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. Can I use a different type of beans?

Yes, you can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or black-eyed peas in place of black beans.

5. Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even corn to the mix.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with any other cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.

7. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and use it in place of the cooked chicken breasts.

8. Can I add more spice to the casserole?

Yes! If you like it spicy, you can add more cayenne pepper, chili powder, or diced jalapeños to the mix.

9. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when it is bubbly and lightly browned on top, and the cheese has melted completely.

10. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and check that the other ingredients, like the seasoning, are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding the whole family. With a delicious mix of rice, beans, chicken, cheese, and vegetables, it’s an easy and nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.