Cheesy Black Bean and Brown Rice Casserole

Black Bean and Brown Rice Casserole

Description

This savory Black Bean and Brown Rice Casserole is a delightful creation born out of a moment of culinary improvisation. I put together this dish one evening using ingredients I had on hand, and it received an “Honorable Mention” in Good Housekeeping! Perfectly blending the hearty flavors of black beans, brown rice, and a medley of colorful peppers, this casserole is a nutritious and satisfying one-dish meal that will become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice: Begin by cooking 1 cup of brown rice according to the package directions. This usually takes about 50 minutes, so it’s best to start this step first to ensure the rice is ready by the time you need it.

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2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green, red, and yellow bell peppers. Sauté the mixture until the onion becomes soft and translucent but not browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Add Tomatoes and Mushrooms: Once the onion and peppers are ready, add the chopped tomatoes and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir in the celery seed and ground cumin. Cover the skillet and let the mixture steam for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together.

4. Combine Beans and Rice: In a large bowl, mix the cooked brown rice with the drained and rinsed black beans. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

5. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish. Spread the rice and bean mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Layer the sautéed vegetables on top of the rice mixture.

6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the vegetables.

7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.

8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired for an extra touch of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410.8
• Fat: 21.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 10.3 g
• Cholesterol: 46.9 mg
• Sodium: 630.2 mg
• Carbohydrates: 36.5 g
• Fiber: 8.1 g
• Sugar: 3.6 g
• Protein: 21 g

Servings

This recipe yields 6 hearty servings, making it a great option for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.

Keywords

Brown Rice, Rice, Oven, One Dish Meal, < 4 Hours

This casserole is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with friends and family. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture are sure to impress, while its simple preparation makes it an accessible option for any home cook. Enjoy the harmonious blend of ingredients that come together to create a dish that is both delicious and wholesome! 🍲👩‍🍳