Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Rice and Bean Casserole with Sweet Potatoes is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for cozy dinners. Combining hearty black beans, sweet potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s both flavorful and satisfying. Easy to prepare, it’s a great option for a wholesome weeknight dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the rice, black beans, diced sweet potatoes, spices, and salt and pepper. Stir well to mix.
2. Step 2: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and pour the vegetable broth evenly over it. Cover the dish with foil.
3. Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the rice has absorbed the liquid.
4. Step 4: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté some onions and garlic before mixing with the other ingredients.
• Try using different types of beans like pinto or kidney beans for variety.
• Add chopped fresh cilantro or green onions as a garnish for a fresh finish.
• Use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella and pepper jack for a creamier casserole.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, include a diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, this casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Consider pre-cooking the brown rice or adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep the dish vegan-friendly without compromising on taste.

Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 79 reviews

This hearty Rice and Bean Casserole with Sweet Potatoes is a comforting, wholesome dish that combines tender rice, black beans, and sweet potatoes baked together with melted cheese and aromatic spices. Perfect for a nutritious family meal, it delivers a delicious balance of flavors and textures with minimal effort.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

Cheese & Seasoning

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients

• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes so they cook evenly. Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly.
2. Mix the casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice, black beans, diced sweet potatoes, shredded cheese, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well blended.
3. Transfer to a baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
4. Bake until tender and bubbly: Place the covered baking dish in the oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and rice are fully cooked and tender. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese on top to melt and brown slightly.
5. Rest and serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

• You can substitute brown rice for white rice; just increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes and make sure to adjust liquid accordingly.
• Feel free to add chopped onions, bell peppers, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• For a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: rice and bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, vegetarian casserole, baked rice dish, black beans recipe, easy casserole, cheesy casserole