Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Rice Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
