Rice and Bean Casserole with Sweet Potatoes

Rice and Bean Casserole with Sweet Potatoes

6 servings
This is a dump-and-bake recipe that uses white rice, black beans, and a handful of smoky and spicy ingredients. It's great for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • long grain white rice
    1 ½ c
  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • red bell pepper

    diced

    1 medium
  • sweet yellow onion

    diced

    1 medium
  • sweet potato

    peeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces

    1 medium
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • garlic

    minced

    3 clove
  • jalapeno

    diced

    1
  • chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

    see note #1

    2 tbsp
  • chili powder
    2 tsp
  • paprika
    1 tsp
  • dry oregano
    1 tsp
  • chipotle chili powder
    ½ tsp
  • onion powder
    ¼ tsp
  • vegetable broth
    2 ¾ c
  • tomato sauce
    8 oz
  • black beans

    drained and rinsed

    1 can
  • Mexican blend shredded cheese
    1 c
  • suggested garnishes: cilantro

    avocado, salsa

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375F. Lightly oil a 9x13 casserole dish. Rinse the rice well in a fine mesh strainer. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle with oil to coat. Once hot, add in the diced peppers, onions, and sweet potato. Cook until the onions are golden, just 5-6 minutes. The sweet potato will not be cooked through.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle with salt. Add in the garlic, jalapenos, diced chiles, and adobo sauce. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden.

  4. 4

    Stir in the spices (chili powder, paprika, oregano, chipotle chili powder, onion powder) and toast for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.

  5. 5

    Pour in the vegetable broth and tomato sauce and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

  6. 6

    Transfer the simmering broth and vegetables to the 9x13 dish. Add in the rice and black beans. Stir so that everything is well combined.

  7. 7

    Cover with foil, a heat-safe lid, or an upside down sheet-pan to trap in the steam. Bake at 375F for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes the rice should be mostly cooked. If not, cover and cook an additional 5 minutes.

  8. 8

    Remove the lid and sprinkle the bake with cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and enjoy!

Rice and Bean Casserole with Sweet Potatoes

Rice and Bean Casserole with Sweet Potatoes

55 min6 servings432 cal

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About this Recipe

Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: our Rice and Bean Casserole with Sweet Potatoes! This incredibly easy, dump-and-bake recipe is a true game-changer, bringing vibrant flavors and hearty satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy evenings or meal prep, this vegetarian delight combines fluffy white rice, protein-packed black beans, and naturally sweet diced sweet potatoes into one irresistible rice and bean bake.

What makes this rice and bean casserole truly special is its incredible depth of flavor. We’ve layered in smoky notes from chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and chipotle chili powder, balanced with the warmth of traditional chili powder, paprika, and oregano. The addition of fresh garlic, red bell pepper, and sweet onion creates an aromatic base, while a hint of diced jalapeño adds a delightful kick that you can easily customize to your liking. Every spoonful offers a perfect blend of spicy, smoky, and subtly sweet undertones, making it a family favorite.

This comforting rice and bean bake isn't just delicious; it's also wonderfully versatile.

  • Spice It Up or Down: Love the heat? Add an extra jalapeño or more chipotle. Prefer it milder? Reduce the jalapeño or omit it entirely.
  • Cheese Please: While Mexican blend shredded cheese adds a fantastic gooey top, feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a dairy-free alternative to keep it vegan.
  • Serving Suggestions: Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado slices, a dollop of your favorite salsa, or even some crisp sliced radishes for added texture. It’s a complete meal on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or warm tortillas.

Whether you're looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner or a robust dish for meal prepping throughout the week, this Rice and Bean Casserole with Sweet Potatoes promises to deliver on flavor and convenience every time.

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