Black Bean and Brown Rice Casserole

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This black bean and brown rice casserole is meat-free, super tasty, and so easy to make! It’s packed with flavor and melty cheese for a hearty, satisfying dish.

Casseroles are one of my go-to easy weeknight meals. You can throw them together in minutes for a healthy and delicious dinner.

This black bean and brown rice casserole is one of my favorites when I’m looking for a meat-free option. The chili powder and green chilis give it a punch of flavor while the melty cheese makes it taste like a dream.

And like any great casserole recipe, this one is a breeze to whip up. Sauté the veggies, mix the dairy, layer the casserole, and toss it in the oven. When it’s almost done, add a little more cheese on top!

The result is delicious meat-free comfort food that’s so good, you may find yourself making it on a regular basis. It’s certainly a staple in my household.

How to make black bean and brown rice casserole

This tasty meat-free recipe comes together in just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 1½ quart casserole dish with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic, then cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the spinach and cook until wilted.

Step 4: Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Add the cooked rice, beans, chili powder, and green chiles to the bowl.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta and milk until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella.

Step 6: Spread ⅓ of the rice mixture in the bottom of the dish, then half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the rice mixture.

Step 7: Cover the casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Uncover, spread the remaining mozzarella on top, then bake, uncovered, until the cheese melts, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Are black beans good for people with diabetes?

Yes, they are!

Beans are a great source of protein and fiber. In fact, their fiber content may help stabilize blood sugars. That’s especially important in a dish like this that contains a simple carbohydrate like rice.

On top of that, beans are also packed with vitamins and minerals. They’re a healthy source of magnesium and potassium, for example, which are essential to proper body function.

Whenever possible, I do recommend making your own beans since canned beans have higher sodium. Check out my no-soak Instant Pot method for a super easy way to cook beans!

Storage

I think leftovers might be my favorite part about casseroles. It’s a great way to meal prep for the week!

If you have any extra casserole, you can store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I recommend reheating in the oven or gently in the microwave.

Other meat-free dinners

Looking for a few more diabetes-friendly meals that don’t include meat?

Here are some of my favorite delicious and hearty recipes that I know you’ll love:

• White Bean Lentil Soup
• Spinach Dumplings
• Mediterranean Zucchini Noodles with Goat Cheese

You can also take a look at my list of diabetes-friendly vegan recipes for more inspiration.

When you’ve tried this casserole, please don’t forget to let me know how you liked it and rate the recipe in the comments below!