Late summer vegetarian Tex-Mex casserole. A healthy vegetarian casserole that's loaded with vegetables, brown rice and black beans. This simple recipe is perfect for meal prep or for a nutritious family dinner.
Course Main Course
Cuisine vegetarian
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 40 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour
Servings 8
Ingredients
3/4cupbrown rice,uncooked
1tablespoonolive oil
1mediumyellow onion,finely diced
4clovesgarlic,minced
1mediumzucchini,diced
1baby eggplant,diced
1poblano pepper (or bell pepper),seeded and diced
1smalljalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (optional)
2largetomatoes,diced
1cupcorn,frozen or fresh
1can (540ml)black beans,drained and rinsed
1can (156ml)tomato paste
1tablespoonchili powder + 1 teaspoon
1tablespoonground cumin
1 1/2teaspoonsmoked paprika
3/4teaspoonfine grain sea salt,or more to taste
1 1/2cupscheddar cheese(or vegan cheese)
Optional Toppings
Avocado,diced
Green onion,sliced
Cilantro,chopped
Instructions
Cook the rice according to the package's instructions.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the paprika, cumin, chili powder and salt and cook for one more minute.
Add the zucchini, eggplant, poblano and jalapeno pepper. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring a few times.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the corn, black beans and tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice.
Transfer to a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 15 minutes. Remove cover and cook another 5 minutes. Leave a few minutes under broil if desired until lightly golden. Serve with desired toppings.
Notes
Make ahead option: Prepare the recipe, but don't bake it. Store the unbaked casserole in the fridge until you're ready. When you're ready to bake the casserole, remove it from the fridge and let it sit on the counter while the oven preheats. Bake the casserole following the instructions. You might need to bake it a bit longer, making sure it's heated through.For a vegan option, use your favorite vegan cheese.You can make this recipe with white rice if preferred.