Name: Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups (415 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup (~250 g) chunky salsa; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 2 cans (510 g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed; about 2 3/4 cups; 1 cup (182 g) uncooked brown rice; 1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped; Chipotle Mayo; Avocado; Fresh tomatoes

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.3 from 50 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, comforting, and nutrient-packed meal, the Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This dish marries the hearty earthiness of black beans with the bright, fresh flavors of bell peppers and cilantro, all rounded out by a smoky salsa and creamy chipotle mayo. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck centerpiece. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic go-to when you want delicious without fuss.

Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe is simple but plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor. From the savory broth that infuses the rice to the pop of colors from fresh veggies, these components come together in a perfect harmony that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Low-sodium vegetable broth (1 3/4 cups): Provides the flavorful liquid base that cooks the rice and ties all the ingredients together.
Chunky salsa (1 cup): Adds rich, smoky depth with a little spicy kick, essential for that southwestern flair.
Nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons): Brings a subtle cheesy, nutty flavor to boost umami without dairy.
Red bell pepper, diced: Offers sweetness and vibrant color to brighten every bite.
Green bell pepper, diced: Adds a crisp texture and refreshing contrast with a mild earthy note.
Yellow onion, diced (1/2): Provides a savory foundation and slight sweetness as it cooks down in the casserole.
Canned black beans (2 cans, drained and rinsed): The hearty star ingredient packed with protein and fiber.
Uncooked brown rice (1 cup): Adds whole grain goodness and soaks up all the flavorful liquid perfectly.
Fresh cilantro leaves (1/2 bunch, chopped): Sprinkles of freshness that elevate the dish’s brightness at the end.
Optional toppings: Chipotle mayo for creaminess and heat, ripe avocado for richness, and fresh tomatoes to refresh the palate.

How to Make Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Bring the Broth Mixture to a Boil

Start by combining the vegetable broth, chunky salsa, and nutritional yeast in a medium pot. Heat the mixture over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil. This step is essential because the boiling liquid will infuse the rice and beans with that irresistible southwestern flavor while cooking everything evenly in the casserole dish.

Step 2: Layer the Vegetables, Beans, and Rice

While your broth mixture is heating, prepare your casserole dish by evenly spreading the diced red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onions across the bottom. These veggies add a lovely crunch and color that complements the soft rice and beans. Next, sprinkle the drained black beans over the veggies, followed by an even layer of uncooked brown rice on top. This layering creates a well-balanced texture profile once baked.

Step 3: Pour the Broth and Bake

As soon as your broth mixture boils, pour it evenly over the casserole layers. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or parchment paper followed by foil to trap steam and cook the rice perfectly. Pop it in the oven preheated to 400F and bake on the middle rack for 60 minutes. This slow cooking melds all the flavors beautifully and ensures the rice comes out tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Toppings

When your Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe comes out of the oven, it’s time to bring in those fresh finishing touches. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the hot casserole for a burst of herbal brightness. Add creamy slices of avocado and a drizzle of chipotle mayo if you want a smoky, spicy creaminess that balances the dish perfectly. Serve it immediately for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes can make all the difference and bring your Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe to life. Fresh cilantro adds a lively herbal note, while creamy avocado slices bring luscious richness. A dollop of chipotle mayo introduces a smoky, spicy contrast that elevates each mouthful. If you want to brighten up even more, some fresh diced tomatoes throw in a juicy pop of acidity.

Side Dishes

This casserole makes for a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with simple sides like a crisp green salad, corn on the cob, or tortilla chips for scooping creates a well-rounded southwestern-inspired feast. A side of fresh lime wedges can also brighten the experience and amp up the zesty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re taking the Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe to a potluck or dinner party, consider serving it in individual ramekins or layered in clear glass dishes so guests can admire the colorful strata. Topping the casserole with a handful of crushed tortilla chips just before serving adds a satisfying crunch and a fun twist on texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making your next meal just as tasty as the first.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save extras, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, so it warms evenly without drying out.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated gently in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating helps keep the rice moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice, but since it cooks faster, you’ll want to reduce the baking time to prevent it from turning mushy. Keep an eye on the casserole after 40-45 minutes and check for doneness.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! This Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe is completely vegan, especially with the optional chipotle mayo replaced by a vegan version or omitted. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without any animal products.

Can I add meat or cheese to this casserole?

Definitely, though the recipe shines as a plant-based dish. You can stir in cooked ground beef or shredded chicken before baking or sprinkle cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty finish.

What can I substitute if I don’t have nutritional yeast?

If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can skip it or replace it with a small amount of grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to keep that savory depth and smokiness.

How spicy is this casserole?

The spiciness mainly comes from the salsa and optional chipotle mayo, which you can adjust according to your heat preference. Using mild salsa will keep it gentle, while a spicier salsa or extra chipotle mayo will ramp up the heat quite nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Southwestern Black Bean Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for bringing bold southwestern flavors into a cozy, easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, it’s bound to impress with its colorful presentation and satisfying textures. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!