Sweet Potato Brown Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet Potato Brown Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any meal. Packed with nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes, mushrooms, spinach, and three kinds of cheese, it offers rich flavors and satisfying texture in every bite.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 10 oz frozen spinach
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Step 2: Dice the sweet potato and toss it with 1/8 cup olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
3. Step 3: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Roast the sweet potatoes for 15 minutes, then stir them.
5. Step 5: Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Step 6: Cook the brown rice according to the package instructions. Using a rice cooker is convenient for this step.
7. Step 7: In a skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the mushrooms and minced garlic.
8. Step 8: Cook the mushrooms and garlic for about 10 minutes, until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to reduce.
9. Step 9: Add the frozen spinach to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook until the spinach thaws and breaks apart.
10. Step 10: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mushroom and spinach mixture, cooked brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, Greek yogurt, parsley, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
11. Step 11: Season with salt to taste; about 1 teaspoon is recommended.
12. Step 12: Transfer the mixture to a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish.
13. Step 13: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
14. Step 14: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the sweet potatoes before roasting.
• You can substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if desired.
• Use low-fat cheeses to reduce calories without compromising creaminess.
• Leftover casserole can be turned into delicious burrito fillings or stuffed peppers.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water if the dish seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by replacing the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative and using vegan cheese substitutes or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Sweet Potato Brown Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 99 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Sweet Potato Brown Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and garlic, spinach, and three types of cheese with cooked brown rice. Topped with melted mozzarella, it’s perfect as a nutritious vegetarian main or side dish, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Herbs

• 1 large sweet potato (diced)
• 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
• 8 cloves garlic (minced)
• 10 oz frozen spinach
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Grains & Dairy

• 5 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Oils & Seasonings

• 1/8 cup olive oil (for roasting sweet potatoes)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for sautéing mushrooms and garlic)
• Salt and pepper (about 1 teaspoon salt plus to taste, 1/4 teaspoon pepper)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes.
2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Dice the sweet potato into bite-sized pieces and toss them with 1/8 cup olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder to evenly coat.
3. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the diced sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 425°F for 15 minutes, then stir to promote even cooking.
4. Finish Roasting: Continue roasting the sweet potatoes for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until they are fork-tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Cook Brown Rice: While the sweet potatoes roast, cook 5 cups of brown rice following the package instructions. Using a rice cooker can simplify this step.
6. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic and cook for about 10 minutes, until mushrooms release their liquid and begin to reduce in size.
7. Add Spinach: Add the frozen spinach to the skillet with mushrooms, cover with a lid, and cook until the spinach is thawed and broken apart, mixing well.
8. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed mushroom and spinach mixture, Greek yogurt, chopped parsley, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon added).
9. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a 13×9 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
10. Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
11. Bake: Bake the casserole in a 400°F (205°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown.

Notes

• Use cooked brown rice prepared ahead of time or store-bought to save time.
• Ensure sweet potatoes are cut into similar sizes to achieve even roasting.
• You can substitute frozen spinach with fresh spinach; adjust cooking time accordingly to wilt it properly.
• For a creamier texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of nonfat.
• Adjust salt and seasoning according to your taste preference and dietary needs.
• This casserole can be prepared in advance and reheated; cover with foil during reheating to avoid drying.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, brown rice casserole, vegetarian casserole, cheesy casserole, healthy casserole, comfort food, roasted sweet potatoes, spinach casserole