Sweet Potato Brown Rice Casserole Recipe
This Sweet Potato Brown Rice Casserole is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines roasted sweet potatoes, tender brown rice, sautéed mushrooms and spinach, creamy Greek yogurt, and a blend of cheeses. Perfectly baked to a golden bubbly finish, this casserole is ideal as a comforting vegetarian main or side dish packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 10 oz frozen spinach
Dairy
- 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Grains
Oils and Seasonings
- Olive oil (1/8 cup for sweet potatoes, 1 teaspoon for sautéing mushrooms)
- Salt (about 1 1/4 teaspoons total, divided)
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon for sweet potatoes)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Dice the sweet potato and toss it with 1/8 cup olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder to season evenly.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, then stir to turn them for even cooking. Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Cook Brown Rice: Prepare 5 cups of cooked brown rice according to package instructions. Using a rice cooker is convenient and effective for this step.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and sauté the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid and begin to shrink.
- Add and Cook Spinach: Add the frozen spinach to the skillet, cover with a lid, and allow the spinach to thaw and break apart, effectively mixing with the mushroom and garlic mixture.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked mushroom-spinach mixture, roasted sweet potatoes, cooked brown rice, 1 cup Greek yogurt, chopped parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to blend all ingredients. Season with additional salt to taste, approximately 1 teaspoon.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven preheated to 400°F (205°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and just beginning to brown.
Notes
- You can prepare the brown rice ahead of time to save on total prep time.
- If you prefer, substitute the brown rice with quinoa or another whole grain for a different texture.
- The Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein while keeping the dish lighter than traditional cream-based casseroles.
- Ensure the sweet potatoes are cut into uniform pieces to roast evenly.
- If you like a stronger cheesy flavor, feel free to increase the Parmesan or cheddar slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Sweet Potato Casserole, Brown Rice Casserole, Vegetarian Casserole, Healthy Casserole, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Greek Yogurt Recipe