Baked Rice Casserole
A hearty baked rice casserole featuring savory ground beef, melted Cheddar, and flavorful tomatoes, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine rice, water, tomatoes, pepper, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook until rice is soft, about 20 minutes.
- Add oleo to the cooked rice; set aside.
- Fry ground beef and chopped onions in a small amount of oil until browned.
- Drain the beef and onions on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine mushroom soup, grated Cheddar cheese, and milk. Cook until the cheese melts.
- Add chopped Spanish olives to the cheese mixture.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer the cooked rice mixture, beef, and cheese sauce.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or cook in a crock-pot on high for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use brown rice instead of white for added nutrition, but adjust the cooking time. If you're short on time, precooked rice can be used. Enhance the flavor by adding garlic or herbs like oregano to the rice mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a twist, try it alongside 'Cubed Steaks With Peppers' for a hearty family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Rice Casserole contains roughly 678 calories, with 20g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1817mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the mushroom soup?
If you don’t have mushroom soup, you can use a homemade white sauce or a cream of chicken soup as a substitute. Alternatively, a mix of cream cheese and chicken broth can create a similar creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to make it gluten-free, ensure the mushroom soup is gluten-free or use a homemade alternative. Also, use gluten-free rice, which is typically safe. Double-check any other packaged ingredients for gluten content.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).