Chevron Rice Bake
A hearty baked rice casserole layered with luncheon meat, peas, peaches, and aromatic spices, perfect for satisfying family dinners or festive gatherings with sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 24 slices luncheon meat (12 oz. cans) ⓘ
- Cubed luncheon meat (12 oz. cans) ⓘ
- 8 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen peas, thawed or 1 lb. canned peas, drained ⓘ
- 4 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 21 oz. condensed cream of chicken soup (2 cans) ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup snipped parsley
- 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup) ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons curry powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- Peach halves or slices (1 lb. 13 oz. cans, 3 cans or 2 cans) ⓘ
Instructions
- Reserve the sliced luncheon meat for topping.
- Combine cubed luncheon meat, cooked rice, peas, eggs, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, parsley, chopped onion, curry powder, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Spread the mixture evenly in two 13 x 9 x 2-inch metal baking pans.
- Drain the peaches; stud the peaches with a few whole cloves.
- Arrange the peaches and sliced luncheon meat atop the rice mixture in the pans.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 1 hour or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using turkey or chicken luncheon meat instead of traditional ham for a lighter version. You can also substitute the curry powder with a blend of cumin and turmeric for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the meat with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, making it a great addition to vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Chevron Rice Bake pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as a refreshing Hidden Pear Salad, to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or garlic bread, and consider offering a light dessert, like Banana Pudding Cream Filling, to finish off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the rice bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave portions on medium power, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chevron Rice Bake contains roughly 242 calories, with 8g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 19g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 rice bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice bake in advance and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be used for a healthier option, though it may require a longer cooking time initially. Ensure the brown rice is fully cooked before mixing it with other ingredients, as it has a firmer texture compared to white rice.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth. Alternatively, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can work as substitutes, especially for those looking for vegetarian recipes.
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).