Favorite Casserole(Goes With Any Entree)
A hearty casserole combining rice, lentils, and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection with aromatic basil and wine, ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine chicken broth, rice, lentils, chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, white wine, and basil in a baking dish.
- Cover and bake for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the mix. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute. You can also swap the Parmesan cheese for another hard cheese, such as Pecorino Romano. Be sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before adding them to ensure they cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with chicken recipes like Saucy Tarragon Chicken or a fresh green salad. You can serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a special touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, then cover and microwave until heated through, or reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Casserole(Goes With Any Entree) contains roughly 708 calories, with 40g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), iron (83% of the Daily Value), and protein (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1480mg per serving (64% 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 a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it when you're ready to serve. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
What can I substitute for lentils?
If you don't have lentils on hand, you can use cooked beans, such as black beans or chickpeas. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as beans are already cooked. Alternatively, quinoa could be a great gluten-free option to consider.
Is this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, this casserole is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. However, to ensure it's completely vegetarian, check that the chicken broth is vegetable-based or use homemade vegetable broth. It's a nutritious and filling option for meatless meals.
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).