Green Rice And Meat
A hearty and creamy casserole combining seasoned ground meat, tender vegetables, rice, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet.
- Add chopped celery, onion, bell pepper, and seasonings; sauté until tender.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, cooked broccoli, cooked rice, and Cheez Whiz.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes at 300°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version or use a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian twist. Adding spices like garlic powder or paprika can elevate the flavor, and you can mix in some corn or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Green Rice and Meat casserole with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Debra'S Blueberry Salad for a sweet touch. For a complete meal, consider adding some garlic bread or a simple vegetable side. This dish also makes for great potluck contributions or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Rice And Meat contains roughly 842 calories, with 68g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (135% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), and iron (110% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2195mg per serving (95% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it may require additional cooking time. Make sure the brown rice is cooked and tender before adding it to the casserole, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground meat with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils. Also, use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup or make your own. This makes it a great option for those looking for vegetarian recipes.
What can I do if I don’t have Cheez Whiz?
If you don't have Cheez Whiz, you can substitute it with shredded cheese like cheddar or a cheese sauce. Another option is to blend cream cheese with a bit of milk and seasonings to create a creamy cheese sauce that works well in this recipe.
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).