Green Ricegroves, Texas
Green Ricegroves is a comforting casserole combining tender broccoli with flavorful seasoned rice, baked to perfection—ideal for family dinners or a nutritious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli according to package directions.
- Drain broccoli and set aside.
- Combine remaining ingredients—oleo, cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, onion flakes or chopped onion, and lemon juice—and blend thoroughly.
- Add cooked broccoli to the mixture.
- Mix in hot cooked rice.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 1-quart casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh broccoli instead of frozen, and sauté it briefly before adding. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute oleo with a plant-based butter. You can also use brown rice for a healthier twist. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt along with the cream of chicken soup.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple Cold Green Salad Soup for a refreshing contrast. It also complements grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a hearty bread. Consider topping with grated cheese before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Ricegroves, Texas contains roughly 87 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1978mg per serving (86% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used in place of frozen. Just ensure you cook it until tender before adding it to the mixture. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly, as fresh broccoli may require a bit more time to cook through.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce. Additionally, ensure that the oleo is plant-based to keep it vegetarian-friendly. This will maintain the creamy texture while aligning with vegetarian dietary preferences.
Can I freeze the green rice dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, or microwave until heated through.
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).