Holiday Leftovers Casserole
A hearty casserole combining leftover rice, beans, and vegetables with bacon and onion for a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen broccoli, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 4 slices bacon, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup long grain rice ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/3 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) pinto or kidney beans or black-eyed peas, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Pan-fry bacon and onion in a heavy saucepan until the onion is tender but not brown.
- Stir in rice, water, salt, and hot pepper sauce.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes or until the rice is done.
- Stir in beans or peas; cover and heat thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or using half-and-half in place of some milk. If you don't have bacon, diced ham or turkey can be a great substitute, especially if you have leftover holiday meats. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a festive touch, serve with cranberry sauce or a side of roasted vegetables. It's perfect for a cozy dinner or as a satisfying lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Leftovers Casserole contains roughly 495 calories, with 14g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 different types of beans in this casserole?
Absolutely! While pinto, kidney beans, or black-eyed peas are great choices, feel free to use any canned beans you have on hand, such as chickpeas or black beans. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well before adding to the dish.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the rice. You can also enhance the flavor with additional herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to give it a savory depth.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. Enjoy this hearty dish later!
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).