Italian Rice
A hearty Italian-inspired rice casserole featuring seasoned ground meat, melted cheddar, and flavorful tomatoes, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground chuck or turkey
- 1 cup golden mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic juice ⓘ
- 1 cup Ro-Tel with chilies
- 3 cups cooked long grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef or turkey with chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, salt, chili powder, pepper, and garlic juice.
- Add the golden mushroom soup, Ro-Tel with chilies, and cooked rice to the meat mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, accompanied by green salad and hot bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey instead of ground chuck for a leaner option. You can also substitute the golden mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if desired. If you like it spicier, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder. To save on prep time, use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen bell peppers. This dish is versatile and works well with various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Rice hot, ideally paired with a fresh green salad and Garlic Knots for a complete meal. It also goes well with Italian dressing for turkey drizzled over the salad. For a heartier option, serve it alongside hot bread or a side of roasted vegetables. This dish is satisfying enough to be a main course on its own.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave, covered, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot throughout. Alternatively, you can reheat it in an oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Rice contains roughly 90 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1209mg per serving (53% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling it in the baking dish and covering it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Can I freeze Italian Rice?
Absolutely! After baking, let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. This makes for a quick meal on busy days.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're not a fan of Cheddar cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses can also work well, adding a rich flavor to the dish while keeping it creamy and delicious.
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).