Leftover Meat And Rice Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining leftover cooked meat with rice and tomatoes, seasoned with simple spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal, it offers a satisfying blend of savory flavors with a golden-brown rice crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sliced onion in hot shortening in a skillet.
- Add the diced cooked meat and uncooked rice to the skillet and cook until the rice is golden brown.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, water, salt, and pepper, then pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve the casserole hot from the dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding garlic or bell peppers when browning the onions. You can substitute the diced cooked meat with leftover chicken, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a can of cream of mushroom soup to the mixture before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting dessert, consider making Banana-Raisin Cookies (Low-Fat; No Sugar Except From Fruit) to finish off your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leftover Meat And Rice Casserole contains roughly 1191 calories, with 21g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 837mg per serving (36% 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?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the baking time to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender.
What types of meat work best in this casserole?
Leftover meats like chicken, beef, or pork are ideal for this casserole. You can also use a combination of meats for added flavor. Just ensure the meat is already cooked before adding it to the dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
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).