Mildred'S California Casserole
Mildred's California Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked rice dish with green chilies and cottage cheese, offering a mild, flavorful profile. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines creamy textures with a gentle spice, making it appealing to all ages and preferences.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions in oleo until golden.
- Cook fresh rice and add while hot to the onion mixture.
- Add sour cream, cottage cheese, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Layer half of the rice mixture, half the drained green chilies, and half the grated cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining rice mixture, chilies, and cheese.
- Bake at 375°F uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle the top with parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers to the onion mixture. You can substitute the green chilies with diced jalapeños for some heat or use a different type of cheese like Monterey Jack if you prefer. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be used instead of cooking it from scratch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mildred's California Casserole with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Cheddar Dip for a fun appetizer before the main dish. Consider sprinkling fresh herbs like cilantro on top for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mildred's California Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mildred'S California Casserole contains roughly 362 calories, with 12g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (111% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1135mg per serving (49% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure the cheese you use is vegetarian-approved, and you can easily add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, Mildred's California Casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
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).