Oven Dinner Rice
A simple oven-baked rice dish with buttery flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or as a side. Easily customizable with added vegetables or proteins.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- In the casserole, combine rice, margarine, salt, and boiling water.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes or until rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff rice with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the margarine with butter or olive oil. If you prefer a vegan option, stick with margarine or use coconut oil. You can also add herbs like thyme or bay leaves to enhance the dish. Make sure to use boiling water to ensure the rice cooks evenly in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
This oven dinner rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside *Marinated Carrots Or Copper Pennies for a refreshing crunch. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Dinner Rice contains roughly 274 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1797mg per serving (78% 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, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. You will need to adjust the water amount and baking time accordingly, typically increasing both to ensure the rice cooks through properly.
What can I add to this rice dish for more flavor?
You can incorporate sautéed onions, garlic, or bell peppers into the mix before baking. Additionally, adding vegetable or chicken broth instead of water will impart even more depth of flavor to the rice.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Just be sure to adjust the water and cooking time based on your slow cooker.
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).