Rainbow Casserole
A colorful, hearty casserole featuring rice, vegetables, bacon, and savory tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts seeking a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the corn and layer it over the rice in a casserole dish.
- Chop the onion and bell pepper together and create a layer over the corn and rice.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper, then pour the other can of tomato sauce over the vegetables.
- Cut bacon strips into fourths and layer them on top.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, use instant rice instead of regular rice, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Feel free to substitute the hamburger meat with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the casserole. If you prefer more spice, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rainbow Casserole with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with E-Z Bake Beans for a hearty dinner. For a more colorful presentation, consider topping it with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Rainbow Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rainbow Casserole contains roughly 461 calories, with 15g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1614mg per serving (70% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you're looking for a healthier or vegetarian option, you can replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely. Using a dash of liquid smoke can help to impart a similar flavor without the meat.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the canned tomato sauce and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Always check the labels to avoid any hidden gluten sources.
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).