Rice Pilau Casserole
A hearty rice casserole featuring tender chicken livers, mushrooms, and a savory mushroom soup base, topped with nuts for added crunch—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 teaspoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 pound chicken livers ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely cut parsley ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons white wine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachio or pignoli nuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (moderate). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook rice until tender according to package directions, then drain all water.
- Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat.
- Saute chicken livers for 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Add sliced mushrooms with their liquid, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, pepper, parsley, and white wine to the skillet.
- Cook until hot and smooth, stirring occasionally.
- Mix the mushroom and liver mixture with the cooked rice.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with chopped pistachio or pignoli nuts.
- Bake for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and add garlic while sautéing the chicken livers. If you're looking for a lighter dish, consider using turkey livers instead. You can also swap the condensed cream of mushroom soup with homemade Cream Of Asparagus Soup, which adds a fresh twist. Always rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
Serving Suggestions
This Rice Pilau Casserole pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting dinner, serve it alongside Herbed Oven-Fried Chicken. This dish also works as a hearty side for grilled meats or can be enjoyed alone as a filling vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, checking for warmth to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Pilau Casserole contains roughly 255 calories, with 10g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use brown rice, but be aware it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time according to the package instructions. Brown rice offers more fiber and a nuttier flavor, making it a healthier alternative.
What can I substitute for chicken livers?
If chicken livers aren't your preference, you can substitute them with ground chicken or turkey for a milder flavor or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. These alternatives will change the texture but still provide a delicious casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, adjusting the time as needed.
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).