Tomato Cheese Rice
A comforting and flavorful rice dish featuring tangy stewed tomatoes, melted cheese, and buttery aroma, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine stewed tomatoes, butter, and water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the rice.
- Cover the saucepan.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream after cooking. If you're out of Parmesan, try substituting it with shredded mozzarella or feta for a different flavor profile. To enhance the taste, consider adding a pinch of Italian herbs or garlic powder to the mixture before boiling.
Serving Suggestions
This Tomato Cheese Rice makes a delightful side dish to grilled chicken or fish. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or pair with a vegetable stir-fry. You can also incorporate it into stuffed peppers for a hearty main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also add a splash of water to loosen the rice if it becomes too dry during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Cheese Rice contains roughly 508 calories, with 13g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 948mg per serving (41% 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 Minute rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and water amount. Brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so follow package instructions for best results.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it plant-based.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them briefly before adding the tomatoes and water to ensure they cook evenly.
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).