Veggie Rice Casserole
A hearty veggie rice casserole combining cheesy, creamy flavors with mixed vegetables and rice, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed vegetables, cheese soup, chopped onion, cooked rice, milk, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, sauté the chopped onion in a little olive oil before mixing it into the casserole. You can swap the mixed vegetables for any frozen or leftover vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli or bell peppers. For a creamier texture, consider using a full can of milk instead of half. If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite herbs.
Serving Suggestions
This Veggie Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with Swiss Green Beans for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread to round out the dinner. It's also great as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile option for any meal. For a heartier version, serve it with a dollop of sour cream on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Veggie Rice Casserole contains roughly 534 calories, with 10g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1928mg per serving (84% 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, you can definitely use brown rice in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may require a longer cooking time due to its density. Make sure the brown rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure even cooking in the casserole.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegan?
You can easily make this Veggie Rice Casserole vegan by substituting the cheese soup with a vegan alternative and using plant-based milk. For the cheese, try a vegan shredded cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Veggie Rice Casserole, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the vegetable mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking to give it an extra kick.
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).