Vegetable Rice Casserole Recipe π₯¦π
Overview:
This Vegetable Rice Casserole is a delightful combination of hearty wild rice, flavorful vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to perfection in a comforting casserole dish. It’s a quick and easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Olive oil
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Grated mozzarella cheese
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 13.7
- Fat Content: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 224.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 3.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.6g
- Sugar Content: 1.8g
- Protein Content: 0.6g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your casserole. |
| 2 | Saute Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, onions, carrots, and zucchini, and sautΓ© them until they are tender and fragrant. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. |
| 3 | Add Tomato Sauce: Once the vegetables are soft, stir in the tomato sauce, allowing it to simmer with the vegetables for a few minutes to combine the flavors. |
| 4 | Prepare Rice: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the wild rice according to the package instructions. You’ll typically need to cook it in boiling water for around 30-40 minutes until it’s tender. Drain any excess water once the rice is cooked. |
| 5 | Combine Rice and Vegetables: Add the cooked wild rice to the skillet with the sautΓ©ed vegetables and tomato sauce. Stir everything together until well combined, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. |
| 6 | Transfer to Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the rice and vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. |
| 7 | Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top of the rice and vegetable mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully and add a deliciously gooey texture to the casserole. |
| 8 | Bake Until Bubbly: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the casserole are golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning. |
| 9 | Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious Vegetable Rice Casserole! |
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. It’s a versatile dish that can easily adapt to your tastes.
- For added protein, you can stir in some cooked chicken, tofu, or beans along with the vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Conclusion:
This Vegetable Rice Casserole is sure to become a new family favorite with its comforting flavors and easy preparation. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, it’s bound to impress! Give it a try for your next dinner gathering or weeknight meal, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of this delicious casserole.
