This Cheesy Rice and Vegetable Casserole is a hearty, nutritious, and delicious dish that’s packed with broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a vegetarian main course or a comforting side dish, it’s easy to prepare and makes for a great make-ahead meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) rice
- Salt, to taste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Vegetable oil, for sautéing and greasing
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 450g (about 3 cups) broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- 200g (3.5 ounces) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 large eggs
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
- Add the rice and cook according to package instructions or until tender.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the chopped bell pepper and grated carrot and cook for a few minutes until slightly tender.
Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli
- Bring a separate pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets.
- Cook for about 3 minutes, then drain and immediately place the broccoli in ice water to stop cooking.
- Drain again and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Seasonings
- Add the minced garlic to the sautéed vegetables and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and blanched broccoli.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and mix well.
Step 6: Prepare the Eggs
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the eggs over the rice and vegetable mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil and pour the rice and vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Slice and enjoy warm!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Top with additional shredded cheese and bake for 5 extra minutes for extra cheesiness.
- Enjoy with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
Cooking Tips
- Use leftover rice to make this recipe even faster.
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken, tofu, or beans to the mixture.
Nutritional Benefits
- Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Carrots provide beta-carotene and essential nutrients.
- Eggs add high-quality protein.
- Mozzarella cheese provides calcium and adds a creamy texture.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free rice)
- Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (360°F) for 10 minutes or microwave until warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prep!
- Packed with vegetables and high in protein.
- Great way to use up leftover rice.
- A comforting, cheesy dish the whole family will enjoy!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Rice and Vegetable Casserole is a healthy, satisfying, and versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavorful vegetables and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, meal prep recipe, or a potluck dish, this casserole is guaranteed to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes! Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and replace eggs with flax eggs.
- How do I make this spicier? Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes! Just thaw and drain excess water before using.
- What other cheeses can I use? Try cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
- Can I add protein to this dish? Yes! Add shredded chicken, beans, or tofu.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- How do I keep my casserole from drying out? Don’t overbake and cover with foil if needed.
- Can I turn this into a one-pot meal? Yes! Cook everything in an oven-safe skillet, add eggs, and bake.
- What’s the best way to serve leftovers? Reheat in the oven or microwave and serve with a fresh salad.