This oven-baked vegetable rice casserole is a simple and satisfying dish that combines rice with a variety of vegetables and seasonings. It’s perfect for a family meal or as a side dish for gatherings.
The recipe is easy to follow and allows for customization with your favorite vegetables or proteins. It can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
Warm and Inviting Casserole
The baked vegetable rice casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its golden, bubbling surface and lightly browned cheese, it instantly catches the eye. The vibrant colors of bell peppers and peas peek through the fluffy rice, creating an inviting presentation that is hard to resist.
Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole not only looks appealing but also offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The melted cheese on top adds a creamy richness, while the vegetables contribute freshness and a burst of color.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing this casserole is straightforward and can be done in just about an hour. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sautéing the vegetables is the first step, which enhances their flavors and ensures they are tender when baked.
Once the vegetables are ready, combine them with rinsed rice and broth in a large mixing bowl. This mixture is then transferred to a greased baking dish, where it will bake to perfection. Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps to steam the rice, ensuring it cooks evenly.
Customizable Ingredients
This casserole is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences. While the recipe calls for bell peppers and peas, feel free to substitute or add other vegetables you enjoy, such as zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
For those who prefer a heartier dish, consider incorporating proteins like cooked chicken or beans. The flavor profile can also be adjusted with different seasonings, making it easy to tailor the dish to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to portion out. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the overall presentation.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or crusty bread, making it a complete meal. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it is sure to please a crowd.
Nutritional Benefits
This baked vegetable rice casserole is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
With approximately 250 calories per serving, it fits well into a balanced diet. The inclusion of vegetables contributes essential vitamins and minerals, while the rice serves as a good source of energy.
Final Thoughts
The baked vegetable rice casserole is a delightful dish that combines ease of preparation with satisfying flavors. Its warm, inviting nature makes it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck gathering.
With its customizable ingredients and nutritional benefits, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the joy of sharing this dish with loved ones!
Easy Baked Rice Recipe
This baked rice casserole features fluffy rice mixed with bell peppers, onions, and peas, all baked in a savory broth. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed rice, sautéed vegetables, frozen peas, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the rice mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g