Baked Rice Casserole

This Baked Rice Casserole is a comforting vegetarian dish that combines fluffy rice with a medley of colorful vegetables and a creamy sauce, topped with a golden, crunchy layer. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• Long-grain white rice - 1 cup
• Vegetable broth - 2 cups
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Onion - 1 small, chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Frozen peas - 1/2 cup
• Cream cheese - 100 grams, softened
• Shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a medium pot, combine the rice and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and frozen peas to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from vegetables, promoting digestive health.
• Provides a good source of protein from cheese and rice.

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