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Rice Casserole Recipes - Simple, Cozy, and Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • 1 cup cooked protein (shredded chicken, ground turkey, crumbled tofu, or chickpeas)
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped vegetables (broccoli florets, peas, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)
  • 1 can (10–12 oz) condensed cream soup (cream of mushroom or chicken) or 1 1/4 cups homemade white sauce
  • 1/2 cup milk or broth (to loosen the sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup crunchy topping (buttered breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onions)
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium casserole dish (about 2 to 2.5 quarts) with butter or a light coat of oil.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Warm oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more, just until fragrant.
  3. Soften the veggies: Add chopped vegetables to the skillet with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring, until slightly tender. They’ll finish in the oven, so don’t overdo it.
  4. Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk the condensed soup (or homemade white sauce) with milk or broth. Season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Fold in half the shredded cheese.
  5. Combine the base: Add cooked rice, protein, and the sautéed vegetables to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is coated and evenly mixed.
  6. Assemble: Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Smooth the top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  7. Add crunch: Toss breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with a teaspoon of melted butter or oil. Scatter evenly over the cheese layer.
  8. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
  9. Rest and garnish: Let it sit 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions if you like.