Cheesy Vegetable Rice Casserole

🍳 Ingredients

Casserole:

• 2 cups white rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Crispy Topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. 1
   Cook rice in vegetable broth according to package directions. Set aside.
2. 2
   Preheat oven to 350°F. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in a little oil for 3–4 minutes. Add bell peppers and mixed vegetables and cook for 3–4 more minutes.
3. 3
   In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, cheddar, Parmesan, sour cream, mayonnaise, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. 4
   Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
5. 5
   Mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
6. 6
   Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15–20 more minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot!

🌿 Health Benefits

This casserole provides fiber and vitamins from the mixed vegetables, complex carbohydrates from rice for sustained energy, and calcium from cheese for bone health. Using low-sodium broth and reducing the cheese makes it a lighter option. It’s a great way to get a variety of vegetables in one satisfying dish.

📚 History

The word “casserole” comes from the French word for the deep dish used to cook and serve the meal. Casseroles became especially popular in mid-20th century America as convenient, one-dish meals that could feed a family. Cheesy rice casseroles became a staple of potlucks, church suppers, and family dinners across the country, celebrated for their comforting, crowd-pleasing flavors.

❓ Quiz